Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce (chopped into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 cup croutons (preferably homemade)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

For the Dressing:

  • 2-3 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dressing:
    • Mash the anchovies and garlic into a paste in a bowl (or use anchovy paste).
    • Whisk in the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
    • Slowly add olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing is thick and emulsified.
    • Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large salad bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.
    • Add the croutons and half the Parmesan cheese. Toss again.
  3. Serve:
    • Divide the salad into portions, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and serve immediately with more freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce (chopped)
  • 1 cup croutons
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shaved or grated)

For the Dressing:

  • 2-3 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
    • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
  2. Make the Dressing:
    • Mash the anchovies and garlic into a paste.
    • Whisk in the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
    • Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and thick.
    • Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Assemble the Salad:
    • Toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing in a large bowl.
    • Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese, tossing lightly.
  4. Serve:
    • Divide the salad into portions and top each with sliced grilled chicken.
    • Garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper, and serve immediately.