Recipe

Classic Caesar Salad

Salade César Magnifique

4.0 out of 5

In the realm of French cuisine, the Salade César Magnifique reigns supreme. This adaptation of the classic American Caesar Salad embraces the elegance and sophistication of French flavors. With its crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory croutons, this salad is a delightful addition to any French-inspired meal.

Salad› Caesar Salad

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine

European cuisine› Western European cuisine› French cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10-12 minutes

Total time

25-27 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free bread for croutons), Low-carb (if omitting croutons), Keto-friendly (if omitting croutons and adjusting dressing ingredients), Mediterranean diet-friendly

Allergens

Wheat (if using regular baguette), Dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Nut-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

While the original American Caesar Salad is known for its bold flavors and heavy dressing, the French adaptation takes a lighter approach. The dressing is made with a delicate balance of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil, giving it a tangy and refreshing taste. Additionally, the croutons are made with French baguette, adding a touch of rustic charm to the salad. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces (500g) 2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces (500g)
1 French baguette, cut into cubes (200g) 1 French baguette, cut into cubes (200g)
1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat: 20g (Total), 4g (Saturated)
Carbohydrates: 12g (Total), 2g (Sugars)
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.
In a large bowl, toss the baguette cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
3.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4.
Place the torn romaine lettuce in a salad bowl and drizzle the dressing over it. Toss gently to coat the lettuce evenly.
5.
Sprinkle the crispy garlic croutons over the salad.
6.
Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of the Salade César Magnifique.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Baguette — Use a day-old baguette for the best texture in the croutons.
Romaine lettuce — Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the lettuce leaves before tearing them.

Tips & Tricks

For a twist, add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.
To make the dressing creamier, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, rub the salad bowl with a cut garlic clove before adding the lettuce.
Experiment with different types of lettuce, such as butter lettuce or frisée, for a unique twist.
For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Salade César Magnifique as a refreshing starter before a French-inspired main course. It pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine or a light rosé.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on individual plates or a large platter, ensuring the romaine lettuce leaves are evenly coated with the dressing. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge for an elegant touch.