Caesar Salad Elevated Crispy Creamy Garlicky Delight

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had a Caesar salad recipe homemade that just blew your mind? We're making everyones favourite salad but better ! Prepare yourself for a Gourmet Caesar salad .

Brief Overview

The Classic Greek Salad has history. It's gone through many cultures, but we are putting a spin to the iconic salad.

It's a medium level recipe, needing about an hour and fifteen minutes. This will yield around 4-6 servings. You may want a salad spoon .

Main Benefits

This Elevated Caesar salad packs a punch of protein. It's the perfect dish for a summer BBQ. Honestly, this recipe is special because of the homemade dressing.

You can also use Vegan Tzatziki to add to the dressing!

Say Goodbye to Basic Salads!

Let's be real, we all love a good Caesar salad recipe homemade . But sometimes, it just needs more , you know? This isn't your average Classic Greek Salad .

I remember one summer where all I ate was Best Caesar salad ever . But I always felt like it was missing something.

This recipe nails it. It's got that amazing crunch and a dressing that's utterly dreamy.

What Makes It Better?

The secret is in the details. The parmesan crisps add a salty crunch. The dressing is rich, creamy, and tastes so good! Let's not forget the juicy, lemony chicken or prawns.

Forget the bland dressing you get in a supermarket bottle.

Ingredient Spotlight

We are using grated Parmesan cheese for the Parmesan crisp salad . You will also need romaine lettuce, and maybe even some grilled halloumi cheese.

We are also including a lemon. Don't forget about the croutons! They add such a nice bit of crunch.

Right, let's dive into the goodies that make this Elevated Caesar salad sing. Honestly, it's all about quality here. We're not just chucking stuff together; we're crafting a masterpiece, innit?

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: the Caesar foundations

• Parmesan Crisps: 1 cup (100g) finely grated Parmesan cheese. Go for the good stuff, the proper Italian stuff. It makes all the difference. Also, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• Grilled Chicken or Prawns: 1.5 lb (680g) chicken breasts or 1 lb (450g) prawns. Free range chicken is always a winner, and plump, juicy prawns? Yes, please.
  • Marinade: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Caesar Dressing:
  • 4 anchovy fillets, drained. Don't skip these! I know, I know, they're a bit smelly, but they're the secret weapon for that umami flavour.
  • 2 minced garlic cloves.
  • 2 large egg yolks (pasteurized). Safety first, always.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil.
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan.
  • 2 tablespoons cold water.
  • Salt and pepper.
• Salad: 2 heads romaine lettuce, 1 cup (100g) croutons, 1/2 cup (50g) shaved Parmesan.

Seasoning Notes: Flavours that pop!

Essential Spice Combinations: Don't underestimate salt and pepper. Freshly ground black pepper is a must, trust me. Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: The anchovies, the garlic, the lemon they all work together.

This is Everyones favourite salad but better , so make sure you use quality ingredients! Quick Substitution Options: No anchovies? Try a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

It's got anchovies in it too, cheeky. You can use Marmite if you like. The key here is getting the balance right.

It's a Classic Greek Salad in disguise. Vegan Tzatziki is also possible if you don't use Anchovies or parmesan cheese, and replace the egg yolks with mayo.

Equipment Needed: Keep it simple

• Baking sheet. Non-stick is your mate.
• Grill pan or BBQ. For the chicken or prawns, obvs.
• Food processor. Makes the dressing a dream. Alternatively, a blender will work.
• Large bowl. To toss everything together. And of course a Salad Spoon .

Honestly? You probably already have most of this. The trick is not to get bogged down in fancy gadgets. Keep it simple, keep it tasty.

And that's how you take a boring old Caesar salad recipe homemade and turn it into a Gourmet Caesar salad , the Best Caesar salad ever .

We are trying to elevate the Elevated Caesar salad

Now, go get cooking! You've got this, mate! And remember, enjoy the process. It's all about having fun in the kitchen.

Okay, right then! Let's tackle this "Everyones favourite salad but better" business. Now, you know "everyone's favourite salad" is a bit like "Mum's roast dinner" different for everyone! But for the sake of argument, and because it's a bloody good starting point, we're going to assume it's a Caesar Salad .

Classic, right? But we're going to give it a right good chef-y makeover! Honestly, This isn't just lettuce and dressing; it's a symphony of textures and flavours.

Making the Caesar Salad sing

Prep Steps: "Mise en Place", innit?

First things first, get your ducks in a row! Chop the lettuce, grate the Parmesan, and measure out your ingredients.

Honestly, mise en place isn't just some fancy chef term. It actually makes cooking less stressful! Get all your ingredients ready ahead of time.

You know? It's a game changer. Think about it! It is like prepping the canvas before starting to paint a picture.

Safety tip: Use pasteurized eggs for the dressing. It is better to be safe than sorry, right?

