Are you ready to transform an ordinary Caesar salad into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for your recipe? Get ready to elevate your salad game with this mouthwatering Creamy Caesar Salad featuring irresistibly spicy croutons that add a kick of heat and crunch to every single bite. This isn't just another salad - it's a flavor explosion that will revolutionize how you think about classic Italian-inspired dishes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the romaine lettuce under cold water, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Allow it to drain in a colander or pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing. Toss gently until all the leaves are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the salad. Toss again to ensure the cheese is distributed throughout the salad.
- Now, it's time to prepare the spicy croutons. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a separate bowl, combine the croutons, olive oil, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the croutons are evenly coated with the oil and spice.
- Spread the seasoned croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once the croutons are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- To serve, divide the dressed Caesar salad among four plates. Top each serving with a generous handful of the spicy croutons.
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your creamy Caesar salad with spicy croutons!
Tips
- Always use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce and dry it thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
- For maximum flavor, let the croutons cool slightly after baking to maintain their crispy texture.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your spice tolerance - start with less and add more if needed.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for the best flavor profile.
- Prepare the spicy croutons just before serving to ensure they remain crunchy and warm.
- For a lighter version, you can use a homemade Caesar dressing with less oil.
- Serve immediately after assembling to preserve the salad's texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 167kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 28mg
