Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Sourdough Croutons

The Caesar salad is one of the most beloved salads worldwide, known for its rich dressing, crunchy croutons, and fresh romaine lettuce. But while store-bought versions of Caesar salad are common, there’s something truly special about making it from scratch. When you craft your own croutons and dressing, the flavors are fresher and more vibrant. This recipe combines the classic Caesar with a twist: homemade sourdough croutons and grilled chicken, giving the salad an extra boost of flavor and heartiness. Whether you’re serving this as a main dish or as a side, it’s a great choice for those who enjoy a savory, satisfying salad without the use of pork, bacon, or ham. Let’s dive into the steps of making this delicious, restaurant-quality Caesar salad at home!

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Homemade Croutons

• 1 loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Caesar Dressing

• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 to 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ½ cup olive oil (light tasting or extra virgin)
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 2 large heads of romaine lettuce, rinsed and dried
• ⅓ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Grilled chicken breast or beef strips, sliced thinly

Preparation Notes

• For the croutons, using day-old sourdough bread gives the croutons a sturdier texture.
• You can substitute the raw egg in the dressing with pasteurized egg yolk or mayonnaise if concerned about food safety.
• Freshly grated Parmesan delivers a more authentic flavor than pre-shredded Parmesan, which can be drier.
• Make sure the romaine lettuce is completely dried before tossing to avoid watery dressing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Croutons

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the sourdough cubes in a large bowl.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the bread cubes, and toss to coat them thoroughly.
5. Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
7. Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and well-combined.
2. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to create an emulsion (a smooth, creamy mixture).
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Taste the dressing and add salt and black pepper as needed.
5. If you’re not using the dressing immediately, cover it and refrigerate it. It will keep for a few days in the fridge.

Step 3: Prep the Romaine Lettuce

1. Remove the outer leaves of the romaine lettuce and cut off the bottom end of each head.
2. Slice the romaine heads lengthwise, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Rinse the lettuce thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris.
4. Use a salad spinner to dry the lettuce thoroughly. If you don’t have a spinner, pat the lettuce dry with paper towels.
5. Place the lettuce in the fridge to chill for extra crispiness.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Place the chilled romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl.
2. Drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing over the lettuce, tossing gently to coat each piece.
3. Add the cooled, crispy croutons and sprinkle with shaved or grated Parmesan cheese.
4. For extra protein, add grilled chicken breast or sliced beef strips on top of the salad.
5. Toss everything together lightly, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.
6. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and crunch.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Make-ahead croutons: You can make the croutons ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They are great to have on hand for soups, salads, or even snacking.
• Toss gently: When mixing the salad, be gentle with the lettuce to keep it from wilting or tearing. Use tongs or your hands for more control.
• Egg yolk alternatives: If you’re not comfortable using raw egg yolks, you can substitute with mayonnaise for a similar creamy texture.
• Worcestershire sauce substitute: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, use soy sauce with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
• Avoid soggy croutons: Always let the croutons cool completely before adding them to the salad, as warm croutons can soften the lettuce.
• Customizing the dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or lemon juice in the dressing according to your taste preferences. Some may prefer a stronger garlic flavor, while others might enjoy a milder, tangier version.

Serving Suggestions

• Main Course: Serve this Caesar salad with grilled chicken breast for a fulfilling meal. Chicken thighs or even thin slices of beef also pair wonderfully with the Caesar flavors.
• Side Salad: This salad is a great side dish for pasta dishes, grilled meats, or seafood. Its freshness and crispness provide a delightful contrast to heavier main courses.
• Add-ons: For extra flavor, toss in some sliced avocado or roasted vegetables. The creaminess of the avocado complements the tangy dressing, while roasted vegetables add a nice depth of flavor.
• For a lighter version: If you’re looking to lighten up the salad, you can swap out the dressing for a yogurt-based dressing or a vinaigrette. You can also use a low-fat cheese to reduce calories.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the croutons separately in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. The salad will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days, but it’s best enjoyed immediately to retain its fresh texture.

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Engagement Features

• Have you ever made homemade croutons before? What types of bread do you prefer for croutons—sourdough, baguette, or another variety?
• Do you like your Caesar salad with extra protein, like grilled chicken, or do you keep it vegetarian? Share your favorite variations with us!
• If you try this recipe with a different dressing (perhaps a creamy ranch or balsamic vinaigrette), let us know how it turns out. We’d love to hear your ideas!
• How do you usually store leftover Caesar salad? Share your tips for keeping it fresh longer!
• Don’t forget to share your salad creations with us! Post a picture and tag us—let’s see how you made this Caesar salad your own.