Description
Julia Child’s Caesar salad brings classic French techniques to a beloved American dish. Crisp romaine, homemade croutons, and a silky anchovy-rich dressing create a restaurant-quality experience you can enjoy right at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads romaine)
- ½ French baguette, cut in half and thinly sliced (¼ inch thick)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
Dressing and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 small cloves)
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced (1 teaspoon)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to serve)
Instructions
- Craft homemade croutons by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into uniform cubes, ensuring consistent size for even toasting.
- Generously coat bread cubes with extra-virgin olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly but thoroughly covered. Sprinkle finely chopped garlic evenly across the cubes for aromatic flavor.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to promote crisp texture. Roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring once midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration.
- Remove croutons from the oven and immediately dust with freshly grated parmesan cheese while still warm. Allow to cool completely, which will enhance their crunchiness.
- For the dressing, combine minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and red wine vinegar in a medium mixing bowl.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients vigorously while slowly streaming in olive oil, creating a smooth, emulsified consistency. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to personal taste preference.
- Prepare romaine lettuce by washing thoroughly and tearing into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for optimal dressing distribution.
- Transfer lettuce to a large serving bowl and drizzle prepared Caesar dressing, gently tossing to coat each leaf evenly without bruising the delicate greens.
- Incorporate the cooled, crispy croutons into the dressed salad, folding gently to maintain their crunch.
- Finish the salad by generously garnishing with shaved or shredded parmesan cheese, creating an elegant and flavorful presentation.
Notes
- Fresh garlic brings intense, vibrant flavor that transforms the entire dressing with its robust aroma and sharp taste.
- Crisp lettuce requires thorough drying to maintain a satisfying crunch and prevent diluted salad textures.
- Authentic parmesan cheese elevates the dish, delivering rich umami notes that pre-packaged alternatives simply cannot replicate.
- Perfectly golden croutons demand careful attention, ensuring each cube develops a uniform, delightful crispness through strategic baking techniques.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg