Description
This classic Caesar Salad recipe features a creamy, tangy dressing made from a blend of egg yolk, garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Tossed with crisp Romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons, it makes a refreshing and satisfying appetizer or side dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 pasteurized egg yolk
- 3 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
- 2 anchovies, mashed into a paste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, washed, thoroughly dried, and torn into bite-size pieces
- 3 cups salad croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large, shallow salad bowl, whisk together the pasteurized egg yolk, grated garlic, mashed anchovies, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
- Emulsify the dressing: Slowly drizzle the olive oil in a very thin stream into the bowl, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy dressing. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the salad: Add the torn Romaine lettuce to the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly until the lettuce is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add final touches and serve: Scatter the salad croutons over the top, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately accompanied by lemon wedges for extra zest.
Notes
- Using pasteurized egg yolk ensures safety while maintaining a rich texture in the dressing.
- For a smoother dressing, ensure the olive oil is drizzled slowly to properly emulsify.
- Homemade croutons add a fresher crunch, but store-bought croutons are a convenient alternative.
- Adjust the amount of anchovies based on your preference for saltiness and umami flavor.
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and croutons.