Caesar Salad: A Timeless and Flavorful Delight

Master the art of the perfect Caesar salad with this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring crisp romaine, homemade croutons, and a creamy, zesty dressing, it's a timeless classic for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade, see below)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or 1 egg yolk for a more traditional, raw egg dressing)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (sourdough or baguette works well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Make Homemade Croutons (Optional): If making croutons, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing is emulsified and creamy. Stir in the mayonnaise (or egg yolk). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the lettuce. Toss gently to coat all the leaves evenly.
6. Add Croutons and Cheese: Add the croutons and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the salad. Toss again lightly.
7. Serve: Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.