Unleash the Caesar: A step-by-step Guide

This Caesar salad recipe homemade is simple. Follow these steps. Your salad is going to be so so so yummy!.

1. Parmesan Crisps: Spread 1 cup (100g) Parmesan cheese on a baking sheet. Add 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 5- 7 minutes . Cool and break.
2. Marinate: Mix chicken or prawns with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, and oregano.
3. Grill: Grill chicken or prawns until cooked. Let rest and slice.
4. Dressing Time: Blend anchovies, garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice, mustard, oils, 1/4 cup (30g) Parmesan, and water. Season.
5. Chill Out: Chill the creamy Caesar salad dressing for 30 minutes .
6. Assemble: Toss romaine with dressing. Don't overdo it!
7. Plate Up: Top with chicken or prawns, croutons, Parmesan crisps, and shaved Parmesan.

Pro Tips: Turn Pro Instantly!

• Don't skip the anchovies! They're the secret ingredient. They provide the umami that makes Best Caesar salad ever !
• Make a batch of the dressing in advance. It keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• For an Elevated Caesar salad , add some grilled halloumi or avocado. Trust me on this one!

Okay, right then. Everyones favourite salad but better ! I have also tried replacing some of the ingredients to make a Vegan Tzatziki and Lemon Potatoes and Classic Greek Salad .

I have even changed the salad spoon at one time! But the classic version is still the best one!

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Caesar Code

Okay, so we're tackling Everyone's favourite salad but better : The Caesar. Right, then! Here's the lowdown and my two pennies worth on some bits.

This isn't just a recipe; it's a chat about how to make it amazing .

Serving Suggestions: Plating, Presentation, and Pint Pairing

Honestly, presentation matters. Arrange your Elevated Caesar salad nicely! Mound the lettuce, strategically place the chicken, and artfully scatter those Parmesan crisp salad shards.

A decent Salad Spoon is a must. Trust me, it makes a difference. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is spot on.

Storage Tips: Keep it Crispy!

Lettuce goes soggy fast. Honestly, you're best to eat immediately. If you must, store the dressed lettuce separately from the toppings.

Grilled chicken is grand in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. But remember, refrigeration diminishes some flavour.

I have tried freezing it and failed miserably. The sauce split.

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a twist? For a veggie option, chuck in some grilled halloumi. For a Vegan Tzatziki , ditch the anchovies.

Swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative. Seasonally, you could even add some roasted butternut squash in autumn! This way, you are making this the Best Caesar salad ever .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This salad has protein, healthy fats, and some fibre. Not bad, eh? The dressing adds calories, mind, so don't go swimming in it.

This recipe isn't just about taste, it's about nourishing your body with good stuff. It is not a Classic Greek Salad , but is still good for you.

So, there you have it, some cracking tips to elevate your Caesar. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Now, go get in the kitchen and make some magic! I promise, the Creamy Caesar salad dressing is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this "Everyone's favourite salad but better" than a regular Caesar?

Think of it as a Caesar Salad that's gone to finishing school! We're elevating the classic with homemade parmesan crisps for extra crunch, a richer, homemade dressing with real anchovies (none of that wishy washy stuff!), and perfectly grilled chicken or prawns.

It's the Caesar you know and love, but dialled up to eleven!

I'm a bit squeamish about raw eggs. Is there a safe way to make the dressing?

Absolutely, you can still enjoy a cracking Caesar! Use pasteurized eggs or egg yolks. Alternatively, you can use a good quality store-bought mayonnaise as a base and adjust the other ingredients to taste, it won't be exactly the same, but it'll still be delicious and safe.

Think of it as the "Mary Berry" approach always prioritize food safety!

Anchovies? Really? Can I substitute them in my "Everyones favourite salad but better"?

We get it; anchovies aren't everyone's cup of tea, but trust us, they are essential for that umami flavour! But if you really can't stand them, try a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce (which contains anchovies) or a tiny dab of Marmite. They both provide a similar savory depth, but the salad won't taste quite the same.

Think of it as missing a key ingredient to your victoria sponge!

How long will the dressing for "Everyone's favourite salad but better" keep in the fridge?

The Caesar dressing, when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, should last for about 3-4 days. Keep in mind the use of raw egg yolks. Be sure to give it a good whisk before using, as it might separate slightly. If you're using mayo, you should still consume within 3-4 days.

What's the best way to keep the salad from getting soggy?

Soggy salad is a culinary crime! The key is to dry your lettuce thoroughly after washing. A salad spinner is your best friend here. Also, don't dress the salad until just before serving. Toss gently with just enough dressing to coat the leaves; you can always add more, but you can't take it away!

Similar to putting too much milk in your tea!

Can I make this "Everyones favourite salad but better" ahead of time?

You can certainly prep some components in advance. The parmesan crisps can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container. The dressing can also be made a day ahead and chilled. However, it's best to grill the chicken/prawns and assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

Otherwise, it's like pre-making a Sunday roast!