The Cheeses In A Classic Caesar Salad: A Guide

A Caesar salad is a popular dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing. But what type of cheese does it contain? The answer is Parmesan cheese, which fills the salad with a salty, nutty flavor. While some recipes call for shaved or shredded Parmesan, others suggest using a vegetable peeler to create thin shavings for a lighter texture. This cheese is typically combined with other ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to create the distinctive Caesar salad dressing.

Parmesan is the most popular cheese for a Caesar salad

A Caesar salad is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for decades, and while there may be some variations, one ingredient remains constant: Parmesan cheese. This salty, savoury cheese is the star of the show when it comes to this popular salad. Whether it's shredded, shaved, or grated, Parmesan adds a burst of flavour and texture that is simply irresistible.

The History of Caesar Salad

The origin of the Caesar salad can be traced back to the 1920s and a busy 4th of July weekend. The story goes that an Italian chef by the name of Caesar Cardini, who had immigrated to the United States, was running low on supplies. In a moment of culinary ingenuity, he created the signature Caesar salad. This simple yet delicious combination of crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing was an instant hit, and it has since become a staple on restaurant menus and dinner tables alike.

The Magic of Parmesan

So, what is it about Parmesan that makes it the cheese of choice for Caesar salads? Firstly, Parmesan has a strong, distinctive flavour that can stand up to the other bold ingredients in the salad, such as garlic and anchovies. It adds a savoury, salty kick that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Secondly, Parmesan has a unique texture that can be adapted to suit different preferences. Some recipes call for shredded Parmesan, which adds a satisfying bite, while others prefer shaved Parmesan for a more delicate, elegant touch. Grated Parmesan is also an option, providing a granular texture that clings to the lettuce leaves.

A Versatile Dish

One of the reasons the Caesar salad has endured the test of time is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish or a main course, and it pairs well with a variety of proteins. Steak, chicken, shrimp, and chickpeas are just a few of the options that can be added to a Caesar salad to make it a more substantial meal. Additionally, the salad can be customised to include other vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado, making it a flexible option for different tastes and dietary preferences.

The Secret to Success

While the ingredients in a Caesar salad are important, the key to a truly exceptional salad is in the preparation. The romaine lettuce should be washed, dried, and chopped into bite-sized pieces to ensure ease of eating and maximum flavour. The croutons, preferably homemade, should be crisp and golden, adding a satisfying crunch. However, the real star of the show is the dressing, which should be creamy, garlicky, and packed with the salty, savoury goodness of Parmesan cheese. This dressing brings all the elements of the salad together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavours that keeps people coming back for more.

You can use a vegetable peeler to cut Parmesan into thin shavings

A Caesar salad is a classic dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and fresh lemon with a savoury, salty, parmesan-garlic dressing. The key to a great Caesar salad is the cheese – specifically, Parmesan. While the cheese can be grated or shredded, thin shavings created with a vegetable peeler can take your salad to the next level.

Using a vegetable peeler to cut Parmesan into thin shavings is a handy technique to have in your culinary arsenal. It's an easy, effective way to get delicate slices of cheese that will elevate the flavour and presentation of your Caesar salad. Here's how you can master this skill:

First, select a block of Parmesan cheese. A larger block will give you more surface area to work with and create longer, more elegant shavings. Inspect the block for any paper or waxy coating and remove it if necessary. You want to ensure the blade of your peeler can smoothly glide across the surface.

Now, it's time to prepare your vegetable peeler. This kitchen tool is typically used for peeling carrots or potatoes, but it's about to become your secret weapon for creating exquisite Parmesan shavings. Choose a good-quality peeler with a sharp, rust-resistant blade, like a stainless steel option. A comfortable handle is also important, as it will make the process easier and help you avoid any slips or accidents.

With your peeler in hand, it's time to start shaving. Position the blade of the peeler at one edge of the Parmesan block, holding it at a slight angle. Gently but firmly glide the blade across the surface, maintaining a consistent pressure and speed. You should feel a slight resistance as the blade cuts through the cheese. As you reach the end of the block, you'll notice a thin, delicate slice of Parmesan curling up and separating from the block.

