A Caesar Salad has to be one of the most famous salads in the world. It has an amazing flavour with the blend of Pecorino Romano cheese, soft boiled eggs and anchovies. Served with freshly made garlic croutons for additional texture and flavour bring this entire main dish together. You can also add chicken for a different slant to this amazing salad.
Few salads hold the iconic status that the Caesar Salad does. This legendary dish, often found gracing the menus of fine dining establishments and casual eateries alike, is celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavours. But what makes a Caesar Salad so remarkable, and why does it continue to charm our palates?
The origins of Caesar Salad are as intriguing as its taste. Created in the 1920s by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini, this salad was born out of necessity during a busy weekend at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. With limited ingredients at hand, Cardini whipped up a concoction that would become a culinary classic. Though the recipe has evolved over the years, its heart remains unchanged: crisp romaine lettuce, a tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons.
At first glance, the Caesar Salad may appear deceptively simple. However, its depth of flavour lies in the careful balance of its ingredients. The croutons, golden and crisp after a light toss in olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, add a delightful crunch. The secret lies in baking them to perfection, ensuring they’re evenly toasted without being overly hard. These little bites of texture are essential to the Caesar experience.
The dressing is where the magic truly happens. A harmonious blend of lemon juice, soft-boiled egg, mashed anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil forms a creamy emulsion that’s both zesty and umami-rich. Anchovies, often a point of contention for some, lend a subtle depth to the dressing without overpowering it. Their saltiness balances the tang of the lemon and the richness of the egg, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to every leaf of romaine.
Then there’s the pecorino romano cheese, which elevates the salad with its sharp, nutty flavour. Generously grated over the dressed lettuce, it adds an indulgent finish that ties all the elements together. And let’s not forget the garlic-rubbed wooden bowl, a technique that infuses the salad with a whisper of garlic essence without being overwhelming.
What sets the Caesar Salad apart is its ability to be both a humble starter and a show-stopping main. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even seared tuna, and it transforms into a hearty meal. Yet, even in its most traditional form, it remains a testament to the beauty of well-balanced, high-quality ingredients.
So, the next time you savour a Caesar Salad, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bite. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavour, texture, and history.
Caesar Salad
A classic French salad that can be a starter, side dish and a main dish. Very tasty and very popular
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Servings: 4 people
Calories: 1076kcal
Ingredients
The croutons:
- 3 cups bread 750 ml cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin olive oil 30 ml
- Salt to taste
The salad:
- 1 clove garlic peeled
- 1 large romaine lettuce washed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice 30 ml
- 1 large eggs soft boiled
- 4 whole anchovy fillets mashed,
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce 2 ml
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pecorino romano cheese grated
Instructions
- Toss the bread cubes in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.3 cups bread, Salt, 2 tbsp Extra Virgin olive oil
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 450F (230C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Cut the garlic clove in half and vigorously rub the inside of a wooden salad bowl with it.1 clove garlic
- Discard the garlic.
- Break the romaine into bite-size pieces and add to the bowl.1 large romaine lettuce
- Slowly add the olive oil, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.1/3 cup Extra Virgin olive oil
- Add the Romano cheese and toss with the romaine.1/3 cup pecorino romano cheese
- Top with croutons and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 1076kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 38g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 646mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 1g
20 comments
This classic salad is always in demand. A healthy meal in one dish that’s versatile. Try adding chicken for a different sla t.
A fantastic choice for a satisfying meal or as a side to grilled meats.
This is a filling and satisfying salad with so many delicious components.
I love how this dish combines fresh and crunchy romaine with the indulgent, creamy dressing.
It’s a classic Caesar salad with a subtle twist that makes it truly memorable.
The homemade croutons, toasted to a golden brown, provide the perfect crunch, while the dressing—a blend of lemon, anchovies, and Worcestershire sauce—is creamy and tangy with just the right amount of depth. Very enjoyable dish.
The combination of crispy croutons, creamy dressing, and sharp pecorino romano cheese makes for a truly satisfying dish.
Whether you’re serving it as a light starter or a hearty main, this Caesar Salad works every time.
I’ll definitely be making this again
I was surprised at how easy this salad was to make, but the flavours are truly elevated.
This Caesar Salad recipe is a masterclass in turning simple ingredients into a memorable dish.
The anchovy-infused dressing has a bold flavour that I enjoy, and the lemon juice gives it a zesty freshness.
This salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavours. The croutons are crispy and golden, with a delightful olive oil seasoning. The dressing is rich and creamy with a subtle kick from the anchovies and Worcestershire sauce. The pecorino Romano adds a sharp and tangy finish, and the soft-boiled egg provides a lovely richness.
What makes this salad special is its balance of flavours. The crunch of the homemade croutons contrasts perfectly with the smooth, velvety dressing.
The croutons are perfectly crispy, and the creamy dressing coats the lettuce without overpowering it. The anchovy and Worcestershire sauce combination in the dressing adds just enough punch. The soft-boiled egg is a great touch, and the pecorino Romano cheese adds the finishing touch of saltiness.
The homemade croutons in this dish are absolute perfection, crunchy and seasoned just right.
I used Parmesn and it was delicious.
The anchovies, while subtle, bring a depth to the dressing that really sets this salad apart. Toss in the crunchy romaine, and you have a salad that’s simple yet indulgent, fresh yet comforting. It’s a perfect balance of flavours and textures, and it’s hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this dish.
A refreshing take on a classic Caesar with the added bonus of a garlicky salad base.
This is a salad that feels both luxurious and comforting, ideal for any occasion.