Save Experience a vibrant twist on a timeless favorite with this Sourdough Crouton Caesar Salad. This recipe brings together the fresh crunch of romaine lettuce and a rich, creamy homemade dressing, elevated by the addition of golden, garlicky sourdough croutons that offer an irresistible texture in every bite.
Save Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick yet satisfying lunch, this Italian-American classic delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The secret lies in the simple, high-quality ingredients that harmonize to create a refreshing and indulgent salad experience.
Ingredients
- Sourdough Croutons: 3 cups (150 g) day-old sourdough bread (cut into 1-inch cubes), 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 large garlic clove (minced), 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Caesar Dressing: 1 large egg yolk (or 2 tbsp mayonnaise for egg-free), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 anchovy fillets (minced, optional), 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 small garlic clove (finely minced), salt and black pepper to taste.
- Salad: 2 large heads romaine lettuce (chopped), 1/3 cup (30 g) shaved Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Season the Bread
- In a large bowl, toss the sourdough cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- 3. Bake the Croutons
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning once, until they are golden and crisp. Set them aside to cool.
- 4. Start the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced anchovies (if using), and minced garlic.
- 5. Emulsify the Dressing
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify. Stir in the grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6. Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine with half of the dressing. Add more dressing as desired, then top with the shaved Parmesan and cooled sourdough croutons.
- 7. Finish and Serve
- Complete the dish with a grind of fresh black pepper and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve a perfect emulsion for your dressing, ensure the olive oil is added in a very thin, steady stream while whisking vigorously. If you prefer your croutons extra garlicky, you can slightly increase the amount of minced garlic used when tossing the bread cubes before baking. Always allow the croutons to cool before adding them to the lettuce to prevent wilting.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the anchovy fillets and use a vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce. If you are looking for even more texture and nutrition, consider adding thinly sliced radishes or roasted chickpeas to the salad. For an egg-free alternative, high-quality mayonnaise works as an excellent base for the dressing.
Serviervorschläge
This Caesar salad is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crunch of the sourdough croutons. To complement the savory and tangy flavors of the Parmesan and lemon, pair the dish with a crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc.
Save With its combination of fresh greens and warm, garlicky sourdough, this Caesar salad is a delightful meal that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Enjoy this balanced and crisp Italian-American classic any day of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you make sourdough croutons crispy?
Coating sourdough cubes with olive oil and garlic then baking at 375°F for 12-15 minutes ensures they turn golden and crispy.
- → What’s key to emulsifying the Caesar dressing?
Whisking the egg yolk or mayonnaise while slowly drizzling in olive oil creates a smooth, creamy emulsion for the dressing.
- → Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit anchovy fillets and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce for a flavorful vegetarian option.
- → How to store leftover croutons?
Keep cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their crunchiness.
- → What can I add for extra crunch?
Thinly sliced radishes or roasted chickpeas add texture and complement the salad’s flavors.