Soulful Caesar Salad

Ingredients

While the original Caesar Salad is known for its simplicity and lightness, the Soulful Caesar Salad adds a touch of Southern flair. We incorporate soul food staples like collard greens and cornbread croutons, giving this salad a heartier and more satisfying twist. The dressing is also enhanced with a hint of smokiness, taking the flavors to a whole new level. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces 1 head of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (235ml) collard greens, thinly sliced 1 cup (235ml) collard greens, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (235ml) cornbread croutons 1 cup (235ml) cornbread croutons
• 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) liquid smoke 1 teaspoon (5ml) liquid smoke
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce and sliced collard greens.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the lettuce and collard greens, and toss until well coated.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and gently toss again.
5. 5.
   Top the salad with cornbread croutons for a delightful crunch.
6. 6.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the soulful flavors of this Southern twist on Caesar Salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Collard greens — Make sure to remove the tough stems before slicing them thinly.
• Cornbread croutons — To make the croutons, cut cornbread into cubes and bake them in the oven until crispy.
• Liquid smoke — Use a small amount of liquid smoke to add a subtle smoky flavor to the dressing. Adjust the quantity according to your preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of sour cream to the mix.
• To make it a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar, for a unique twist.
• If you don't have cornbread, you can use crumbled corn muffins as a substitute for the croutons.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish alongside your favorite soul food main course. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the salad in a large, vibrant bowl to showcase the colorful combination of romaine lettuce, collard greens, and cornbread croutons. Drizzle a little extra dressing on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for an elegant touch.