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Fresh Caesar Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Dressing and Crunchy Croutons

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A fresh Caesar salad with homemade creamy dressing and crunchy croutons that balances textures and flavors perfectly. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is a crowd-pleaser ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (reduce to ½ teaspoon if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough or French bread)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder (if using), and salt until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crunchy. Set aside to cool.
  2. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of water if dressing is too thick.
  3. Prepare the romaine: Wash and dry romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large salad bowl.
  4. Assemble the salad: Pour dressing over romaine and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf. Add croutons and grated Parmesan cheese, then toss lightly again.
  5. Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or extra black pepper. Serve immediately for best crunch and freshness.

Notes

Use pasteurized eggs or mayonnaise as a safer alternative to raw egg yolks. Add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy. Use day-old bread for best croutons. Adjust anchovy paste amount to taste or substitute with capers for vegetarian option. Dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, homemade dressing, croutons, fresh salad, easy recipe, quick salad, romaine lettuce, Parmesan, anchovy paste

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/fresh-caesar-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-dressing-and-crunchy-croutons/