Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy, garlicky homemade dressing topped with crunchy golden croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- •1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped
- •2 cups rustic bread, cut into bite-sized cubes
- •3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- •Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
- •1 large egg yolk
- •2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- •1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- •1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil for the dressing
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Toss the bread cubes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- 3
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then set aside to cool.
- 4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, minced anchovies, egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- 5
While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the 1/2 cup of olive oil until the mixture thickens into a rich, creamy emulsion.
- 6
Season the dressing with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- 7
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and the cooled croutons.
- 8
Pour the homemade Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until all the leaves are evenly coated.
- 9
Top with the grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
💡 Chef tips
- Ensure your romaine lettuce is completely dry before tossing with the dressing so it stays crisp and doesn't water down the flavors.
- For a dairy-free or strictly pareve version, omit the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor note.
- The homemade dressing can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished salad should feature crisp, vibrant green lettuce coated in a rich, tangy, and garlicky dressing, complemented by crunchy, golden croutons and savory Parmesan cheese.