The Caesar salad is a timeless classic—crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together. Inspired by the What’s Gaby Cooking (WGC) style, this version balances tradition with freshness and a touch of modern flair. It’s bold yet light, indulgent yet crisp, making it a favorite for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish to almost any entrée. The WGC Caesar Salad Recipe combines crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and bold flavors.
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Ingredients
- For the Dressing:
1 egg yolk (or 1 tablespoon mayonnaise if avoiding raw egg);
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard;
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce;
3 anchovy fillets (or 1 tablespoon anchovy paste);
2 garlic cloves, minced;
Juice of 1 lemon;
½ cup extra virgin olive oil;
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese;
Salt and black pepper to taste. - For the Croutons:
3 cups rustic bread, cut into cubes;
3 tablespoons olive oil;
1 garlic clove, smashed;
Pinch of sea salt. - For the Salad:
2 large romaine hearts, chopped;
Extra shaved Parmesan, for garnish;
Freshly ground black pepper.
Step 1: Prepare the Croutons
Start by making homemade croutons. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crunchy. Homemade croutons elevate the salad far beyond store-bought versions, adding texture and warmth.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine egg yolk, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil to create a creamy emulsion. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. The result is a luxuriously rich dressing with layers of tang, umami, and creaminess.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Place chopped romaine in a large bowl. Add half the dressing and toss well to coat the leaves lightly but evenly. Add croutons and extra Parmesan shavings. Drizzle with more dressing as needed and finish with freshly ground black pepper. The key is balance—coating the lettuce without overwhelming its natural crispness.
Tips and Variations
- Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to turn it into a hearty main course.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit anchovies and replace them with capers or miso paste for a similar umami punch.
- Make Ahead: The dressing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh.
- Crunch Factor: Add roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for an extra layer of crunch.
Why It Works
The WGC Caesar salad hits every note: salty, tangy, garlicky, crunchy, and fresh. The dressing is bold without being heavy, while the croutons provide irresistible texture. Parmesan shavings bring nutty richness, and romaine delivers crispness in every bite. Together, these elements make it satisfying yet versatile—perfect on its own or as a companion to pasta, steak, or seafood.
Final Insight
This Caesar salad embodies what makes the WGC approach beloved—simple techniques, fresh ingredients, and a touch of sophistication. Whether served as a starter for guests or enjoyed casually at home, it transforms an everyday salad into something memorable. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never look at a store-bought Caesar the same way again.