Caesar Salad
Classic Caesar Salad with crisp homemade croutons and a light caesar dressing – for when you want to impress your dinner guests.
Ingredients
The Dressing
- 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil drained
- 1 small garlic clove
- sea salt to taste
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp finely grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper
The Croutons
- 3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread, with crusts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
The Lettuce
- 3 romaine hearts, leaves separated
The Cheese
- Parmesan for serving
Instructions
The Dressing
- Chop together anchovy fillets, garlic, and pinch of salt. Use the side of a knife blade to mash into a paste, then scrape into a medium bowl. Whisk in egg yolks, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and mustard. Adding drop by drop to start, gradually whisk in olive oil, then vegetable oil; whisk until dressing is thick and glossy. Whisk in Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.
The Croutons
- Make your own. Tearing, not cutting the bread ensures nooks and crannies that catch the dressing and add texture. Preheat oven to 375°. Toss bread with olive oil on a baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden, 10–15 minutes.
The Lettuce
- Use whole leaves; they provide the ideal mix of crispness, surface area, and structure.
The Cheese
- Caesars crowned with a mound of grated Parmesan may look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese mutes the dressing. Instead, use a vegetable peeler to thinly shave a modest amount on top for little salty bursts.
The Assembly
- Skip the tongs. Use your hands to gently toss the lettuce, croutons, and dressing, then top off with the shaved Parm.
Notes
Perfect