Are you craving a classic Caesar salad that tastes like it's straight from a gourmet restaurant, but want to skip the complicated preparation? Look no further! This foolproof recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and guests in just 10 minutes. Whether you're a salad enthusiast or a kitchen novice, our Easy Homemade Caesar Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry completely using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even coating and easy eating. Place the chopped lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the chopped lettuce, using a spatula or tongs to gently toss and coat the lettuce evenly. Ensure each leaf is lightly and uniformly dressed.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed lettuce, continuing to toss gently to distribute the cheese throughout the salad.
- Add the croutons to the salad, mixing them in to provide a crunchy texture and additional flavor contrast.
- Finish by grinding fresh black pepper over the salad to taste, using a pepper mill for the most robust flavor.
- Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or a large serving bowl, ensuring an attractive presentation with even distribution of ingredients.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and croutons, and enjoy your fresh homemade Caesar salad.
Tips
- Lettuce Prep is Key: Always thoroughly dry your romaine lettuce after washing. Excess moisture will make your salad soggy and dilute the dressing.
- Dressing Distribution: Use tongs or two large spoons to gently toss the salad, ensuring each lettuce leaf is evenly coated with dressing without bruising the delicate leaves.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt or blend as well and can taste less fresh.
- Crouton Crunch: For extra flavor, consider making your own croutons or toasting store-bought ones briefly in a pan with a touch of olive oil.
- Serve Immediately: Caesar salad is best enjoyed right after preparation to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce and croutons.
- Optional Enhancements: For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs to turn this side salad into a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 165kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
