Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a refreshing and flavorful salad featuring romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. It’s a popular choice for a light lunch or starter. Here’s a basic guide to making your own Caesar salad:

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 1 large romaine lettuce heart, washed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Caesar Dressing (Basic Version):
  • 2 anchovy fillets (optional – for a more intense flavor)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Dressing (Optional – you can also use store-bought dressing):
   • If using anchovies, mash them into a paste with a little bit of the lemon juice in a mortar and pestle or by using the back of a spoon.
   • Combine the anchovy paste (if using), garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with black pepper to taste.
2. Assemble the Salad:
   • Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl.
   • Drizzle with some Caesar dressing and toss to coat evenly.
   • Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese.
   • Toss again gently to combine everything.
3. Serve:
   • Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper for customization at the table (optional).

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
• If you don’t have anchovies, you can omit them from the dressing. The flavor will be slightly milder.
• You can add other ingredients to your Caesar salad, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or boiled eggs.
• Make sure to use romaine lettuce for Caesar salad, as other lettuces will wilt too easily with the dressing.
• If you’re not planning to eat the salad right away, store the dressing and salad components separately in the refrigerator.