Best 5 Caesar Salad With Crunchy Croutons Recipes

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**Caesar salad**, a classic dish originating from Tijuana, Mexico, is a delightful fusion of crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. Its popularity has transcended borders, making it a beloved dish worldwide. This recipe article offers three variations to cater to diverse preferences:

- **Classic Caesar Salad**: A timeless rendition that stays true to the original recipe, featuring a homemade Caesar dressing made with anchovies, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, tossed with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.

- **Chicken Caesar Salad**: A protein-packed twist on the classic, incorporating tender grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, and shaved Parmesan cheese, all drizzled with the signature Caesar dressing.

- **Kale Caesar Salad**: A healthier alternative that substitutes romaine lettuce for kale, a nutrient-rich leafy green. Topped with grilled shrimp, quinoa, and tangy lemon-tahini dressing, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

These Caesar salad variations promise to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Let's dive into the recipes and explore the culinary journey that awaits!

Let's cook with our recipes!

CAESAR SALAD WITH SESAME CROUTONS



Caesar Salad with Sesame Croutons image

Don Angie's version of Caesar Salad has everything you love about the original-garlicky, creamy dressing on crunchy fresh greens-but adds a few key twists that take it to the next level.

Provided by Don Angie

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

1 bulb garlic
1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus more as needed
3 heads Little Gem lettuce, or 1 head romaine
Ice water
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, or more to taste
Caesar Dressing, from Step 4
Sesame Croutons, from Step 3
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, peels left on
1 1/4 cups coarse bread crumbs
Freshly ground black pepper
kosher salt
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, oven-toasted at 350 F for 2?3 minutes
1 cup mayonnaise
1 anchovy
1 teaspoon fish sauce, preferably Italian
1 1/2 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Purée, from Step 1
1 small clove garlic
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons Water
1/2 tablespoon sugar, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Roasted Garlic Purée: Preheat oven to 300 F. Slice off the top of the bulb, just enough to expose the cloves. Place garlic in a small baking dish, cut side down. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the garlic halfway. Roast in the oven until cloves are golden and soft, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and set aside until cool, 20 minutes. Fit a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and press the cloves through the mesh with your hands, a bench scraper, or spoon; this is to catch any tough fiber or skin. Set aside. Makes about ¼ cup. (Note: You can roast several heads of garlic at a time and store the purée in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.)
  • Lettuce: Remove and discard tough outer leaves of the lettuce. Cut away and discard the root base, then separate leaves, cutting the larger ones in half vertically and keeping smaller ones whole. Fill the bowl of a salad spinner halfway with ice water and insert the basket. Add lettuce to the basket and submerge completely. Soak for 10 minutes to crisp up the leaves.
  • Sesame Croutons: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add butter and oil. Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife, and add to butter and oil. Cook until bubbly, stirring occasionally, 2-3 minutes. Add breadcrumbs and toss or stir to combine. Season with freshly ground black pepper, about 8 grinds, and a pinch of salt. Continue toasting the crumbs until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels to cool.
  • (Note: The video shows a double serving of dressing. Use the amounts in the written recipe.)Dressing: In a blender, add mayonnaise, anchovy, fish sauce, and the Roasted Garlic Purée. (Save the remaining purée for another use.) Use a Microplane to grate the garlic clove into the blender; then add Parmigiano-Reggiano, lemon juice, water, and sugar. Season with freshly cracked black pepper (about 10 grinds) and a pinch of salt. Purée just until combined. With the motor on, drizzle in olive oil, then vegetable oil. Turn motor off, taste for seasoning, and add more salt and sugar as needed. (Makes about 1¼ cups. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.)
  • Assembly: Remove ice water from salad spinner and spin the lettuce leaves twice, draining water each time, until dry. Lay out on a sheet tray lined with paper towels to further drain. Remove garlic cloves from Sesame Croutons and discard. Place half of the lettuce into a bowl. Drizzle several spoonfuls of dressing, add 1 tablespoon Parmigiano-Reggiano, and toss to combine. Repeat with remaining lettuce. Place on a serving dish, garnish with plenty of Sesame Croutons, and serve.

