Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a culinary journey to recreate the timeless Classic Caesar Salad. This iconic dish, known for its crisp romaine lettuce, savory dressing, and crunchy croutons, has been delighting taste buds for generations. Join us as we dive into the history, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions for crafting this legendary salad.

History of Caesar Salad

The Caesar Salad is believed to have been created by Italian chef Caesar Cardini in the 1920s in Tijuana, Mexico. Legend has it that Cardini concocted the salad out of necessity when his restaurant faced a rush of customers and he had to make do with the ingredients he had on hand. The resulting dish, a combination of romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, egg, and Worcestershire sauce, was an instant hit and has since become a staple in restaurants and kitchens around the world.

Ingredients for Classic Caesar Salad

For the Salad:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup garlic croutons
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Salad

• In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce leaves, garlic croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.

3. Toss with Dressing

• Drizzle the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad ingredients. Use tongs to toss the salad gently until the dressing evenly coats the lettuce leaves, croutons, and cheese.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Divide the dressed Caesar salad among individual serving plates or bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional shaved Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the classic flavors of this timeless salad.

Conclusion

With its crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing, our Classic Caesar Salad is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, yet delicious, cuisine. Whether served as a starter, side dish, or main course, this iconic salad is sure to satisfy cravings and leave taste buds tingling for more. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and experience the timeless elegance of a Classic Caesar Salad today.