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+ servings
Best Caesar Salad

Best Caesar Salad with Umami Croutons You’ll Crave

The Best Caesar Salad with a creamy dressing and umami croutons, perfect for satisfying cravings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Opt for Hellman's or S&W Whole Egg for the best flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Finely minced.
  • 4 fillets Anchovy Fillets Can substitute with 3/4 tsp anchovy paste or soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed is best.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated.
  • 3 tbsp Milk Add more to taste.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
For the Croutons
  • 4 slices White Bread Sourdough is a good option.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp White Miso
For the Salad
  • 8 slices Streaky Bacon Cook until crispy and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 head Romaine Lettuce Fresh heads preferred.
Optional Protein Additions
  • 1 cup Chicken Cooked and seasoned.
  • 2 eggs Soft-boiled Eggs Halved to top the salad.

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Skillet
  • baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • salad bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the dressing by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovies, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adjusting with milk as needed. Chill for 20 minutes.
  2. Cook streaky bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Toast slices of bread until dry but not browned, approximately 10 minutes. Rub with garlic and cut into cubes.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil and white miso. Toss bread cubes in the mixture, season lightly with salt, and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  5. In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce and half of the creamy Caesar dressing. Toss gently with tongs. Adjust dressing as desired.
  6. Transfer dressed lettuce to a serving bowl, top with croutons, crispy bacon, and optional protein additions. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Assemble the salad right before serving for optimal crunchiness.

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