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Caesar Salad

Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Invented in Mexico by an Italian immigrant, this salad is a global icon of texture and umami.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups 150g sourdough bread, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 tablespoons 45ml olive oil (for croutons)
  • 2 large heads 600g romaine lettuce, washed, thoroughly dried, and chopped
  • 1/2 cup 50g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 large 18g pasteurized egg yolk, room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons 45ml fresh lemon juice, room temperature
  • 1 clove 5g garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon 5g anchovy paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1g dry mustard powder
  • 1/3 cup 80ml extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1/2 teaspoon 2g freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place sourdough bread cubes onto a baking sheet, drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and toss with a small pinch of salt.
  • Spread the bread cubes into a single layer and bake for 10 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow croutons to cool completely.
  • In a narrow glass or stainless steel mixing bowl, whisk together the room temperature pasteurized egg yolk, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, anchovy paste, and dry mustard powder until well combined.
  • Whisking rapidly and continuously, add 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil a few drops at a time. As the dressing thickens and lightens in color, slowly pour in the remaining oil in a thin, continuous stream until smooth and creamy.
  • Place the chopped, dry romaine lettuce into a large wooden or ceramic salad bowl. Pour the emulsified dressing over the greens.
  • Toss gently with salad tongs until every leaf is evenly coated and glossy.
  • Scatter the cooled sourdough croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper over the salad. Toss one final time and serve right away.
Keyword Caesar Salad