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Crispy Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Garlic Croutons and Parmesan Crisps

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A flavorful Caesar salad featuring crunchy romaine, homemade garlic croutons, and crispy Parmesan crisps, tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for quick meals or potlucks, this salad balances texture and taste beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large hearts romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping and crisps)
  • 3 cups cubed day-old French or Italian bread
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for Parmesan crisps)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) of grated Parmesan cheese spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool completely on the sheet before removing.
  2. While the crisps bake, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add bread cubes and toss well to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, until bread is toasted and golden all over, about 6-8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and stir in chopped parsley if using. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and anchovy paste (if using). Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust lemon or mustard for tanginess if desired.
  4. Chop romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl. Ensure lettuce is well-drained to prevent sogginess.
  5. Drizzle dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat evenly. Add garlic croutons and half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly again.
  6. Plate the salad, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and garnish with the Parmesan crisps.

Notes

Use day-old bread for croutons for best texture. Watch Parmesan crisps closely to avoid burning. Dress salad just before serving to keep it crisp. For vegan version, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt, skip anchovy paste, and substitute Parmesan crisps with toasted nuts or seeds. Gluten-free bread or almond flour crisps can be used for gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, garlic croutons, Parmesan crisps, easy salad, crunchy salad, homemade dressing, quick salad recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/crispy-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-garlic-croutons-and-parmesan-crisps/