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Recipes

How to Make a Classic Caesar Salad From Scratch

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at CU Boulder chapter.

Do you ever just really want a Caesar salad from your favorite restaurant, but feel too lazy to get one, or just don’t want to spend extra cash on something you can make on your own? You’re in luck, because I’ve got your new go-to Caesar salad recipe when you’re craving something delicious. 

This recipe is simple, quick, and easily altered to fit your preference. If you’re anything like me, the hint of anchovy will make you turn green, but if you love it then add it to your bowl. It’s a healthy, tasty, zesty, and versatile salad, that everyone will love (and it’s also super affordable!). Here’s hot to make Caesar salad that will make you swear off the store-bought version forever.

Caesar Salad

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 12 minutesTotal time: 22 minutesServings:2 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Alex Caplin

    The first step is to make the croutons. Preheat oven to 350°F. Set up the bread slices on a baking sheet.

  2. Alex Caplin

    Drizzle both sides of bread with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and garlic powder (if you would like, you can use fresh garlic and rub the bread with that instead of powder).

  3. Helen Citrin

    Once the crouton slices are all seasoned and the oven is heated, bake for 12 minutes, and flip slices halfway or until golden brown. When done, set aside and let cool.

  4. Alex Caplin

    While the croutons are cooking, make the Caesar dressing. In a bowl, mix the garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, and anchovy paste (if using). Then add the mayo, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until it’s well mixed. If you would like, you can add capers and lemon zest. Taste and adjust to your liking if needed.

  5. Alex Caplin

    In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce, cherry or sun dried tomatoes, black olives, croutons, shredded Parmesan, and dressing.

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    Toss all together and top it off with Parmesan and protein if desired.

    #SpoonTip: For protein, put what your tastebuds crave: tofu, salmon, shrimp, chicken, chickpeas, etc.

Remember, you can replace the Caesar dressing, croutons, or protein with pre-made, store-bought items instead if you don’t want to make them all yourself.   

This Caesar salad is not only easy, but it’s healthy and affordable too. So invite your friends and family over and show them what you can do in the kitchen.

Helen Citrin

CU Boulder '20

Hello! Thank you for stopping by and checking out my work. My name is Helen and I graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder in May 2020. During my time in Boulder I studied communication (with a focus in rhetoric) and minored in anthropology and ethnic studies. While being in Colorado, my interest in food and writing evolved. I continue to love cooking, eating, trying new foods and recipes, and going out! More recently, I have become very interested in the power of food and how it heals our body. Thanks again for stopping by and I hope you enjoy my articles! Best,Helen