Combine garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, and Parmesan cheese in a blender or a small food processor and blend until smooth.Pro Tip: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to better suit your palate. Whether it's extra lemon for a tangier profile or more Parmesan for a cheesier note, this dressing is yours to play with. Taste the dressing and add a pinch of salt if you feel it is necessary.
Assemble the salad
In a medium-sized salad bowl, combine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Add the dressing and toss to combine.
Notes
Expert Tips
Use Fresh and Crisp Romaine Lettuce: Ensure your romaine lettuce is fresh and crisp. Look for heads of lettuce with vibrant green leaves and no signs of wilting. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly before assembling the salad to avoid excess moisture.
Balance the Dressing: Be mindful of the dressing-to-salad ratio. You want enough dressing to coat the lettuce leaves evenly, but not so much that it becomes overly heavy. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more gradually, tossing as you go, until you achieve the desired coating.
Use Quality Parmesan Cheese: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese ensures you get the best possible taste, texture, and quality from this essential ingredient. Freshly grated Parmesan has a superior flavor compared to pre-packaged, pre-grated cheese.
Add Grilled Protein: To turn your Caesar salad into a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or your preferred protein.
Experiment with Additional Ingredients: While the classic Caesar salad is wonderful on its own, don't be afraid to get creative with additional toppings. Cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, roasted nuts, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add interesting dimensions to the salad.