Great Caesar's Salad
Great Caesar's Salad Recipe - Italian Classic with Romaine Lettuce and California Avocados
Introduction
Caesar salad is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. This salad is known for its creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and savory flavors. It is a popular choice for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish to accompany a main course.
History
The Caesar salad was created by Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant who owned a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. Legend has it that the salad was invented on the spot when Cardini ran out of ingredients and had to make do with what he had on hand. The original recipe included romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a coddled egg.
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch romaine lettuce, about 1 lb (454 g)
- 1 large egg in shell
- 2 cups croutons
- 14 oz (397 g) (1 can) small artichoke hearts, drained and cut into quarters
- 2 california avocados, seeded, peeled and sliced
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 6 anchovy filets, optional
Dressing
- 0.33 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 small clove garlic, crushed
- salt and pepper to taste
How to prepare
- Tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces and chill.
- Prepare the Caesar dressing.
- Just before serving, pour enough hot water over the egg to cover and let it stand for 1 minute; rinse it under cold water.
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the lettuce in a large salad bowl.
- Break the egg into the middle of the salad and toss it lightly.
- Add croutons, artichoke hearts, avocados, Parmesan cheese, and anchovies.
- Toss it again and serve.
Dressing
- Shake all the ingredients together in a tightly covered container.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a protein boost.
- Swap out the romaine lettuce for kale or spinach for a different flavor profile.
- Use different types of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese, for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces to ensure that each bite is easy to eat.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-packaged croutons or dressing if possible.
- Coddling the egg before adding it to the salad helps to create a creamy texture in the dressing.
- Toss the salad lightly to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed without crushing the ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Caesar salad as a main course with grilled chicken or shrimp on top for added protein. It can also be served as a side dish to accompany a pasta dish or grilled steak.
Cooking Techniques
Coddling the egg before adding it to the salad helps to create a creamy dressing.
- Toss the salad lightly to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed without crushing the ingredients.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use store-bought Caesar dressing if you are short on time.
- Substitute the anchovies with capers for a similar salty flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Caesar salad in a large wooden bowl for a rustic look, and top with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Caesar salad with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy dressing and savory flavors.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Caesar salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze, as the lettuce will become soggy when thawed. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to take the chill off before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 350 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 18g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 28g per serving
Saturated Fat: 6g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 9g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 120% DV
Vitamin C: 30% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Alergens
Contains: Egg, Wheat, Fish (anchovies)
Summary
This Caesar salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. It is high in fat and protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.
Summary
This Caesar salad recipe is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and savory ingredients, it is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy this salad as a main course or as a side dish to complement your favorite dishes.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Great Caesar's Salad. It was many years ago when I was a young girl, just starting out on my culinary journey. I had always loved to cook, but I had never tried anything quite like this before.
I was visiting my aunt in Italy at the time, and she was known for her incredible cooking skills. One day, as I watched her prepare a meal for our family, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book and began flipping through the pages. When she came across the recipe for Great Caesar's Salad, her eyes lit up with excitement.
As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I could see the passion and love she had for this dish. She explained to me that the salad was named after Julius Caesar, the famous Roman general, and that it was said to be one of his favorite dishes. I was intrigued and eager to learn more.
My aunt patiently taught me how to make the salad, showing me each step and explaining the importance of using fresh and high-quality ingredients. She told me stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.
I was fascinated by the history and tradition behind the dish, and I knew that I wanted to master it myself. Over the years, I practiced and refined the recipe, making it my own and adding my own personal touch to it.
As I grew older and started my own family, I would often make Great Caesar's Salad for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a staple in our household, a dish that everyone looked forward to and always asked for seconds of.
I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who were always impressed by the flavors and textures of the salad. They would ask me where I had learned to make it, and I would proudly tell them the story of my aunt and how she had passed down the recipe to me.
As the years went by, I continued to make Great Caesar's Salad, each time remembering the first time I had seen the recipe and the sense of wonder and excitement that had filled me. It became more than just a dish to me; it was a connection to my past, to my family, and to the traditions that had shaped me into the cook I had become.
Now, as I look back on those memories, I am grateful for the gift that my aunt gave me that day. The recipe for Great Caesar's Salad has become a part of who I am, a reminder of the love and passion that goes into every dish I make. And as I pass it down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of wonder and amazement that I did when I first saw the recipe all those years ago.
Categories
| Anchovy Recipes | Artichoke Recipes | Hass Avocado Recipes | Italian Recipes | Parmesan Cheese Recipes | Romaine Lettuce Recipes | Salad Recipes |