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Easy Caesar Salad with Homemade Creamy Dressing

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A quick and easy Caesar salad featuring a creamy homemade dressing without raw eggs or anchovies, perfect for busy lunches or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, fresh and crisp, washed and chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • Homemade croutons (see recipe below)
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)
  • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
  • 3 cups cubed day-old baguette or crusty bread (for croutons)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for croutons)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 garlic clove minced (for croutons)
  • Pinch of salt (for croutons)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube day-old bread into 1-inch pieces. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder or minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Add anchovy paste if using. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Dressing should be creamy and pourable.
  3. Wash and dry romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop or tear into bite-sized pieces and fluff in a large salad bowl.
  4. Pour dressing over lettuce, reserving some for drizzling if desired. Toss gently to coat without bruising leaves.
  5. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan and homemade croutons. Toss lightly to combine.
  6. Plate the salad and garnish with extra Parmesan. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Dry lettuce thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Dressing can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Croutons are best fresh but keep well for 2 days in a sealed container. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute Parmesan, mayo, yogurt, and bread accordingly. Adjust garlic amount to taste. Slowly whisk olive oil into dressing to emulsify properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, homemade dressing, creamy dressing, easy salad, quick lunch, croutons, healthy salad

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-caesar-salad-with-homemade-creamy-dressing-recipe-for-perfect-lunch/