Imagine a salad so irresistible that it transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece. Our Chopped Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons is not just a side dish—it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance! Forget bland, store-bought salads; this recipe brings restaurant-quality freshness and crunch right to your dining table, with a secret weapon: crispy, golden homemade croutons that elevate every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup homemade croutons
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the homemade croutons. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take 2-3 slices of day-old bread (such as French or Italian) and cut them into 1-inch cubes. You can also use store-bought bread cubes if you prefer.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning.
- While the croutons are baking, prepare the salad. Rinse and dry the head of romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Once the croutons are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Add the homemade croutons to the bowl with the chopped romaine lettuce.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the lettuce and croutons.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing with 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing mixture over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the lettuce and croutons are well-coated.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Serve the Chopped Caesar Salad immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for croutons to ensure maximum crispiness
- Toast croutons at 375°F and stir midway for even golden browning
- Pat lettuce completely dry to prevent a soggy salad
- Toss dressing gently to coat ingredients without bruising the lettuce
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the perfect texture
- For extra flavor, try adding grilled chicken or crispy bacon
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for the most vibrant taste
- Adjust Worcestershire sauce to your preferred level of tanginess
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
