Imagine a salad so delectable that it transforms your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. Our Homemade Caesar Salad with Garlic Bread Croutons isn't just another side dish—it's a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Forget bland, boring salads; this recipe combines crisp romaine lettuce, perfectly seasoned homemade croutons, and a rich Caesar dressing that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the romaine lettuce under cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and olive oil. Mix well to create a garlic-infused oil. This will be used to flavor the croutons.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, take your croutons and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil over the croutons, ensuring they are evenly coated. Toss them gently with your hands or a spatula to distribute the oil and garlic evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the croutons in the oven. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the croutons are baking, prepare the salad dressing. In a small bowl, measure out 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing. If you prefer a creamier salad, you can add a bit more dressing to taste.
- Once the croutons are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- In the large salad bowl with the chopped romaine lettuce, add the grated Parmesan cheese and the baked croutons. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the top.
- Using tongs or salad servers, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Finally, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and enjoy your homemade Caesar salad with garlic bread croutons!
Tips
- Always use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce and thoroughly dry it to ensure the dressing clings perfectly.
- For extra flavor, toast your croutons slowly and watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense, authentic flavor.
- If possible, make your garlic-infused oil ahead of time to let the flavors develop.
- Serve the salad immediately after tossing to maintain the crispness of the croutons.
- For a restaurant-quality presentation, chill your salad bowl beforehand to keep everything cool and crisp.
- Don't overdress the salad—start with less dressing and add more if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
