Julie'S Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad featuring crunchy croutons, crisp romaine, and a savory Parmesan dressing with anchovy and garlic flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 6 slices French bread
- 1 large head romaine lettuce ⓘ
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cracked pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon anchovy paste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and garlic.
- Add bread cubes and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes or until browned to taste.
- Remove the croutons and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine lettuce, grated Parmesan, and cracked pepper, and toss.
- In a jar, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover tightly and shake well to blend.
- Pour the desired amount of dressing over the lettuce mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the croutons and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider toasting the croutons with some herbs like oregano or thyme. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise in the dressing. Alternatively, for a nutty twist, add some roasted pine nuts to the salad. You can also use sourdough bread instead of French bread for croutons.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Caesar salad as a refreshing starter or a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Spicy Shrimp And Pasta Salad or Fried Softshell Crabs for a seafood-themed dinner. For a heartier option, consider adding grilled shrimp or sliced steak on top for a satisfying main course.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The croutons may become soggy, so it's best to store them separately. To reheat croutons, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Julie'S Caesar Salad contains roughly 116 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using to re-emulsify the ingredients. This will also allow the flavors to meld together better.
What can I use instead of anchovy paste?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option or don't like anchovies, you can substitute the anchovy paste with a teaspoon of capers or omit it entirely. Adding a bit more Worcestershire sauce can help maintain the umami flavor.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make this Caesar salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread for the croutons. There are various options available in stores, or you can make your own from gluten-free bread. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).