Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad Recipe

Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, this is the base of your salad.

Croutons: Adds a crunchy texture to the salad.

Parmesan cheese: Provides a rich, nutty flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic element to the dressing.

Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a slight tang and depth.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the dressing.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, acidic note.

Olive oil: Used to create a smooth, creamy dressing.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and body to the dressing.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.

When making the dressing for a Caesar salad, it's crucial to emulsify the ingredients properly. Start by whisking together the garlic, dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This gradual incorporation ensures that the oil and mayonnaise blend smoothly, creating a creamy and cohesive dressing. If you add the oil too quickly, the dressing may separate and become oily rather than creamy.

• romaine lettuce - Substitute with kale: Kale provides a similar crunch and nutritional profile, making it a hearty alternative.

• croutons - Substitute with toasted nuts: Toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.

• parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor profile.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dressing well.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard provides a similar tangy flavor with added texture.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, especially for those avoiding anchovies.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and brightness to the dressing.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and similar health benefits.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture with added protein and less fat.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a more nuanced flavor and is often less processed.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To store leftover Caesar salad, place it in an airtight container. Ensure the romaine lettuce is as dry as possible to prevent wilting.
• Keep the dressing separate from the salad if you plan to store it for more than a few hours. This helps maintain the crispness of the lettuce and croutons.
• For the dressing, transfer it to a small, airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to one week. Before using, give it a good stir to re-emulsify the olive oil and mayonnaise.
• If you need to freeze the dressing, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and whisk it well before using.
• Avoid freezing the salad greens and croutons as they do not thaw well and will become soggy.
• To refresh stored croutons, you can re-toast them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until they regain their crunch.
• When ready to serve, combine the romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Add the dressing gradually, tossing to coat evenly.
• If the lettuce appears slightly wilted, you can revive it by soaking it in ice water for a few minutes, then drying it thoroughly before assembling the salad.

• Separate the romaine lettuce from the rest of the salad. The lettuce will wilt and lose its crispness if reheated.
• Place the croutons on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until they are crispy again.
• For the dressing, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the mayonnaise to separate.
• If you have any protein additions like grilled chicken or shrimp, reheat them separately in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Once everything is reheated, reassemble the salad by tossing the romaine lettuce with the warmed dressing, then add the croutons and any reheated proteins.
• Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine and whisk the ingredients for the dressing.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly and incorporating the olive oil.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic clove quickly and efficiently.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the mayonnaise, olive oil, and grated parmesan cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring the dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the romaine lettuce.

• Chef's knife: Ideal for chopping the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

• Salad tongs: Perfect for tossing the salad to ensure the dressing coats the lettuce evenly.

• Large salad bowl: Used to combine the chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and additional parmesan cheese.

• Grater: Needed for grating the parmesan cheese if you are not using pre-grated cheese.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop romaine lettuce and mince garlic ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use pre-made croutons: Save time by using store-bought croutons instead of making your own.

Pre-grated cheese: Opt for pre-grated parmesan cheese to cut down on prep time.

Batch make dressing: Prepare a larger batch of the Caesar dressing and store it in the fridge for future use.

Efficient whisking: Use an electric whisk to quickly blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.