Print

Crispy Caesar Salad Recipe: Best Homemade Dressing & Easy Rustic Croutons

crispy Caesar salad - featured image
Print Recipe

This crispy Caesar salad features homemade creamy dressing, crunchy hand-torn rustic croutons, and crisp Romaine lettuce. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort dish perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads Romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for salad)
  • 3 cups rustic bread (about 7 oz), torn into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2–3 anchovy fillets or 1 tsp anchovy paste (or 1 tsp capers for vegetarian)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (for croutons)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Tear rustic bread into 1-inch chunks.
  2. Toss bread pieces with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crunchy. Let cool completely.
  4. Chop Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or kitchen towel.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolk, minced garlic, anchovy fillets (or paste/capers), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
  6. Add Worcestershire sauce and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil while whisking constantly until creamy.
  7. Season dressing with salt and pepper to taste. For extra smoothness, blend in a small blender.
  8. In a large bowl, combine chopped Romaine, cooled croutons, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan.
  9. Pour dressing over salad, starting with half and tossing gently. Add more dressing as needed to coat evenly.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more Parmesan or lemon if desired.
  11. Serve immediately for maximum crunch. If making ahead, keep croutons and dressing separate until serving.

Notes

Dry lettuce thoroughly for maximum crunch. Substitute anchovies with capers for vegetarian. Use gluten-free bread for GF croutons. Make croutons and dressing ahead for convenience. Toss salad gently with hands to avoid bruising leaves. If dressing splits, whisk in a teaspoon of water. Store croutons and dressing separately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, homemade dressing, rustic croutons, easy salad, comfort food, classic Caesar, family recipe, healthy Caesar salad

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-caesar-salad-recipe-best-homemade-dressing-and-easy-rustic-croutons/