Classic Caesar Salad
Indulge in a restaurant-quality Caesar salad crafted from scratch. This recipe features crisp, fresh romaine hearts topped with golden-brown, garlic-infused croutons and a luxurious, egg-free parmesan dressing. By using fresh lemon juice, pungent minced garlic, and high-quality Dijon mustard, you achieve a perfect, creamy emulsion that coats every leaf with tangy, savory goodness. This timeless salad is simple to prepare yet sophisticated enough for any dinner gathering.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Summer Desserts
- Method: Whisking and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 large heads Romaine lettuce
2 cups French bread cubes
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 pinch dried oregano
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Toss bread cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil and dried oregano on a baking sheet.
Bake croutons for 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
Slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil while whisking constantly to create a smooth, thick emulsion.
Chop or tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Toss the greens with the dressing in a large bowl until well coated.
Top with the crispy croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are fresh, especially the lemon juice. Use day-old bread for the best crouton texture. You can store the dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep leaves crisp, wait to toss with dressing until just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg