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Crispy Classic Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Anchovy Parmesan Dressing

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A crunchy, salty, and tangy Caesar salad featuring a creamy anchovy parmesan dressing and homemade golden croutons. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Day-old French bread or baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for croutons and dressing base)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4–5 anchovy fillets packed in oil
  • Mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, sparingly

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Croutons (10 minutes): Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the bread cubes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, finely mash the anchovy fillets with a fork until almost smooth. Add mayonnaise, freshly grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk everything together until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Prepare the Romaine (5 minutes): Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or spin in a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
  4. Toss the Salad (3 minutes): In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine and about half the dressing. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly. Add the croutons and the remaining dressing if needed. Sprinkle generously with more freshly grated Parmesan on top.
  5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad right away while the croutons are crunchy and the lettuce is crisp.

Notes

If anchovies are too strong, rinse briefly under cold water before mashing. Dry lettuce thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Toast croutons just before serving to keep them crispy. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. For dairy-free, use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based Parmesan substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, anchovy dressing, parmesan, homemade croutons, quick salad, classic Caesar, easy dressing

Find it online: https://islatable.com/crispy-classic-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-anchovy-parmesan-dressing/