Ingredients:
For the Dressing:
2 large garlic cloves
1 anchovy fillet (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup mayonnaise (low-fat or regular)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 romaine lettuce hearts, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup homemade croutons (recipe below)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Homemade Croutons (Optional):
- 2 slices crusty bread (such as baguette or sourdough), cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make the Dressing:
- Using a mortar and pestle (or the back of a spoon in a bowl), mash the garlic cloves and anchovy fillet (or anchovy paste) into a smooth paste.
- Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and mayonnaise to the paste. Whisk everything together until well combined and creamy. Season with black pepper to taste.
- Make the Croutons (Optional):
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing.
- If using, add the croutons just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- Top the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- Garlic Lovers: Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. Start with 1 clove and add more for a stronger garlicky flavor.
- Anchovy Alternatives: If you don't like anchovies, you can omit them entirely. The Worcestershire sauce in some store-bought Caesar dressings is often used as a substitute, but the flavor won't be exactly the same.
- Salad Spinner Magic: Use a salad spinner to remove excess water from the romaine lettuce for a crispier salad.
- Leftover Dressing: Store leftover Caesar dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Shaved Parmesan: Using a vegetable peeler to shave the Parmesan cheese creates lighter and fluffier shavings for the salad.
Nutrition Tips:
- Healthy Fats: Use high-quality olive oil and opt for low-fat mayonnaise in the dressing to limit saturated fat.
- Protein Power: Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for a more protein-packed meal.
- Whole-Wheat Croutons: If making croutons, use whole-wheat bread for added fiber.
- Cheese Control: Parmesan cheese is delicious but high in fat and sodium. Use a moderate amount and consider using a lower-fat variety.
- Portion Awareness: Caesar salad can be rich, so be mindful of portion sizes, especially with the dressing and croutons.
Enjoy this homemade Caesar Salad, a delightful combination of fresh, crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory Parmesan cheese!
