Spanish Caesar Salad

Ingredients

While the original Caesar Salad is known for its creamy dressing and croutons, the Spanish adaptation introduces some unique elements. The dressing is infused with flavors of garlic, paprika, and sherry vinegar, giving it a Spanish flair. Additionally, the salad is garnished with marinated olives and roasted red peppers, adding a burst of Mediterranean taste. 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 cup (240ml) Spanish olive oil 1 cup (240ml) Spanish olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (150g) croutons 1 cup (150g) croutons
• 1/2 cup (75g) grated Manchego cheese 1/2 cup (75g) grated Manchego cheese
• 1/4 cup (40g) marinated olives 1/4 cup (40g) marinated olives
• 1/4 cup (40g) roasted red peppers, sliced 1/4 cup (40g) roasted red peppers, sliced

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small skillet, heat 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. 2.
   In a large salad bowl, whisk together the sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, and the remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. 3.
   Add the torn romaine lettuce to the bowl and toss until well coated with the dressing.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the croutons, grated Manchego cheese, marinated olives, and roasted red peppers over the salad.
5. 5.
   Drizzle the garlic and paprika-infused olive oil over the top.
6. 6.
   Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients.
7. 7.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Romaine lettuce — Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the lettuce leaves before tearing them into bite-sized pieces to remove any dirt or grit.
• Manchego cheese — For the best flavor, use a high-quality aged Manchego cheese and grate it just before adding it to the salad to preserve its freshness.
• Marinated olives — If using jarred olives, drain them well before adding them to the salad to prevent excess liquid from diluting the dressing.
• Roasted red peppers — You can either roast your own red peppers or use store-bought roasted red peppers. If roasting your own, char the peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is blackened, then let them cool before peeling and slicing.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra Spanish touch, add some thinly sliced Serrano ham or chorizo to the salad.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of mayonnaise to the dressing mixture.
• To make the croutons more flavorful, toss them in a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika before toasting them in the oven.
• If you can't find Manchego cheese, you can substitute it with another hard cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
• To make the salad more substantial, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp on top.

Serving advice

Serve the Spanish Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light main course. Accompany it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the romaine lettuce, olives, and roasted red peppers to shine through. Sprinkle some extra grated Manchego cheese on top for an added visual appeal.