A timeless and iconic salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, homemade garlic croutons, and a rich, creamy dressing with a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and umami flavors.
Author:dalgado ramsy
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Salad
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup croutons
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (for dressing)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
Make Croutons: Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool.
Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together minced anchovies, garlic, egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Stir in grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, croutons, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
Serve: Transfer to plates or a serving platter. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and an extra grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit anchovies and add 1 tsp capers for a similar salty, umami flavor.
To ensure food safety, use pasteurized eggs if concerned about raw egg consumption.
Dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main course.