Best Smarter Caesar Salad Recipes

SMARTER CAESAR SALAD

Smarter Caesar Salad image

We suggest you BYOS: Bring your own sardines. Or anchovies. Or canned salmon. Some tinned fish are a healthy treasure -- low in mercury and full of protein -- and they're a cinch to tote to work. Stash a can (or two) in your desk drawer.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Seafood Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 cups chopped romaine hearts
2 sardines
1 hard-boiled egg
1 tablespoon grated parmesan
1/2 cup croutons
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

Combine all ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350 g, Fat 25 g

THE BEST CAESAR SALAD

The Best Caesar Salad image

It should not come as a surprise that the best Caesar salad is also the most traditional version. That means it's time to bring out the anchovies and eggs -- and don't skimp on quality Parmesan cheese. We've even included garlicky homemade croutons to balance the tangy dressing.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Kosher salt
3 cups rustic bread (about 3 ounces), torn into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper
2 anchovies packed in oil
1 clove garlic
1 egg yolk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, at room temperature
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 romaine hearts, chopped (see Cook's Note)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
For the croutons: Put the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. When the butter is completely melted add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Carefully swirl the pan to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the oil mixture.
Put the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Evenly pour the garlic mixture over the bread and toss to coat. Spread the bread in a single layer and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bread halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with black pepper and Parmesan. Set aside to cool.
For the salad: Soak the anchovies in a small bowl of water for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain and pat dry. Finely chop the anchovies and garlic, then use the side of your knife to mash them to a paste.
Add the anchovy paste, egg yolk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan. If needed, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time to thin the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the lettuce and croutons to a large bowl and gently toss with the dressing until coated. Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

CAESAR SALAD

Caesar Salad image

Nailing this misunderstood classic (no, we don't want grilled chicken) is all about restraint and, yes, anchovies.

Provided by Sue Li

Categories Salad Egg Garlic Lunch Parmesan Lettuce Anchovy Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

6 anchovy fillets packed in oil
1 small garlic clove
2 large egg yolks*
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread
3 romaine hearts
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

1. The Dressing
A great Caesar salad gets its swagger from a great dressing. Squeamish about raw egg yolks and anchovies? Sorry. Yolks are what give richness to the emulsion, while anchovies provide a briny blast (and that whole umami thing). Here's our go-to recipe: Chop together 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil, 1 small garlic clove, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use the side of a knife blade to mash into a paste, then scrape into a medium bowl. Whisk in 2 large egg yolks*, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Adding drop by drop to start, gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil, then 1/2 cup vegetable oil; whisk until dressing is thick and glossy. Whisk in 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Can be made 1 day ahead.
2. The Croutons
Make your own. Tearing, not cutting, the bread ensures nooks and crannies that catch the dressing and add texture. Toss 3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread with 3 tablespoons olive oil on a baking sheet; season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake at 375°F, tossing occasionally, until golden, 10-15 minutes.
3. The Lettuce
Use whole leaves from 3 romaine hearts to feed 6 people. They provide the ideal mix of crispness, surface area, and structure.
4. The Cheese
Caesars crowned with a mound of grated Parmesan may look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese mutes the dressing. Instead, use a vegetable peeler to thinly shave a modest amount on top for little salty bursts.
5. The Assembly
Skip the tongs. Use your hands to gently toss the lettuce, croutons, and dressing, then top off with the shaved Parm.