It’s no surprise that the best Caesar salad recipe stays true to tradition. This means embracing anchovies, eggs, and high-quality Parmesan cheese. To balance out the tangy dressing, homemade garlic croutons are a must.
Nutrition Info Caesar Salad
| Level | Active | Yield | Total |
| Easy | 20 min | 4 servings | 45 min |
What is Caesar salad made of?
A classic Caesar salad is a simple yet satisfying dish featuring crisp romaine lettuce as its base. It is typically accompanied by crunchy croutons, a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. This dressing is traditionally made with a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and often, raw egg. For an elevated flavor profile, opt for freshly shaved Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
The Origins of the Caesar Salad
Contrary to popular belief, Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur, did not name the Caesar salad after a Roman emperor. Legend has it that the salad was born out of necessity during a busy dinner service when Cardini was low on ingredients.
Healthier Salad Alternatives
To maximize nutritional benefits, opt for salads built around dark, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, or arugula. These greens pack vitamins, minerals, and fiber, providing a robust foundation for a healthy meal.
Ingredients Caesar Salad Recipes :
Crouton
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil .
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter .
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed .
- Kosher salt .
- 3 cups rustic bread (about 3 ounces), torn into pieces .
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan .
- Freshly ground black pepper .
Salad
- 2 anchovies packed in oil .
- 1 clove garlic .
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature) .
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard .
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (room temperature) .
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil .
- 5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan .
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper .
- 2 romaine hearts, chopped .
The Best Caesar Salad Recipes Trail
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- For the croutons: Heat olive oil and butter in a saucepan, add garlic and salt. Let garlic infuse the oil mixture for 10 minutes. Toss bread with garlic mixture, bake until golden brown.
- For the salad: Soak anchovies in water, chop finely with garlic, mash into a paste. Whisk anchovy paste, egg yolk, mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil until emulsified. Stir in Parmesan, adjust consistency with water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss lettuce and croutons with dressing, top with Parmesan, and serve immediately.
The Nutritional Value of Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce, while popular, is notably low in nutritional value. Its high water content means it contains relatively few vitamins, minerals, and fiber compared to other lettuce varieties. For a more nutrient-dense salad base, consider alternatives like romaine, spinach, or mixed greens.
The Nutritional Value of Caesar Salad
While undeniably delicious, the traditional Caesar salad is often high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium due to the inclusion of rich ingredients like Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and sometimes, anchovies. However, you can achieve healthier versions by using reduced-fat cheese, a lighter dressing, and incorporating lean protein sources.
Cook’s Note Caesar Salad :
Dry salad greens thoroughly to ensure dressing coats evenly. Use a salad spinner and pat dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel.
