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Easy Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 82 reviews

This Easy Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons combines crisp romaine lettuce with a rich, creamy homemade Caesar dressing and crunchy, buttery sourdough croutons. The dressing features classic flavors from garlic, anchovy, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, offering an authentic and tangy taste. The sourdough croutons can be air-fried or oven-baked to golden perfection, adding a delightful crunch. Perfect as a starter or a light meal, this salad is quick to prepare and satisfies classic Caesar salad cravings with a homemade touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 2 teaspoons garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, smooth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Juice of 1 lemon, about 3 tablespoons
  • ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise (we love Duke’s!)
  • ⅓ cup fresh-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for shaving over salad
  • Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Salad

  • 24 ounces (about 1 lb, 8 ounces) romaine hearts

Sourdough Croutons

  • 4 cups sourdough bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, mason jar, or deli container, combine garlic paste, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, mayonnaise, fresh-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk or stir the dressing until smooth and well combined.
  2. Chill the Dressing: Cover the dressing container with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to chill, enhancing the taste.
  3. Make the Croutons: In a large bowl, toss the sourdough bread pieces with melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure the bread is evenly coated by mixing with your hands (disposable gloves are optional).
  4. Cook the Croutons: For air fryer croutons, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spread the buttered sourdough pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 4 minutes or until golden and crisp. Alternatively, for oven-baked croutons, preheat the oven to 375°F, spread the sourdough pieces on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden and crisp. Set aside once done.
  5. Prepare the Romaine Lettuce: Rinse the romaine hearts thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better dressing adherence. Trim off the root end and remove any wilted or brown sections. Using a sharp knife, cut the romaine crosswise into 2-inch strips.
  6. Toss the Salad: Place the prepared romaine lettuce into a large salad bowl. Add a few spoonfuls of the chilled Caesar dressing and shave some Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top. Toss the salad thoroughly until the leaves are well coated with the dressing. Add more dressing as desired for preferred taste and texture.
  7. Serve: Top the dressed salad with the prepared sourdough croutons. Serve the Caesar salad immediately either in the bowl or transferred to a large serving platter. Enjoy the fresh and crunchy textures with bold, savory flavors.

Notes

  • Ensure the romaine lettuce is completely dry before adding dressing to prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust the amount of anchovy paste according to your preference for saltiness and umami flavor.
  • The croutons can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; re-crisp them in the air fryer or oven before serving.
  • For a lighter dressing, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor and texture in both the dressing and salad topping.

Keywords: Caesar Salad, Sourdough Croutons, Homemade Caesar Dressing, Air Fryer Croutons, Classic Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Italian Salad

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/easy-caesar-salad-with-sourdough-croutons-recipe/