CANADIAN LIVING CAESAR SALAD WITH CRUNCHY CROUTONS



Canadian Living Caesar Salad With Crunchy Croutons image

This is a delicious salad with crisp romaine lettuce and a creamy dressing and croutons. My family and my favourite caesar salad. http://www.canadianliving.com/food/

Provided by I_love2nurse in Can

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 10m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 slices bacon, cooked
1/2 head romaine lettuce
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • In a bowl whisk together oil, mayonnaise, cheese, vinegar, mustard, anchovy paste, garlic, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Meanwhile cook bacon and tear lettuce into bite size pieces to make about 10 cups. Place in large bowl. Add bacon, cheese, croutons, and dressing and toss well to combine.
  • Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 115.2, Fat 10.6, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 10.2, Sodium 205.9, Carbohydrate 2.6, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 0.9, Protein 3

CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD WITH HOMEMADE CROUTONS



Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons image

This homemade Caesar salad is loaded with flavor! Cold, crunchy romaine lettuce and golden brown, toasted croutons are tossed in a briny, rich dressing, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Serve as a side salad alongside lasagna or grilled steak and potatoes, or add a protein such as grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp and make it a main dish.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Categories     Caesar Salad

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

½ (1 pound) loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, pressed
3 anchovy fillets, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or more to taste
¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper, or more to taste
3 hearts romaine - washed, chopped, and chilled

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place bread on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Whisk together oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a liquid measure. Pour mixture over the bread and toss with your hands until evenly coated. Spread bread mixture into a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and toasted, yet slightly soft in the center, 15 to 18 minutes, tossing croutons a few times during baking. Remove from the oven and let cool completely while you prepare the salad.
  • Place garlic, anchovies, and salt in a large salad serving bowl; press the mixture with a fork until a paste forms. Stir in egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Slowly whisk in olive oil until all is incorporated and mixture is well blended and smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove about 1/4 cup of dressing and set aside for another use.
  • When ready to serve, add lettuce and 1/2 of the croutons to the bowl with the remaining dressing; toss until well coated. Reserve remaining croutons for another use.
  • Sprinkle salad with additional Parmesan and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 406.2 calories, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 55.9 mg, Fat 31.3 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 998.1 mg

CAESAR SALAD CROUTONS



Caesar salad croutons image

A fine caesar salad deserves superior croutons. The basic approach is Julia Childs, the embellishments are mine. drain them well.

Provided by Ronald Stirling

Categories     Vegetable

Time 50m

Yield 120 croutons, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1/2 head garlic, peeled
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 lb loaf sourdough bread, cubed
1 cup ghee

Steps:

  • Combine garlic and oil in a small saucepan.
  • Simmer until cloves are a light gold color, about 15 minutes.
  • Pour oil through a fine sieve, squeeze all juice from cloves, and then discard the solids.
  • Set garlic oil aside.
  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  • Lightly oil a baking sheet.
  • Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on baking sheet.
  • Bake, turning bread cubes periodically, until lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
  • In a large, non-stick skillet, melt 1/3 cup ghee with 1/3 cup garlic oil over medium heat.
  • Cook toasted bread cubes in batches until light to medium golden brown, turning frequently.
  • Add more ghee and garlic oil as needed.
  • Turn out into basket lined with paper towels, and drain for about 20 minutes.
  • Note: For other uses- garden salad, soup, etcetera- you can add dried herbs of your choice, but if you do, don't use them with a Caesar salad -- too many flavour contrasts.

CAESAR SALAD CROUTONS



Caesar Salad Croutons image

A fine Caesar salad is only as good as it's croutons.

Provided by Ronald

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Crouton Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 4

½ bulb garlic, peeled
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
¾ (1 pound) loaf sourdough bread, cubed
1 cup ghee

Steps:

  • Combine garlic and oil in a small saucepan. Simmer until cloves are a light gold color, about 15 minutes. Pour oil through a fine sieve, squeeze all juice from cloves, and then discard the solids. Set garlic oil aside.
  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly oil a baking sheet.
  • Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake, turning bread cubes periodically, until lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
  • In a large, non-stick skillet, melt 1/3 cup ghee with 1/3 cup garlic oil over medium heat. Cook toasted bread cubes in batches until light to medium golden brown, turning frequently. Add more ghee and garlic oil as needed. Turn out into basket lined with paper towels, and drain for about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402 calories, Carbohydrate 16.6 g, Cholesterol 43.7 mg, Fat 36.2 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 3.5 g, SaturatedFat 13.3 g, Sodium 182.7 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

Tips:

  • Select a high-quality romaine lettuce for a crisp and flavorful base for your salad.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add a rich, nutty flavor to your dressing.
  • Make sure the croutons are crispy and crunchy for the best texture in your salad.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
  • Serve the salad immediately after assembling to maintain its freshness and crunch.

Conclusion:

This Caesar salad with crunchy croutons is a classic dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it's a versatile salad that can be served as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. The combination of creamy Caesar dressing, crispy croutons, and fresh romaine lettuce creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.

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