Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of Romaine lettuce (chopped)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup croutons

• 1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for extra tang)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for added flavor)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 4 anchovy fillets (optional)

• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan (for garnish)

For Homemade Caesar Dressing (optional):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 4 anchovy fillets (finely chopped)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the Lettuce:

   • Wash and dry the Romaine lettuce thoroughly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.

   • Place the chopped lettuce in a large mixing bowl.

2. Make the Dressing (if using homemade):

   • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy fillets, and grated Parmesan cheese.

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   • If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a bit of water until it reaches the desired consistency.

3. Prepare the Salad:

   • Drizzle the Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade) over the chopped lettuce.

   • Add the lemon juice and Dijon mustard if desired for an extra tangy flavor.

   • Toss the lettuce gently to evenly coat with the dressing.

4. Add the Toppings:

   • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons over the salad.

   • For added flavor, mince the garlic and anchovy fillets, then sauté them lightly in olive oil for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Drizzle this mixture over the salad.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

   • Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese on top.

   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Optional Additions:

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon can be added to turn the salad into a complete meal.

This Caesar Salad recipe is classic, with a creamy dressing and crunchy toppings that bring all the flavors together!