The Ultimate Caesar Salad: Creamy, Garlicky, and Irresistible

 

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!