What’s up, folks? It’s your boy Austin from Beyond The Bayou Blog, and today we’re whipping up a classic – the Caesar Salad. Now, I know what you’re thinking…”A salad recipe? Boring!” But trust me, this ain’t your typical food.
This Caesar salad recipe takes me back to my college days. After long nights at the library, my buddies and I would stumble into this little hole-in-the-wall Italian joint for caesars and a few pitchers of Gold Rush and Grapefruit Martini. Man, those salads hit the spot every time!
Fast forward a few years, and I got a craving for that same bold, crave-able flavor. So I rolled up my sleeves and got to work perfecting my own Caesar salad recipe. The result is a bowl of crisp romaine, rich parmesan, garlicky croutons, and a creamy dressing that’ll have you going back for seconds and thirds. It’s the ultimate salad for people who don’t typically go for salads!
Caesar Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 anchovy fillets
- 2 cloves garlic chopped, or to taste
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Pulse anchovy fillets and chopped garlic in a food processor until a paste forms.
- Add mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, half-and-half, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the food processor.
- Process until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Variations we can definitely try!
- Greek Yogurt Twist: Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter version that’s still creamy and rich.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives to the dressing for an extra burst of flavor and freshness. Blend them in with the rest of the ingredients.
- Avocado Creaminess: Blend in half a ripe avocado with the other ingredients. This adds a rich, velvety texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. It adds a subtle but exciting kick to the dressing.
- Roasted Garlic: For a deeper, more complex flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw. Roast the garlic cloves until they are soft and caramelized before adding them to the food processor.
- Vegan Alternative: Create a vegan version by using vegan mayonnaise and omitting the anchovies. Instead, add a teaspoon of capers for that briny flavor, and a bit of nutritional yeast to replace the Parmesan cheese.
- Smoked Anchovies: Use smoked anchovies for a unique, smoky depth of flavor that adds an interesting twist to the traditional Caesar dressing.
- Citrus Burst: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or replace the lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus profile that brightens up the dressing.
These variations will keep your Caesar dressing exciting and versatile, perfect for impressing guests or just enjoying a new twist on a classic favorite!
What to Serve with Caesar Salad?
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