Patrick Oconnell
A classic Caesar salad is made with romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing. The salad was invented in 1924 by Italian restaurateur Caesar Cardini, and years later, his brother, Alex, added anchovies to the dressing. While the salad can be made with store-bought ingredients, homemade croutons, dressing, and freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese are said to elevate the dish.
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What You'll Learn
The history of the Caesar salad
Caesar salad is a green salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. The dressing is typically made with olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Some recipes also include eggs, anchovies, and black pepper.
The salad is named after its creator, Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant who owned a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, in the early 1920s. Cardini is said to have created the salad on July 4, 1924, when his kitchen was short on ingredients and had to come up with a simple yet delicious dish. The original salad was prepared tableside and it is still served this way at the original restaurant in Tijuana.
Over the years, the Caesar salad has become a popular menu item at restaurants around the world. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer, but can also be a complete meal when protein such as grilled chicken or salmon is added. While the classic recipe remains a favourite, many variations of the salad have emerged, with chefs experimenting with different ingredients while still using the familiar "Caesar" name.
The key to a great Caesar salad is often said to be in the freshness of the ingredients and the quality of the dressing. Homemade croutons and dressing are preferred by many, and it is recommended to use a whole block of Parmesan cheese and grate or shave it yourself for the best flavour.
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How to make homemade croutons
To make homemade croutons, you'll need three main ingredients: bread, olive oil or melted butter, and seasonings. You can use any type of bread you like, but it's ideal to use bread that is at least a day or two old. For the seasonings, you can use garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs like oregano, dill, or chives. You can also sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make homemade croutons:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F-375°F (depending on the recipe you follow).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut or tear your bread into uniform cubes or chunks.
- In a large bowl, drizzle the bread evenly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Add your desired seasonings and toss until the bread is evenly coated.
- Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown and crisp, usually around 10-18 minutes, but this may vary depending on the recipe and the thickness of your bread cubes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Homemade croutons are a great addition to a Caesar salad, which typically includes romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. Making your own croutons allows you to customize the flavour and texture to your liking, ensuring they are crunchy and full of flavour. So, the next time you're craving a Caesar salad, consider whipping up a batch of homemade croutons to take it to the next level!
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How to make a classic Caesar dressing
Yes, Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in a classic Caesar salad. The cheese adds a salty, nutty flavour to the dish.
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tsp of Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp of lemon juice
- 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp of vegetable oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Anchovy paste (optional)
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Method
- In a medium bowl, add the egg yolks and whisk until creamy.
- Add the garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and vegetable oil. Whisk vigorously to emulsify the dressing.
- Once the dressing has a creamy consistency, add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- (Optional) For an extra punch of flavour, add anchovy paste and/or Worcestershire sauce to the dressing.
This classic Caesar dressing can be served with romaine lettuce, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese for a delicious and traditional Caesar salad.
Note: This dressing will keep well in the fridge for about a week. Adjust the thickness of the dressing by adding water if it becomes too thick.
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How to grate or shave Parmesan cheese
Grating or shaving Parmesan cheese at home is a great way to ensure you get the best flavour and texture out of the cheese. While you can purchase pre-grated or pre-shaved Parmesan cheese, it is cheaper to grate your own, and freshly grated Parmesan is often necessary to get the right consistency in your food.
To grate or shave Parmesan cheese, you will need a block of Parmesan. You can use a Microplane grater, a box grater, a vegetable or Y-peeler, or a rotary grater to grate or shave the cheese by hand. If you need to grate a larger quantity of cheese, you can use a food processor or a blender.
Using a Microplane grater is a good option if you only need a small quantity of grated or shaved Parmesan. To use a Microplane, simply run the cheese along the surface of the Microplane, and fine shreds of cheese will be produced.
If you need a larger quantity of grated Parmesan, you can use a food processor. First, chop the Parmesan into 1 to 1-and-a-half-inch pieces. Then, add the pieces to the bowl of the food processor, ensuring that you do not overfill the bowl. Turn on the food processor and let it run until the cheese reaches your desired level of fineness. The time required will depend on the hardness of the cheese.
You can also use a blender to grate Parmesan cheese. Cut a wedge of Parmesan into small cubes, then toss the cubes into the blender and pulse until the cheese is broken down into your desired size.
Once you have grated your Parmesan cheese, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. You can also freeze the grated cheese in containers or bags to use later.
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Vegetarian and vegan alternatives
Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in a Caesar salad, adding a salty, nutty flavour to the dish. However, for vegetarians and vegans, it can be challenging to find a suitable alternative due to the use of animal rennet in the production of many cheeses.
Vegetarian Alternatives
Some supermarkets sell their own brand of 'vegetarian hard cheese', which can be used as a substitute for Parmesan. In the UK, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, and M&S sell an 'Italian hard cheese' that is suitable for vegetarians. Twineham Grange, produced in Sussex, is another option that can be purchased online and shipped.
When selecting a vegetarian Parmesan, it is important to read the ingredients list carefully and look for brands that use 'non-animal rennet'.
Vegan Alternatives
For those following a vegan diet, there are several alternatives to Parmesan cheese that can be purchased or made at home.
Store-Bought Vegan Parmesan
Violife's 'Just Like Parmesan Wedge' is a popular vegan Parmesan option that has received praise for its taste, texture, and versatility. It can be grated over pasta dishes, salads, and more, just like traditional Parmesan. Follow Your Heart is another brand that offers a vegan Parmesan product.
Homemade Vegan Parmesan
Some people prefer to make their own vegan Parmesan at home, allowing them to control the ingredients and customize the flavour. One simple recipe calls for blending cashews with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and optionally, powdered lemon juice. This blend can be pulsed in a food processor until it reaches the desired consistency. Other recipes include a mix of raw sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp seeds, or a combination of seeds and nuts with spices.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a common vegan substitute for Parmesan, often used in recipes that call for a cheesy flavour. It has a savoury, nutty flavour that can enhance dishes, although some may find that it does not taste exactly like Parmesan.
Pangrattato
Pangrattato, also known as 'poor man's Parmesan', is another option for adding a salty and savoury flavour to dishes. It involves frying breadcrumbs in oil with ingredients like garlic, thyme, and salt, creating a crunchy topping that can be sprinkled over pasta and other dishes.
Whether you are a vegetarian or a vegan, there are a variety of alternatives to Parmesan cheese that can be used to create a delicious and satisfying Caesar salad.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
Freshly grated, shredded, or shaved Parmesan will have a better flavour and texture than pre-shredded Parmesan. You can also use vegan Parmesan cheese.
You can add anchovies, eggs, steak, bacon, or chicken.
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A dressed salad is best eaten right away. However, you can store the dressing, salad, and croutons separately and assemble them later. The dressing will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-6 days.
