Description
A classic Caesar salad recipe featuring crisp Romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from garlic, lemon juice, anchovy paste, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a refreshing starter or light meal for four servings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 2 heads of Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Caesar Dressing
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg yolk
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing base: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk together until the mixture is well blended and fragrant.
- Add egg yolk for creaminess: Add the large egg yolk to the mixture and continue whisking vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth, creamy, and emulsified, ensuring a rich texture.
- Season the dressing: Taste the dressing and season it with freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Mix well to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
- Toss the lettuce with dressing: In a separate large salad bowl, add the chopped Romaine lettuce. Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss gently but thoroughly until every leaf is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Finish with cheese and croutons: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons over the tossed salad. Give the salad a gentle toss one more time to combine all ingredients without wilting the lettuce, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh Romaine lettuce for crisp texture and optimal flavor.
- Consuming raw egg yolk carries a slight risk of salmonella; use pasteurized eggs if concerned.
- Adjust anchovy paste quantity to taste if you prefer a less intense seafood flavor.
- For extra crunch, add homemade or store-bought croutons just before serving.
- This dressing can double as a dip or marinade for other dishes.
