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Caesar Salad

A crisp romaine salad tossed in a rich egg-and-lemon emulsion with garlic, Worcestershire and Parmigiano, finished with golden croutons. The homemade dressing makes it far brighter and sharper than any bottled version.

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Nonna Maria
Nonna Maria's Tips

Caesar salad is a crisp romaine and crouton salad with a rich egg, lemon, garlic and Parmigiano dressing created by Italian-born chef Cesare Cardini.

  • Use only crisp romaine lettuce and tear the leaves by hand, avoiding mixed salad greens to preserve the texture and flavor profile that Italian sources link to the original Caesar salad.

  • Prepare the dressing as an egg-based emulsion with lemon, garlic-infused olive oil, Worcestershire and Parmigiano, rather than using mayonnaise or bottled sauces, to stay close to the traditional method respected in Italy.

Avoid

  • Calling Caesar salad a typical Italian regional dish; Italian writers stress that it is linked to an Italian emigrant but is not part of classical regional cuisine

  • Using bottled or powdered dressings instead of preparing the egg and lemon emulsion at home

Ingredients

0/11 gathered
Serves 4

2 whole romaine lettuce

5 oz bread

1 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano

1 whole egg yolk

1 clove garlic

½ oz lemon juice

¼ oz Dijon mustard

¼ oz Worcestershire sauce

2 oz extra-virgin olive oil

salt

black pepper

Preparation

0/4 steps
1
Toss cubed bread with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then bake at 392°F for about 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
2
Whisk egg yolk, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, then stream in olive oil slowly to emulsify (about 2 minutes). Stir in Parmigiano and season.
3
Add torn romaine to a large bowl, pour over the dressing and toss well so every leaf is coated.
4
Top with croutons and extra shaved Parmigiano, then serve immediately.