Caesar Salad

Delicious Caesar Salad: A Classic Recipe with a Twist

Before we dive into cooking, let’s take a moment to explore the history of this iconic salad. The Caesar salad was created in the 1920s and quickly gained popularity due to its savory combination of ingredients. This recipe blends the crunchy texture of the lettuce with the intense flavors of the dressing and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for lunches, dinners, or even parties. Let’s put on our aprons and embark on the adventure of making this divine salad!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 large lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- 4 slices of white bread
- 500 g chicken breast (grilled)
- 50 g Parmigiano Reggiano (or Parmesan cheese)
- For the dressing:
- 1/2 clove of garlic (optional)
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- 2 eggs (boiled)
- 1 teaspoon of honey vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the grill: Start by heating the grill well. Make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken breast to achieve a nice, juicy crust.

2. Preparing the chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill it for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Once the chicken is ready, let it cool slightly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Preparing the lettuce: Wash the lettuce well under cold running water and shake it to remove excess water. Tear the leaves into smaller pieces, perfect for serving.

4. Croutons: Cut the crust off the slices of bread and dice them. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and fry the croutons for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Add 30 g of grated Parmigiano for extra flavor and let them cool.

5. Preparing the dressing: Boil the eggs for 2-3 minutes, so the whites are set and the yolks remain soft. Place the eggs in a bowl of cold water for easier peeling. After peeling, add the yolks to a food processor. Add the mustard, lemon juice, 20 g of grated Parmigiano, 6 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using). Blend everything until you achieve a creamy emulsion.

6. Assembling the salad: On a large platter, place the torn lettuce, add the chicken pieces, croutons, and generously pour the dressing over the top. Grate the remaining Parmigiano on top according to preference.

Serving suggestions:

This Caesar salad can be served simply, but for an extra texture and flavor, you can add some slices of avocado or halved cherry tomatoes. It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a fresh lemon cocktail.

Helpful tips:

- Variations: You can replace the chicken breast with grilled shrimp or salmon for a unique twist.
- Dressing: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt instead of olive oil, while still keeping it delicious.
- Garlic: If you’re a fan of garlic flavor, you can add more or use roasted garlic for a sweeter aroma.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of lettuce? Yes, you can experiment with different types of lettuce, but romaine is classic due to its crunchy texture.
- What can I do with leftover dressing? The dressing can be stored in the fridge for a few days and used on other salads or even as a dip for vegetables.
- What are the nutritional benefits of this salad? The Caesar salad offers protein from the chicken breast, calcium from Parmigiano, and a variety of vitamins from the lettuce, making it a nourishing and satisfying option.

Enjoy every bite of this Caesar salad, created with love and passion for cooking! This simple and quick recipe is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones, bringing joy to every meal. Bon appétit!