Imagine a salad so vibrant and refreshing that it transforms the classic Caesar into a mouthwatering masterpiece of summer flavors. Melissa Clark's Tomato Caesar Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary revelation that turns simple cherry tomatoes into the star of your dining experience. With just 15 minutes of preparation time, you'll create a dish that looks gourmet, tastes incredible, and will have your guests asking for seconds before they've finished their first bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with clean paper towels.
- Carefully slice each cherry tomato in half using a sharp knife, ensuring even and clean cuts.
- Place the halved tomatoes in a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful base for the salad.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes, gently tossing to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the tomatoes, using a spoon or spatula to coat them gently without crushing the delicate tomatoes.
- Break or cut the croutons into slightly smaller pieces if desired, to ensure a more even distribution throughout the salad.
- Add the croutons to the tomato mixture, gently folding them in to maintain the tomatoes' integrity.
- Using a vegetable peeler, shave the Parmesan cheese directly over the salad, creating delicate, thin curls.
- Give the salad a final gentle toss to combine all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of dressing, croutons, and cheese.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates, arranging the tomatoes and garnishes attractively.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures of the salad.
Tips
- Choose the ripest, most colorful cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- Use a sharp knife when halving tomatoes to ensure clean, even cuts that preserve their delicate structure.
- Salt the tomatoes slightly before adding dressing to help release their natural juices and enhance overall taste.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting your croutons lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Use a high-quality Parmesan and shave it fresh for the most authentic and rich flavor.
- Serve the salad immediately after preparing to maintain the crispness of the croutons and the freshness of the tomatoes.
- For a variation, try using different types of tomatoes or adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 119kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
