Homemade Caesar Salad – Authentic Recipe with Chef’s Tips
If you’re a fan of delicious and well-balanced salads, the classic Caesar salad deserves a place in your culinary repertoire. Today, I’m sharing a homemade version packed with flavor and restaurant-quality attention to detail. Follow these steps to recreate this delicious salad at home. Ready to impress your guests?
Ingredients for a Caesar Salad (Serves 4)
Each ingredient has been carefully selected to offer a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
For the salad:
- 1-2 romaine lettuce heads, washed and chopped
- 6 slices of bread, cut into cubes
- 6 tranches de bacon, cuit au four jusqu’à croustillant.
- 50 g of Parmesan, grated or shaved
For the Caesar dressing:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of half a lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Caesar salad like a pro.
Preparing the Bacon and Croutons
- Bake the bacon slices at 180°C (350°F) for 15 to 20 minutes or until crispy.
- Once cooled, cut the bacon into small pieces.
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 180°C until golden and crispy (about 10-15 minutes).
- Collect the bacon drippings and heat them in a pan over high heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and let it infuse for a few moments before tossing in the toasted croutons.
- Sauté the croutons in the bacon fat and garlic for an intense, savory flavor.
Making the Caesar Dressing
- In a bowl, mash the hard-boiled eggs and mix them with the mustard, capers, lemon juice, and chopped anchovies.
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil until you get a well-emulsified dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the romaine lettuce.
- Toss in the flavorful croutons and bacon pieces.
- Sprinkle with grated or shaved Parmesan.
- Drizzle some Caesar dressing and gently mix to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Anchovies: If you’re not a fan, replace them with a few drops of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.
- Bacon: Try crispy prosciutto or smoked lardons for a twist.
- Romaine Lettuce: Swap it with iceberg lettuce or massaged kale leaves.
- Parmesan: Use Grana Padano or aged Pecorino cheese as an alternative.
Tips for a Perfect Caesar Salad
- Choose fresh ingredients: Crisp romaine lettuce and freshly grated Parmesan make all the difference.
- Homemade croutons are best: They taste far better than store-bought and are easy to make.
- Don’t over-dress the salad: Add a little dressing, mix, and adjust to your taste.
Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
To expand your appetizer options, consider these delightful recipes:
- Homemade Greek Salad – Fresh and Easy Summer Recipe A refreshing Mediterranean salad, perfect for warm days.
- Homemade Eggs Benedict – Quick and Easy Brunch Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes A brunch classic that’s simple and quick to prepare.
- Homemade Hollandaise Sauce – Easy and Quick Recipe A creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with various dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare the Caesar salad in advance? Yes, but assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and the croutons crispy.
Why include anchovies in the dressing? They add a unique depth of flavor essential for an authentic Caesar salad. Give them a try—you might be pleasantly surprised!
Can I use a different type of lettuce? Yes, but romaine is ideal for its crunch and ability to hold up to the dressing.
Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing? You can, but nothing beats the richness of a homemade dressing for an authentic taste experience.Is this salad a complete meal? It can be a light main course or an appetizer. Add grilled chicken to make it more filling!
Homemade Caesar Salad: Recipe, Tips, and Secrets for a Perfect Result
If you're a fan of delicious and well-balanced salads, the classic Caesar salad deserves a place in your culinary repertoire. Today, I’m sharing a homemade version packed with flavor and restaurant-quality attention to detail. Follow these steps to recreate this delicious salad at home. Ready to impress your guests?
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1-2 romaine lettuce heads washed and chopped
- 6 slices of bread cut into cubes
- 6 tranches de bacon cuit au four jusqu’à croustillant.
- 50 g of Parmesan grated or shaved
For the Caesar dressing:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 4 anchovy fillets finely chopped
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of half a lemon about 2 tbsp
- 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the salad:
- 1-2 romaine lettuce heads, washed and chopped
- 6 slices of bread, cut into cubes
- 6 tranches de bacon, cuit au four jusqu’à croustillant.
- 50 g of Parmesan, grated or shaved
For the Caesar dressing:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of half a lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the bacon and croutons:
- Bake bacon at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 min until crispy.
- Cut cooled bacon into pieces.
- Toast bread cubes in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 min.
- Heat bacon fat in a pan, add garlic, then toss in croutons.
Make the dressing:
- Mash eggs in a bowl and mix with mustard, capers, lemon juice, and anchovies.
- Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the salad:
- Combine romaine, croutons, and bacon in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Drizzle dressing, mix well, and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Tips for a Perfect Caesar Salad
- Choose fresh ingredients: Crisp romaine lettuce and freshly grated Parmesan make all the difference.
- Homemade croutons are best: They taste far better than store-bought and are easy to make.
- Don’t over-dress the salad: Add a little dressing, mix, and adjust to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare the Caesar salad in advance? Yes, but assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and the croutons crispy. Why include anchovies in the dressing? They add a unique depth of flavor essential for an authentic Caesar salad. Give them a try—you might be pleasantly surprised! Can I use a different type of lettuce? Yes, but romaine is ideal for its crunch and ability to hold up to the dressing. Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing? You can, but nothing beats the richness of a homemade dressing for an authentic taste experience. Is this salad a complete meal? It can be a light main course or an appetizer. Add grilled chicken to make it more filling!Suggested Recipes
Looking for more delicious dishes? Here are some suggestions:
- Homemade Welsh – Comforting and Delicious Recipe to Share
A hearty dish, ideal for family meals. - Homemade Salisbury Steak – Easy, Budget-Friendly, and Delicious Recipe
A comforting classic, perfect for a hearty dinner. - Cheesy Mac & Cheese – Three Cheese Recipe A creamy and flavorful gratin for cheese lovers.
