Best 8 Authentic Caesar Salad E Z Version Recipes

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Indulge in the timeless flavors of Authentic Caesar Salad, an iconic dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers for generations. Originating from the culinary genius of Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico, this classic salad has stood the test of time, gaining immense popularity worldwide. With its symphony of crisp romaine lettuce, savory croutons, rich Parmesan cheese, and the unmistakable tang of Caesar dressing, this dish promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience. This comprehensive guide presents three variations of the Authentic Caesar Salad – the Traditional Recipe, a Quick and Easy Version, and a Vegetarian Delight – each offering a unique twist on this beloved dish.

Embark on a culinary journey as you explore the Traditional Recipe, where the authentic flavors of homemade Caesar dressing take center stage. Discover the art of crafting the perfect dressing from scratch, using fresh anchovies, luscious egg yolks, and aromatic spices. Learn the secrets of creating golden-brown croutons that add a delightful crunch to each bite. The Quick and Easy Version offers a streamlined approach for those short on time, utilizing store-bought dressing and pre-made croutons while maintaining the essence of the classic Caesar Salad.

For a plant-based twist, the Vegetarian Delight reimagines this timeless dish with grilled tofu as a protein substitute. Experience the delightful interplay of textures as the smoky tofu complements the crisp greens, Parmesan shavings, and tangy dressing. Enhance your knowledge of Caesar Salad with insightful tips on selecting the finest ingredients, from the freshest romaine lettuce to the highest-quality Parmesan cheese.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

THE BEST CAESAR SALAD



The Best Caesar Salad image

It should not come as a surprise that the best Caesar salad is also the most traditional version. That means it's time to bring out the anchovies and eggs -- and don't skimp on quality Parmesan cheese. We've even included garlicky homemade croutons to balance the tangy dressing.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Kosher salt
3 cups rustic bread (about 3 ounces), torn into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper
2 anchovies packed in oil
1 clove garlic
1 egg yolk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, at room temperature
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 romaine hearts, chopped (see Cook's Note)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • For the croutons: Put the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. When the butter is completely melted add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Carefully swirl the pan to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the oil mixture.
  • Put the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Evenly pour the garlic mixture over the bread and toss to coat. Spread the bread in a single layer and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bread halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with black pepper and Parmesan. Set aside to cool.
  • For the salad: Soak the anchovies in a small bowl of water for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain and pat dry. Finely chop the anchovies and garlic, then use the side of your knife to mash them to a paste.
  • Add the anchovy paste, egg yolk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan. If needed, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time to thin the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the lettuce and croutons to a large bowl and gently toss with the dressing until coated. Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD



Classic Caesar Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 to 5 anchovies packed in oil, drained
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/3 baguette, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Soak the anchovies in a bowl of water, 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry, then finely chop and mash to form a paste; set aside.
  • Make the croutons: Combine the butter with the garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; cook, swirling the pan occasionally, 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour into a medium bowl. Add the bread cubes and parsley and toss; season with salt and pepper. Arrange the bread on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes; let cool.
  • Meanwhile, make the dressing: Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Gently lower the egg into the water, then immediately remove the pan from the heat and let stand 5 minutes. Drain and rinse the egg under cold water; crack into a large bowl. Whisk in the anchovy paste, the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and mustard powder until smooth. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until emulsified; season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the lettuce, croutons and about one-third of the Parmesan to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss. Divide among plates and top with the remaining Parmesan.

CLASSIC RESTAURANT CAESAR SALAD



Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad image

I used to work at a very fancy restaurant while I was in college. The best part of the job was making table side salads, entrees, and dessert. This was the best Caesar salad I have ever had! If having trouble getting the anchovy to mash, add a couple of croutons. They provide sort of an anti-skid surface, and the hard edges of the croutons cut into the anchovy.

