Lightened-Up Caesar Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Savor the classic flavors of Caesar salad with a lighter twist! This recipe melds the richness of parmesan cheese and the tanginess of fresh lemon juice with creamy yogurt, providing a deliciously refreshing dressing that is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side, this Caesar salad highlights crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious diners without sacrificing taste. Enjoy a bowl of this delightful salad with a friend or loved one, as it serves two and is quick and easy to prepare. Elevate your salad game with this healthier version that keeps the essential Caesar flavor intact.
2
Servings
175
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (juiced)
plain yogurt
2 tablespoons (unflavored)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon (prepared)
Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
chopped romaine lettuce
3 cups (freshly chopped)
croutons
1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the grated parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, plain yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until a smooth dressing forms.
2
Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference for seasoning.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and croutons.
4
Pour 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing over the romaine and croutons, and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan if desired. Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
10g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lightened-Up Caesar Salad with Yogurt Dressing?
It is a healthier version of the classic Caesar salad that replaces traditional heavy ingredients with a creamy yogurt-based dressing while maintaining the signature flavors of parmesan and lemon.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
What are the primary ingredients for the yogurt dressing?
The dressing is made from grated parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, plain yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve two people.
What type of yogurt should be used?
The recipe calls for plain, unflavored yogurt to ensure a creamy and tangy base without added sugars.
Is this Caesar salad recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is described as quick and easy, making it perfect for a light lunch or a fast side dish.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This recipe contains 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the salad?
The salad provides 6 grams of protein per serving.
How should I store the leftover dressing?
Any leftover dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the yogurt dressing stay fresh in the fridge?
The dressing can be stored for up to one week.
What kind of lettuce is best for this recipe?
Chopped romaine lettuce is recommended for its crisp texture.
What type of olive oil is used?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to add richness and flavor to the dressing.
Can I use store-bought croutons?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade croutons for this salad.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly juiced lemon.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of prepared Dijon mustard.
Is the parmesan cheese freshly grated?
Yes, for the best flavor, use 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Should the dressing be whisked before adding to the lettuce?
Yes, whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until they form a smooth mixture.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the dressing?
Yes, you should season the dressing with salt and freshly ground pepper to your personal preference.
How much dressing should I use for the salad?
Pour 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing over the lettuce and croutons, and toss gently.
Is it better to serve this salad immediately?
Yes, the salad should be served immediately after tossing to ensure the lettuce remains crisp and the croutons stay crunchy.
Can I add more cheese as a garnish?
Yes, you can garnish the salad with extra parmesan if desired.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
While tagged as vegetarian, note that traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies; for a strictly vegetarian version, ensure you use a vegetarian-certified Worcestershire sauce.
How much romaine lettuce is needed?
The recipe uses 3 cups of freshly chopped romaine lettuce.
What makes the dressing 'lightened-up'?
It is lightened up by using yogurt as a base instead of egg yolks or heavy mayonnaise common in traditional Caesar dressings.
How many croutons are included?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of croutons.
Does the recipe include sugar or fiber details?
No, specific measurements for sugar and fiber were not provided for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for health-conscious diners?
Yes, it is specifically designed for those looking for the essential Caesar flavor in a more nutritious and lower-calorie format.
What is the primary texture of the dressing?
The dressing is smooth and creamy due to the combination of yogurt and olive oil.