The Zesty Caesar Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crisp romaine lettuce transforms an ordinary caesar salad into a culinary adventure that surprises even seasoned food enthusiasts.

Leafy greens dance with zesty flavors, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Ancient romans would marvel at this classic dish’s enduring popularity.

Creamy dressing coats each leaf with luxurious, tangy goodness that makes taste buds sing.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum impact in this legendary recipe.

Perfectly balanced and remarkably simple, this salad promises to become your new favorite quick meal.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dive right in.

What You’ll Need For Delia Smith Caesar Salad

• Romaine Lettuce: A crisp and fresh green that forms the foundation of this classic salad.
• Croutons: Crunchy bread cubes that add texture and flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that provides a rich, tangy taste.

• Garlic Oil, Olive Oil: Aromatic oils that help blend and enhance the dressing's flavors.
• Lemon Juice: A bright, citrusy element that adds zest and balances the dressing.
• Egg Yolk: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the salad's taste.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor to the croutons and dressing.

How To Put Together Delia Smith Caesar Salad

Step 1: Craft Crispy Croutons

• Garlic-infused olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of salt
• Cracked black pepper

Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until they transform into golden, crunchy nuggets of deliciousness, about 10-12 minutes. Let them cool while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Anchovy paste
• Fresh garlic
• Egg yolk
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a smooth, creamy emulsion. The dressing should look glossy and hold together beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare Fresh Romaine

Rinse romaine lettuce under cool water. Shake off excess moisture or use a salad spinner. Tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re crisp and fresh.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Toss the romaine leaves with the prepared dressing, coating each leaf generously. Sprinkle in the homemade croutons. Add a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Transfer the salad to serving plates. Top with additional Parmesan shavings and a crack of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the classic flavors of a perfect Caesar salad.

Tips To Make Delia Smith Caesar Salad Better

• Crisp Crouton Technique: Brush bread with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan before baking for extra flavor and golden crunch.
• Dressing Emulsion Secret: Whisk egg yolk and mustard first to help ingredients bind smoothly, creating a creamy consistent dressing.
• Lettuce Preparation Hack: Pat romaine leaves completely dry with paper towels to prevent dressing from becoming watery and ensure perfect coating.
• Cheese Selection Tip: Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic taste, avoiding pre-packaged grated cheese which lacks depth of flavor.
• Temperature Trick: Serve salad immediately after tossing to maintain crisp croutons and prevent wilting of lettuce leaves.

Variations To Try On Delia Smith Caesar Salad

• Keto Caesar: Replace croutons with crispy bacon bits or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version. Use full-fat mayonnaise and skip bread-based ingredients.
• Vegan Caesar: Swap eggs and cheese with cashew-based dressing, nutritional yeast, and tofu croutons. Use plant-based Worcestershire sauce and blend silken tofu for creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Caesar: Use gluten-free bread for croutons or substitute with almond flour crackers. Ensure all dressing ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Caesar: Add grilled chicken, kalamata olives, and cucumber. Incorporate a touch of oregano and swap traditional dressing with Greek-style yogurt base.

What Pairs With Delia Smith Caesar Salad

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salad's tangy dressing and cut through the richness of the Parmesan cheese.
• Boost Protein Companion: Add grilled chicken or seared salmon to transform the Caesar salad into a complete meal, enhancing its protein content and providing a satisfying texture contrast.
• Craft Bread Sidekick: Serve alongside garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious Caesar dressing and add a crunchy element that mirrors the salad's homemade croutons.
• Balance Flavor Enhancer: Pair with a light, zesty cucumber gazpacho or a chilled tomato soup to create a refreshing summer dining experience that highlights the salad's creamy and crisp characteristics.

How To Store Delia Smith Caesar Salad Safely

• Store caesar salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Separate croutons and keep them crispy in a sealed bag.
• Keep homemade caesar dressing in a glass jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Shake well before using.
• Maintain crispiness by storing in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-5 days. Avoid moisture exposure.
• Warm croutons in a toaster oven or skillet for 2-3 minutes to restore crunchiness before adding back to salad.

Delia Smith Caesar Salad Questions And Answers

• What makes Caesar dressing unique?

The classic dressing combines raw egg yolk, anchovies, garlic, and Parmesan, creating a rich, tangy flavor that sets it apart from other salad dressings.

• Can I make Caesar salad without anchovies?

Yes, you can substitute anchovy paste or skip them entirely, though traditional recipes include anchovies for depth of flavor. Some people use Worcestershire sauce as an alternative.

• Is Caesar salad healthy?

Caesar salad can be nutritious when made with fresh ingredients. Romaine lettuce provides vitamins, while Parmesan adds protein. However, the dressing is calorie-dense, so moderation is key.

Why Delia Smith Caesar Salad Is So Popular

• Craft Crispy Croutons: Homemade croutons bring restaurant-quality texture and flavor, transforming a simple salad into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
• Master Simple Technique: The recipe teaches fundamental cooking skills like whisking dressing and baking croutons, perfect for home cooks wanting to expand their culinary repertoire.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This classic salad works beautifully for casual family dinners, potlucks, and quick lunch preparations, delivering maximum taste with minimal ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, making it versatile for different dietary preferences and hunger levels.

Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Caesar salad transports palates to Italian culinary landscapes with crisp romaine, zesty dressing, and parmesan shavings. Crunchy croutons and tangy notes make this classic dish a simple yet elegant crowd-pleaser you’ll savor bite after delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Salad Base:

• 1 large romaine lettuce
• 1/3 cup Parmesan (shaved)

Croutons:

• 1/2 French baguette
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) Parmesan (grated)

Dressing:

• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C and coat croutons with fragrant garlic-infused oil and grated cheese, roasting until crisp and golden brown.
2. Create a smooth, creamy dressing by gradually whisking olive oil into a blend of anchovy, garlic, lemon juice, and egg yolk, ensuring a silky emulsion.
3. Carefully rinse romaine lettuce leaves under cool water, thoroughly pat dry with paper towels, then chop into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
4. Drizzle prepared dressing over crisp lettuce, gently tossing to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
5. Arrange salad on serving platter, generously sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper on top for enhanced texture and taste.

Notes

• Elevate croutons by using day-old bread for extra crunch and less waste.
• Ensure garlic oil is evenly distributed to maximize flavor penetration into bread cubes.
• Homemade croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making meal prep easier.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular bread with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg