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Classic Caesar Salad

Chunked Romaine Lettuce on a white platter dusted with Parmesan cheese. Tongs on side. 2 glasses of empty wine glasses on side.
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EatSimpleFood.com

My vegetarian version of Caesar Salad with capers instead of anchovies gives the recipe an umami savory taste.

Ingredients

Ingredient List Salad:

  • 2 small heads Romaine lettuce, torn apart or chopped
  • 1 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp capers or anchovies, minced
  • 1 egg yolk, mixed
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 - 2/3 cup safflower oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt
  • black pepper

Ingredient List Croutons:

  • 1/2 loaf baguette or old bread, cubed or torn into 1"
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • pinch salt
  • pinch black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Make Croutons:  Toss bread with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper.  Bake on an aluminum lined sheet for ~ 7-8 minutes or until crunchy but not hard.
  • Make Salad Dressing: Mince garlic, add a little salt to the minced garlic and smash down with edge of knife to make a paste (the salt makes it easier to get into paste form).  Add minced capers, chop, and more salt and smash again to form a paste.  See the video above.
  • In bowl add egg yolk, lemon, and mustard.  Stir and then slowly whisk in the safflower oil until mayonnaise is thick.  Keep adding oil if mayo is not thick.  Add in caper/garlic paste, black pepper, and heavy whipping cream.  Caesar dressing has a lot of black pepper.  Don't be shy - add more if your tastebuds want it!
  • Toss romaine with desired amount of dressing and add Parmesan cheese and croutons.  Add sea salt and black pepper to taste.  Happy Eating!  Beckie

Notes

  • Trying to save time?  Buy pre-made croutons.
  • Reserve the egg white and add it to your scrambled eggs the next day.
  • Use water or milk instead of half and half if you are trying to save on calories.
  • We throw our bread in the freezer if it's gonna go bad.  Defrost later and make panko bread crumbs or use for croutons.

Find it online: https://eatsimplefood.com/vegetarian-caesar-salad/