Craving a restaurant-quality Caesar salad that'll make your taste buds dance? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet haven with this incredibly simple yet mind-blowingly delicious summer Caesar salad recipe! Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a light, crisp meal, this classic Italian-inspired dish will elevate your culinary game in just 15 minutes flat. Prepare to impress your guests and satisfy your hunger with a salad that's anything but boring!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry completely using paper towels or a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even coating and easy eating. Place chopped lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
- If using store-bought croutons, measure 1/2 cup. If making homemade croutons, cube day-old bread and toast with olive oil and garlic until golden and crisp.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese using a fine grater to create delicate, light cheese shavings.
- Pour Caesar dressing over the chopped lettuce, using a spatula or tongs to gently toss and ensure each lettuce leaf is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed lettuce, distributing it evenly.
- Add croutons on top of the salad, gently mixing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Finish by grinding fresh black pepper over the salad to taste.
- Serve immediately to maintain crouton crispness and lettuce freshness.
Tips
- Always use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce and dry it thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
- For maximum flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged options.
- If making homemade croutons, use day-old bread for the best texture and toast them until golden and crispy.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the croutons crunchy and prevent wilting.
- Experiment with adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed version of this classic salad.
- For a lighter dressing, consider making your own Caesar dressing from scratch using fresh ingredients.
- Always add freshly ground black pepper at the end for a burst of flavor and aroma.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 136kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 13mg
