Best Hearty Caesar Salad Recipes

THE BEST CAESAR SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil with minced garlic and whisk for 30 seconds. Transfer to a fine-mesh strainer set over a large bowl and press with the back of a spoon to extract as much oil as possible, leaving garlic behind. Reserve pressed garlic separately. Add bread cubes to garlic oil and toss to coat.
• Add 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, toss again, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until croutons are pale golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and toss with 2 more tablespoons Parmesan. Allow to cool.
• While croutons bake, make the dressing. Combine egg yolk, lemon juice, anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, pressed garlic, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese in the bottom of a cup that just fits the head of an immersion blender or in the bottom of a food processor. With blender or processor running, slowly drizzle in canola oil until a smooth emulsion forms. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in remaining 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil. Season to taste generously with salt and pepper.
• To serve, toss lettuce with a few tablespoons of dressing, adding more if desired. Once lettuce is coated, add half of remaining cheese and three-quarters of croutons and toss again. Transfer to a salad bowl and sprinkle with remaining cheese and croutons. Serve.

THE BEST CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the croutons: Put the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. When the butter is completely melted add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Carefully swirl the pan to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the oil mixture.
• Put the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Evenly pour the garlic mixture over the bread and toss to coat. Spread the bread in a single layer and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bread halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with black pepper and Parmesan. Set aside to cool.
• For the salad: Soak the anchovies in a small bowl of water for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain and pat dry. Finely chop the anchovies and garlic, then use the side of your knife to mash them to a paste.
• Add the anchovy paste, egg yolk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan. If needed, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time to thin the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the lettuce and croutons to a large bowl and gently toss with the dressing until coated. Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

HEARTY ITALIAN SALAD

Steps:

• Divide salad greens among four plates; layer with pastrami, ham, cheese and tomatoes. Drizzle with dressing. Top with croutons, olives and pepperoncini.