Provided by sarahcrites

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Romaine Lettuce Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 anchovy fillets
½ lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 egg yolk
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup olive oil
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ head romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons croutons

Steps:

  • Mash garlic with anchovies in a large salad bowl. Whisk lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, egg yolk, and Worcestershire sauce into the anchovy mixture until mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually whisk olive oil into the dressing, pouring the oil into the dressing in a thin stream while stirring constantly. Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Gently mix romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese into the dressing until thoroughly coated; serve salad topped with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 362.1 calories, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Cholesterol 116.3 mg, Fat 33 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 587.2 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

TRADITIONAL CAESAR SALAD



Traditional Caesar Salad image

Nothing beats the original, and this is it. It takes a while to prepare, but it's sooooo worth it! Add cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or beef to make a full meal. Don't forget to pass extra anchovies!

Provided by Terri F.

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, halved
3 cups 1/2 inch cubes French bread or 3 cups Italian bread
salt and pepper
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lemon juice (fresh is best)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 anchovy fillets, rinsed and patted dry
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 large eggs, boiled gently for 2 minutes
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
2 heads romaine lettuce, torn into bite size pieces

Steps:

  • In small sauce pan, heat butter, olive oil, and garlic from top of recipe.
  • When butter is melted, remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Remove garlic, toss bread cubes with butter mixture.
  • Spread on baking sheet and bake at 350 F shaking pan once or twice, until croutons are golden brown (about 10 minutes).
  • Set aside.
  • In large wooden salad bowl, run garlic clove around the inside of the bowl.
  • Mash together the 4 cloves of garlic and the 1/2 tsp salt until they form a paste.
  • Whisk in lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mash anchovy fillets in small bowl until they form a paste.
  • Add anchovy paste to garlic mixture and whisk well.
  • Add 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a slow steady stream, whisking constantly.
  • Add coddled eggs and whisk until blended.
  • Add romaine pieces and croutons, and toss until coated with dressing.
  • Sprinkle on Parmesan cheese and toss lightly.
  • Serve immediately.

AUTHENTIC CAESAR SALAD: E-Z VERSION



Authentic Caesar Salad: E-Z Version image

This is the original Caesar, from Tijuana. (That's right, Tijuana, Baja (Calif) Mexico, the same place that the Margarita came from!). I've simplified this a bit by using anchovy paste and prepared croutons, but it is the same authentic taste. Absolutely great with anything, especially a summer BBQ.

Provided by Sam Saguaro

Categories     Southwestern U.S.

Time 12m

Yield 4-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 garlic clove
1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin if you can find one)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 egg
1/2 fresh lemon
2 heads romaine lettuce
5 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated (fresh)
1 cup crouton

Steps:

  • Make the dressing with 1/2 of the garlic smashed or minced, oil, salt, mustard, pepper, Worcestershire and anchovy paste. Shake well and refrigerate one hour (or up to 4 days ahead).
  • Rug the inside of a large wooden bowl with the remaining garlic, and discard (the garlic, not the bowl).
  • Just before serving:.
  • Nuke coffee cup half full of water to boiling, carefully place egg in hot water for 1 minute.
  • Cool egg (so you can handle it). Crack egg and add to dressing mixture along with lemon juice and shake vigorously, making sure the egg yoke is mixed well.
  • Pour over romaine and toss. Add Parmesan and croutons and serve immediately.

CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD



Classic Caesar Salad image

There's a reason clichés like Caesar salad and iceberg with blue cheese dressing have become hyper-common: they're just good. The combination of cold crunchiness, mild bitterness and salty dressings is everlastingly refreshing and satisfying. This authentic version (get out those anchovies and eggs) from Mark Bittman does not disappoint.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     easy, quick, salads and dressings

