Side Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, homemade garlic croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing made from scratch. The perfect savory side to complement any main dish.
For 4 servings
Make the homemade croutons.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut 4 slices sourdough into 1-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
TIPFor extra flavor, rub a cut garlic clove over the bread before tossing with oil.Prepare the Caesar dressing.
Combine minced garlic and anchovy paste. Whisk egg yolks, Dijon, and lemon juice, then slowly emulsify with 0.25 cup olive oil. Stir in Parmesan, pepper, and water.
- Mince 1 garlic clove and mash with 1 tsp anchovy paste to form a paste.
- Whisk 2 large egg yolks, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 2 tbsp lemon juice in a bowl.
- Slowly drizzle in 0.25 cup olive oil, whisking constantly until emulsified and thick.
- Stir in 0.25 cup grated Parmesan, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 tbsp water until well combined.
TIPEnsure ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother, more stable emulsion.Toss and assemble the salad.
Chop 1 head romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine romaine with prepared Caesar dressing. Toss gently until coated, then add homemade croutons and toss again.
Serve immediately.
Divide the dressed Caesar salad among 4 individual serving bowls. Garnish each portion with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh grind of black pepper, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a high-quality block of Parmesan cheese and grate/shave it yourself.
- 2If you are concerned about using raw egg yolk, look for pasteurized eggs at your grocery store.
- 3Ensure your romaine lettuce is completely dry before tossing with the dressing; this helps the dressing cling to the leaves.
- 4You can make the dressing and croutons a day ahead. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge and the croutons at room temperature.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
To lower the calories, replace half the olive oil in the dressing with Greek yogurt and use whole-wheat bread for the croutons.
quickQuick
For a faster version, use a quality store-bought Caesar dressing and pre-made croutons.
high proteinHigh protein
Add grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or a hard-boiled egg to make this a more substantial salad.
dairy freeDairy free
Use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative and nutritional yeast in the dressing for a cheesy, umami flavor without the dairy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Vitamin K
Romaine lettuce is an excellent source of Vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.
Healthy Fats
The dressing uses olive oil, which provides monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.
Rich in Calcium
Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
This recipe contains approximately 382 calories per serving, primarily from the olive oil in the dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.