Gourmet Caesar Salad Delight
Experience a burst of flavor with this Gourmet Caesar Salad Delight, featuring a creamy homemade dressing that elevates the classic recipe to new heights. This dressing, crafted to perfection, combines the rich taste of Hellman's mayonnaise with freshly minced garlic and anchovy fillets for an authentic touch. The result is a luscious, tangy dressing that clings beautifully to crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy garlic-flavored croutons. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a delightful side dish at any gathering, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also turns heads at the table. With a few simple adjustments, you can even create a lower-fat version that maintains all the flavor. Get ready to have your guests begging for the recipe!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
1 (Large head, washed and thoroughly dried)
Garlic-flavored croutons
1 1/2 cups (Or to taste)
Parmesan cheese
To taste (Freshly grated, for serving)
Anchovy fillets
2 (Finely minced)
Fresh garlic cloves
2 (Finely minced)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (Hellman's brand recommended)
Half-and-half cream
1/4 cup (Or milk)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (For dressing)
Fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Juiced fresh)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (Hellman's Dijonnaise recommended)
Salt and pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (Optional, or to taste)
Buttermilk or half-and-half
As needed (For thinning the dressing)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the romaine lettuce; then chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
2
In a small 2-cup mini food processor, add the anchovy fillets and minced garlic cloves. Process them together until finely minced to ensure an even flavor throughout the dressing.
3
Add the mayonnaise, half-and-half, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to the food processor. Process for 30 seconds or until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
4
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as necessary, ensuring the balance of flavors is to your liking.
5
For a thinner consistency, gradually add buttermilk or milk to the dressing until your desired consistency is reached.
6
Transfer the dressing to a glass container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld—this step is essential for optimal taste.
7
When ready to serve, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with a generous amount of dressing until well coated.
8
Sprinkle garlic-flavored croutons over the salad and finish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Caesar Salad Delight?
It is a classic salad featuring a creamy homemade dressing, romaine lettuce, and garlic croutons.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients listed in the recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What mayonnaise brand is recommended for the dressing?
Hellman's mayonnaise is recommended for the best flavor.
How should I prepare the Romaine lettuce?
Wash the lettuce thoroughly, dry it completely, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
How long should I refrigerate the Caesar dressing?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours before serving.
Why is refrigeration necessary for the dressing?
Refrigeration is essential for allowing the flavors to meld for optimal taste.
What can I use to thin the Caesar dressing?
You can gradually add buttermilk or milk to reach your desired consistency.
What kind of mustard is suggested for this recipe?
Hellman's Dijonnaise is the recommended Dijon mustard for this dressing.
Is Worcestershire sauce mandatory in this recipe?
No, Worcestershire sauce is listed as optional or to taste.
How do I mince the anchovies and garlic?
Use a 2-cup mini food processor to mince the anchovy fillets and garlic cloves together.
What type of croutons are used for this salad?
Garlic-flavored croutons are used to complement the salad.
How much Parmesan cheese goes into the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute half-and-half cream?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can use milk as a substitute for half-and-half.
How long do I process the dressing ingredients?
Process the ingredients for 30 seconds or until they are well combined and smooth.
What is the final step before serving the salad?
Toss the lettuce with dressing and top with croutons, extra Parmesan, and black pepper.
Can I make a lower-fat version of this Caesar salad?
Yes, the recipe description mentions you can create a lower-fat version with simple adjustments.
Is fresh lemon juice required?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much mayonnaise is needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires 1 cup of mayonnaise.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 fresh garlic cloves.
How many anchovy fillets are used?
The recipe uses 2 anchovy fillets.
Is this recipe suitable for an appetizer?
Yes, it is described as a perfect quick appetizer or a side dish.
What equipment is needed to prepare the dressing?
A small 2-cup mini food processor is suggested for mixing the dressing.
How much half-and-half is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream.
What should I do if the dressing flavor needs adjustment?
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as necessary to balance the flavors.
What is the main lettuce used in this salad?
One large head of Romaine lettuce is used for this recipe.
Is this Caesar salad recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is noted for being easy to prepare while still turning heads.
How much croutons should be added?
The recipe suggests 1 1/2 cups of croutons or as much as you prefer.
What are the recommended garnishes for serving?
Finish the salad with additional grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
What makes the dressing authentic?
Combining mayonnaise with freshly minced garlic and anchovy fillets provides an authentic touch.