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

About 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup rustic bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, halved
2 eggs
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 to 3 tablespoons minced anchovies, or to taste
Dash Worcestershire sauce
1 large head romaine lettuce, washed, dried and torn into pieces
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Put 2 tablespoons of the oil in a skillet large enough to hold the bread in a single layer and turn heat to medium. When oil shimmers, add bread and sprinkle with salt and pepper; brown lightly on all sides, adding a little more oil if necessary. Remove and set aside.
  • Rub the inside of a salad bowl with the garlic clove; discard it. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Pierce a tiny hole in the broad end of each egg with a pin or needle and boil them for 60 to 90 seconds; they will just begin to firm up. Crack them into the salad bowl, being sure to scoop out the white that clings to the shell.
  • Beat eggs with a fork. Gradually add lemon juice and 6 tablespoons oil, beating all the while. Stir in anchovies and Worcestershire. Taste and add salt if needed, and lots of pepper. Toss well with lettuce; top with Parmesan and croutons; toss again at table. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 405, UnsaturatedFat 26 grams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fat 34 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 662 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CAESAR SALAD



Caesar Salad image

Nailing this misunderstood classic (no, we don't want grilled chicken) is all about restraint and, yes, anchovies.

Provided by Sue Li

Categories     Salad     Egg     Garlic     Lunch     Parmesan     Lettuce     Anchovy     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 anchovy fillets packed in oil
1 small garlic clove
2 large egg yolks*
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread
3 romaine hearts
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. The Dressing
  • A great Caesar salad gets its swagger from a great dressing. Squeamish about raw egg yolks and anchovies? Sorry. Yolks are what give richness to the emulsion, while anchovies provide a briny blast (and that whole umami thing). Here's our go-to recipe: Chop together 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil, 1 small garlic clove, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use the side of a knife blade to mash into a paste, then scrape into a medium bowl. Whisk in 2 large egg yolks*, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Adding drop by drop to start, gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil, then 1/2 cup vegetable oil; whisk until dressing is thick and glossy. Whisk in 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Can be made 1 day ahead.
  • 2. The Croutons
  • Make your own. Tearing, not cutting, the bread ensures nooks and crannies that catch the dressing and add texture. Toss 3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread with 3 tablespoons olive oil on a baking sheet; season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake at 375°F, tossing occasionally, until golden, 10-15 minutes.
  • 3. The Lettuce
  • Use whole leaves from 3 romaine hearts to feed 6 people. They provide the ideal mix of crispness, surface area, and structure.
  • 4. The Cheese
  • Caesars crowned with a mound of grated Parmesan may look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese mutes the dressing. Instead, use a vegetable peeler to thinly shave a modest amount on top for little salty bursts.
  • 5. The Assembly
  • Skip the tongs. Use your hands to gently toss the lettuce, croutons, and dressing, then top off with the shaved Parm.

THE LAST CAESAR SALAD RECIPE YOU'LL EVER NEED



The Last Caesar Salad Recipe You'll Ever Need image

This is an unbelievable, restaurant-quality, creamy Caesar salad dressing that will make you swear off of anything store-bought again. Great for your classic Caesar salad, or as a dip for all kinds of veggies. Will NOT disappoint! To serve, toss with chopped romaine in a salad bowl and shave Parmesan cheese on top of salad; season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Provided by Britt Brouwer

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Caesar Salad Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 32

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 anchovy fillets
2 cloves garlic, chopped, or to taste
1 cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Combine anchovy fillets with garlic in a food processor and pulse several times to form a paste. Process mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, half-and-half, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce with anchovy mixture until dressing is creamy. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 57.2 calories, Carbohydrate 0.6 g, Cholesterol 4.3 mg, Fat 5.9 g, Protein 0.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 77 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

### Tips: - Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. - Make the dressing in a blender or food processor for a smooth and creamy texture. - If you don't have anchovies, you can use Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce as a substitute. - Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese just before serving to keep them crispy. - Serve the salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing. ### Conclusion: Caesar salad is a classic and delicious salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a Caesar salad that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Tips:

  • Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Make the dressing in a blender or food processor for a smooth and creamy texture.
  • If you don't have anchovies, you can use Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce as a substitute.
  • Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese just before serving to keep them crispy.
  • Serve the salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing.

Conclusion:

Caesar salad is a classic and delicious salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a Caesar salad that is sure to impress your friends and family.

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