Pancetta and Roasted Tomato Caesar Salad
This elevated twist on the classic Caesar Salad, inspired by Ina Garten’s delightful picnic-style cooking, combines crispy pancetta and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes with a rich, homemade Caesar dressing. The umami-packed anchovy dressing is the secret to its incredible depth of flavor, while the crunch of fresh romaine and nutty Parmesan ties everything together. Perfect for a sophisticated gathering or as a luxurious lunch option.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
pancetta, sliced
3/4 lb (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
cherry tomatoes
2 pints (none)
olive oil
as needed (none)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
romaine lettuce
2 large heads (washed, dried, and sliced)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (freshly grated)
egg yolk
1 extra-large (at room temperature)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic cloves
2 large (chopped)
anchovy fillets
8-10 (optional)
lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed from 3 lemons)
kosher salt
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
mild olive oil
1 1/2 cups (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cut the pancetta into 1/2-inch cubes. In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the pancetta for about 10 to 15 minutes until it is browned and crisp. Remove the cooked pancetta and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat.
3
On a baking sheet, spread the cherry tomatoes and lightly coat them with olive oil. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
4
Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce leaves. Once dry, stack the leaves and cut them crosswise into 1 1/2-inch slices. Place the sliced lettuce into a large mixing bowl.
5
To make the dressing, in a food processor bowl, combine the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, chopped garlic cloves, anchovy fillets, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Process until the mixture is smooth.
6
With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil in a slow stream to emulsify the dressing, thickening it to the desired consistency.
7
Add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing and pulse the food processor three times to incorporate.
8
Pour enough dressing over the romaine slices in the mixing bowl to coat them well, then gently toss the leaves to ensure even coverage.
9
Mix in an additional cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the dressed lettuce. Divide the salad among 6 to 8 serving plates.
10
Top each plated salad with the crispy pancetta cubes and roasted cherry tomatoes. Serve the salad at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main twist in this Caesar Salad recipe?
This recipe elevates the classic Caesar salad by incorporating crispy pancetta and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes.
Whose cooking style inspired this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the picnic-style cooking of Ina Garten.
How should the pancetta be prepared for the salad?
The pancetta should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes and cooked in a skillet for 10 to 15 minutes until browned and crisp.
What oven temperature is used to roast the cherry tomatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for roasting the tomatoes.
How long do the cherry tomatoes need to roast?
The tomatoes should roast for 15 to 20 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
How is the romaine lettuce prepared?
The romaine should be washed, thoroughly dried, and then cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch slices.
What ingredients are used for the base of the Caesar dressing?
The dressing base includes egg yolk, Dijon mustard, garlic, anchovy fillets, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper.
How is the olive oil added to the dressing to ensure it emulsifies?
The olive oil is added in a slow, steady stream while the food processor is running.
How much Parmesan cheese is added directly into the dressing?
1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is added to the dressing and pulsed to incorporate.
How much Parmesan is added to the lettuce after it is dressed?
An additional 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is mixed into the dressed lettuce.
When should the pancetta and roasted tomatoes be added to the salad?
The pancetta cubes and roasted tomatoes are placed on top of the salad after it has been plated.
At what temperature should the salad be served?
The salad is best served at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
Can the anchovy fillets be omitted?
Yes, the anchovy fillets are listed as an optional ingredient in the recipe.
What type of egg yolk is required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 extra-large egg yolk at room temperature.
How many lemons are typically needed to get 1/2 cup of juice?
Approximately 3 lemons are needed to produce the required 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice.
What type of olive oil is recommended for the dressing mixture?
The recipe suggests using a mild olive oil for the dressing.
What is the secret to the depth of flavor in this salad?
The umami-packed homemade anchovy dressing is the secret to its depth of flavor.
How much pancetta is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 lb of sliced pancetta.
How many pints of cherry tomatoes are used?
Two pints of cherry tomatoes are needed for this salad.
What type of salt is used in both the roasting and dressing process?
Kosher salt is used throughout the recipe.
How many garlic cloves are used in the dressing?
Two large chopped garlic cloves are used in the dressing.
What should be done with the pancetta after cooking?
The cooked pancetta should be placed on paper towels to drain excess fat.
How many heads of romaine lettuce are required?
Two large heads of romaine lettuce are used.
What is the total amount of Parmesan cheese used in the entire recipe?
A total of 2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used.
Is the garlic used raw or cooked in the dressing?
The garlic is used raw and processed in the food processor.
What tool is used to make the Caesar dressing?
A food processor is used to emulsify and blend the dressing ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for a sophisticated gathering?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a sophisticated gathering or a luxurious lunch option.
How much Dijon mustard is included in the recipe?
The dressing includes 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
What preparation is needed for the cherry tomatoes before roasting?
They should be spread on a baking sheet, coated with olive oil, and seasoned with salt and pepper.