Swiftly Prepare an Authentic Caesar Salad in a Quick 10 Minutes
In the 1920s, Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur, created a dish that has since become a staple in many households - the classic Caesar salad. This quick and easy recipe is ready in just 10 minutes and offers a delightful combination of flavours.
To prepare the salad, you'll need a large romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup croutons, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove of garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 egg yolk (optional), salt, black pepper, and a salad spinner.
The dressing is the heart of the Caesar salad. It's prepared by whisking together the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and egg yolk (if using). Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the mixture emulsifies. Over-whisked garlic or old olive oil can make the dressing taste bitter, so be mindful of your whisking speed. A pinch of sugar can rescue a bitter dressing if necessary.
For the best classic Caesar salad, chill the lettuce, add a pinch of sugar if the dressing is too sharp, and rub the bowl with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor. The croutons should be added right before serving, or kept in a separate bag for meal prep. Stale croutons can be toasted to bring them back to life in a 300°F oven for 3 minutes.
The salad is tossed with the dressing, croutons, and Parmesan, and seasoned with salt and black pepper. Warm garlic bread can be served alongside the salad to soak up the dressing. If you're wary of raw eggs, you can omit the egg yolk or replace it with pasteurized eggs or mayo for creaminess without raw eggs.
For vegetarians, Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with coconut aminos or a splash of soy sauce with a pinch of sugar. The classic Caesar salad can also be customized by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a meal, or going vegetarian.
The garlic-Parmesan combination is highlighted in the salad, adding a zesty and savoury touch. The salad should be served immediately to maintain its texture. If storing the salad, keep the undressed greens in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store the dressing separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Per serving, the classic Caesar salad has approximately 220 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated), 6g protein, 10g carbs (3g fiber). This salad can be paired with light tomato or minestrone soup. Kale can be used instead of romaine, but massaged first to soften it. Romaine's crispness is what makes a classic Caesar salad special.
Enjoy this timeless dish and give your taste buds a treat!
