Are you ready to transform a simple salad into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece? The Classic Caesar Salad isn't just a side dish—it's a legendary culinary creation that promises to elevate your dining experience with its crisp, creamy, and utterly irresistible flavors. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a salad enthusiast seeking the ultimate recipe, this timeless Italian-inspired dish will become your new go-to crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Croutons
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Caesar dressing
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: Romaine lettuce, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, and black pepper.
- Wash the Romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Once clean, shake off excess water and pat dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove moisture.
- Chop the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped lettuce into a large salad bowl.
- Add croutons to the bowl with the chopped Romaine lettuce. You can use store-bought croutons or make your own by toasting bread cubes in olive oil and seasoning them to your liking.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the salad. The amount can be adjusted based on personal preference.
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad. Start with a small amount, as you can always add more to taste. Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with black pepper to taste. Freshly cracked black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
- Serve the Classic Caesar Salad immediately in individual bowls or plates. Enjoy it as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish to complement your main course.
Tips
- Lettuce Matters: Always use fresh, crisp Romaine lettuce and wash it thoroughly. A salad spinner can help remove excess moisture for the perfect crunch.
- Crouton Perfection: While store-bought croutons work, homemade ones can take your salad to the next level. Toast bread cubes in olive oil with garlic and herbs for extra flavor.
- Cheese Strategy: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best taste and texture. Avoid pre-grated options for maximum flavor.
- Dressing Distribution: Toss the salad gently to ensure even dressing coverage. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to prevent soggy lettuce.
- Serve Immediately: Caesar salad is best enjoyed right after preparation to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and croutons.Pro tip: For an extra indulgent version, consider adding grilled chicken or crispy bacon to make it a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
