Classic caesar salad
Servings – 6 | Prep Time – 15mins | Total Time – 20 mins
INGREDIENTS
The Dressing
• 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained
• 1 small garlic clove
• Kosher salt
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more
• ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper
The Croutons
• 3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread, with crusts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
The Lettuce
The Cheese
• Parmesan, for serving
DIRECTIONS
The Dressing –
Chop together anchovy fillets, garlic, and pinch of salt. Use the side of a knife blade to mash into a paste, then scrape into a medium bowl. Whisk in egg yolks, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and mustard. Adding drop by drop to start, gradually whisk in olive oil, then vegetable oil; whisk until dressing is thick and glossy. Whisk in Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.
The Croutons –
Make your own. Tearing, not cutting the bread ensures nooks and crannies that catch the dressing and add texture. Preheat oven to 375°. Toss bread with olive oil on a baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden, 10–15 minutes.
The UNS Lettuce Mix –
Use whole leaves; they provide the ideal mix of crispness, surface area, and structure.
The Cheese –
Caesars crowned with a mound of grated Parmesan may look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese mutes the dressing. Instead, use a vegetable peeler to thinly shave a modest amount on top for little salty bursts.
The Assembly –
Skip the tongs. Use your hands to gently toss the lettuce, croutons, and dressing, then top off with the shaved Parm.