Introduction
Transform humble romaine lettuce into a restaurant-quality Caesar salad in just 15 minutes! This recipe is your secret weapon for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, proving that impressive food doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy cooks who crave flavor without the fuss.
Why This Works
This Caesar salad recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity without sacrificing taste. We use a quick homemade dressing that’s far superior to bottled versions, and the steps are streamlined for maximum efficiency. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from casual dinners to impromptu gatherings.
Key Ingredients
π₯¬ 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
π 1/2 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
π§ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
π₯ 2 large eggs
π§ 2 cloves garlic, minced
π 2 tablespoons lemon juice
πΏ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
π 1/4 cup olive oil
π§ 1/2 teaspoon salt
θ‘ζ€ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1οΈβ£ Prep the Lettuce: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Pat it dry with paper towels β this helps the dressing cling better. Place the chopped lettuce in a large bowl.
2οΈβ£ Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the eggs, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and emulsified. (If using a blender, blend in short bursts to prevent splattering.)
3οΈβ£ Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the lettuce. Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor in your dressing.
- If you don’t have a blender, you can whisk the dressing together in a bowl, but it might be slightly less emulsified.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of anchovy paste to the dressing (about 1/4 teaspoon).
Heat Control
This recipe doesn’t require any heat, making it perfect for hot summer evenings or when you want to avoid turning on the stove.
Crunch Factor
The croutons provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the crisp romaine lettuce. To maximize crunch, make your croutons from scratch and toast them until golden brown. Store-bought croutons will deliver a good crunch as well.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Chop the lettuce and mince the garlic ahead of time to save even more time when you’re ready to assemble the salad. Store the chopped lettuce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Double the Dressing: Make a double batch of dressing and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will save you time on future salad preparations.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions for a more substantial meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftover salad (without the croutons) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This salad is not ideal for gifting as it is best served fresh. However, you could gift the homemade dressing in a pretty jar, along with a recipe card for the complete salad.
Flavor Variations
π Spicy Caesar: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a kick.
π Creamy Caesar: Stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the dressing for added richness.
π Bacon Caesar: Crumble cooked bacon over the top for extra savory goodness.
π Lemon Herb Caesar: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill) to the dressing for a brighter, more herbaceous flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dressing too thick: Add a teaspoon of water at a time to the dressing until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Dressing too thin: Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to thicken the dressing.
- Lettuce wilting: Make sure to thoroughly dry the lettuce with paper towels before adding the dressing to prevent wilting.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of lettuce? While romaine is ideal, you can use other crisp lettuces like butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce.
- Can I make the croutons ahead of time? Yes, you can make croutons ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- How long does the dressing last? The homemade dressing will last for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is inherently gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free croutons. Always double-check crouton ingredients to be sure.
- Can I roast the garlic for a deeper flavor? Yes! Roasting the garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Simply roast a whole head of garlic before mincing and adding to the dressing.
Conclusion
This Speedy Caesar Salad is a game-changer for busy weeknights! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Share your creations with us using #SpeedyCaesarSalad on social media! Enjoy!
5-Minute Caesar Salad: Weeknight Dinner Done Right
A quick and easy Caesar salad recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. Fresh romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing come together in just 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and croutons.
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper on top, and give it one last gentle toss.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Use homemade croutons for a fresher taste.