As you continue shaving, you'll create a pile of elegant Parmesan curls. These shavings are perfect for a Caesar salad as they will add a salty, savoury kick to each bite. You can also use these curls as a gorgeous garnish for other dishes, such as pasta or even grilled cheese sandwiches. They add a touch of sophistication and flavour to any dish.

Using a vegetable peeler to cut Parmesan into thin shavings is a simple yet impressive technique. It's a great way to elevate your Caesar salad and impress your guests with your culinary prowess. So, the next time you're preparing this classic dish, reach for your vegetable peeler and let your creativity shine!

To make the best garlic croutons, infuse your oil with garlic

Firstly, you'll need to choose your bread. Go for a good-quality, crusty loaf, such as sourdough, ciabatta or French bread. The bread can be a day or two old—in fact, this is preferable as it will be easier to get that desired crispy texture. Cut the bread into even cubes, around 3/4-inch in size.

Next, it's time to infuse your oil with garlic. This method is much better than using garlic powder, as it gives a sharper, more complex flavour. Heat two smashed or halved garlic cloves in around 1/4 cup of olive oil for about a minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Allow the oil to cool slightly, then you're ready to combine it with the bread.

Now, simply toss the bread cubes with the garlic oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add a few big pinches of salt at this stage, too. Spread the bread out in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake until golden brown and crisp, which should take around 10-18 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your croutons.

Once they're out of the oven, sprinkle the croutons with dried parsley or another herb or spice of your choice. You could also add more garlic flavour by tossing the baked croutons with grated fresh garlic.

And there you have it—delicious, flavourful garlic croutons to add a satisfying crunch to your Caesar salad.

Anchovies are essential to the modern idea of a Caesar salad

Anchovies are indeed essential to the modern idea of a Caesar salad. While the original recipe, created by Caesar Cardini in 1924, did not include anchovies, they have since become a staple ingredient in the popular salad.

The traditional Caesar salad recipe includes romaine lettuce, croutons, lemon juice or lime juice, olive oil, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Cardini's daughter, Rosa, recounted that her father invented the salad at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, when a Fourth of July rush in 1924 depleted the kitchen's supplies. Cardini made do with what he had, adding the flair of tableside tossing by the chef.

Over time, the recipe has evolved, and anchovies have become a key ingredient in modern Caesar salads. Anchovies add a savoury, briny flavour to the dish, and while some people may be hesitant to include them due to their fishy taste, using a small amount can enhance the overall flavour of the salad without making it taste too fishy.

The addition of anchovies to the dressing is highly recommended for the best flavour. They are salty and briny, and when used in the right proportion, they elevate the salad's taste without overpowering it. Anchovies provide a savoury depth to the dish that is difficult to achieve with other ingredients.

While the original Caesar salad may not have included anchovies, their inclusion in modern recipes has become a defining characteristic of the dish. Anchovies are now synonymous with Caesar salad, and their omission would significantly alter the taste profile that people have come to expect from this classic dish.

You can make a vegan Caesar salad with vegan dressing and vegan Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain hummus (store-bought or DIY)
• 2-3 Tbsp lemon juice, to taste
• 2 tsp capers (finely minced/smashed, plus 3 tsp brining juice as original recipe is written- adjust amount if altering batch size)
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 healthy pinch each sea salt + pepper (more to taste)
• 1-2 Tbsp olive oil (optional // for added creaminess)
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup (optional)

Method:

• To a small mixing bowl, add hummus, spicy mustard, lemon zest + juice, minced capers + brining juice, and minced garlic, and whisk thoroughly to combine.
• Olive oil is optional, but will add a bit more creaminess.
• Add a little hot water to thin until pourable and whisk until creamy and smooth (see photo).
• Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt and pepper, lemon juice, or minced garlic if desired! Maple syrup will help offset how salty and briney this dressing is, if you find you need it (I did not).
• Use immediately, or store in the refrigerator up to 5-7 days.

Vegan Parmesan Cheese:

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Method:

• Add all ingredients to a food processor and mix/pulse until a fine meal is achieved. Be careful not to overblend or it will become a paste.
• Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh. Lasts for several weeks.

Frequently asked questions