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Crispy Classic Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Garlic Croutons and Parmesan

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A timeless Caesar salad featuring crisp romaine, homemade garlicky croutons, and a creamy Parmesan dressing. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for casual dinners or light lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped
  • 4 cups sturdy bread cubes (day-old sourdough or French bread)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Additional Parmesan shavings for garnish
  • Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish
  • Optional: anchovy fillets or paste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine olive oil and minced garlic. Toss bread cubes in the mixture until well coated. Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown. Let cool completely.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until smooth. Gradually whisk in olive oil to emulsify. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add water if dressing is too thick.
  3. Chop washed and dried romaine into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large salad bowl, toss romaine with about two-thirds of the dressing to coat evenly. Add garlic croutons and toss gently. Reserve some croutons and Parmesan shavings for garnish.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and optional anchovies.

Notes

Dry romaine thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Use sturdy bread like sourdough for croutons. Toast croutons until golden but not burnt. Whisk oil slowly into dressing for smooth emulsion. Dressing and croutons can be made ahead but keep separate from lettuce until serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, garlic croutons, Parmesan, easy salad, classic Caesar, homemade dressing, quick salad

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/crispy-classic-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-garlic-croutons-and-parmesan/