Classic Caesar Salad

I had intended to post a cheesecake recipe today–something all decked out for the  4th of July.  Perhaps you will see it next year (sigh).  First my pan arrived late, then after two baking trials (which were good but not spectacular), I was out of time.  Happily, when I opened up my CSA box this morning, there was a beautiful head of romaine.  Time for a Caesar Salad! 

romaine lettuce

Caesar Salad Ingredients

This salad has regularly graced our family table for decades.  It is based on one from a McCall’s cookbook that my mother gave us as kids, hoping to raise at least one cook. 

cookbook

Making Caesar Salad

After being raised on this oily, classically flavorful, Caesar salad, I rarely order one in a restaurant.  Other than in a fine dining establishment, the lack of richness usually disappoints.  Here is a tip for making a decision dining out– ask the waitstaff if it comes with anchovies.  You don’t actually have to eat the anchovies, but the option can be a tipoff that the restaurant understands the salad.

coddled egg

Coddled egg adds to the richness

And speaking of anchovies, there is a sneak I have in my version of the recipe.  Anchovies are an enormously flavorful ingredient, which can be good or bad.  Served up straight on a pizza (or in a Caesar salad) they can be “in your face”  or even off-putting for the faint of heart.  But mash them into this dressing and they take the flavor over the top–and no one gets scared.  I started using anchovy paste rather than whole crushed anchovies years ago.  The paste keeps better and it lessens the risk of an accidental discovery–kids who pick at their food, anyone? 

My husband and kids have been eating them for years without a clue (shhh).  
caesar-salad-closeup
casear-salad-served

Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad is a classic romaine salad with a cheesy, garlicky richness--better homemade than in most restaurants!
Author: Inger
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Inactive 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
Course Salad
Servings 6
Calories 288 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head romaine
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 cup salad oil I used half extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup bread cubes crusts removed (or good packaged croutons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1 egg pasteurized in the shell per the FDA, because undercooked egg can be hazardous
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese
  • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese shredded (2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice about 1/2 large lemon
  • optional anchovy fillets for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Clean Romaine and store in refrigerator.
  • Crush garlic; combine with oil and refrigerate one hour covered.
  • Heat 2 tbsp oil-garlic mixture in skillet and brown bread cubes, set aside (or use some good store bought croutons).
  • To remaining oil-garlic add salt, mustard, pepper, Worcestershire and anchovy paste. Shake vigorously. Refrigerate.
  • In small saucepan bring 2 inches of water to a boil, remove from heat and lower egg into it; let stand 1 minute; then lift out and set aside.
  • Tear Romaine into bite-size pieces in bowl. Shake dressing well, and pour over romaine. Break egg over center of salad, then add cheese and lemon juice. Toss well. Sprinkle with croutons. Garnish with the whole anchovies or offer them separately. Serve at once.

Notes

Adapted from McCall's Cooking School

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal
I am not a health professional and nutrition data is calculated programatically. Accuracy may vary with product selection, calculator accuracy, etc. Consult a professional for the best information.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

caesar-salad-served-sq

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4 thoughts on “Classic Caesar Salad

  1. Karis

    I didn’t think I liked caesar salad until I had an amazing version during a cooking class at the Milwaukee Public Market. So I totally get why you rarely order one in a restaurant and how homemade is so much better when it comes to this salad.

  2. Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog

    Love your tips about anchovies! Ok, so my husband tried making me slassic caesar salad for valentines day once…it was a disaster lol, I’m definitely going to point him to this post for him to try again 🙂

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