Skip to main content

Caesar Salad

  • Active Time

    20 minutes

  • Total Time

    20 minutes

Though modern spins on this recipe classic often contain anchovies or anchovy paste, the original did not. Its delicate anchovy flavor came from Worcestershire sauce.

To ensure that things move smoothly, have all ingredients measured and ready to go at the outset.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

1 large garlic clove, smashed and skin removed
1 1/2 (7-ounce) packages whole romaine heart leaves, broken into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces, washed, and spun dry (about 10 cups broken romaine leaves)
1 cup toasted croutons,homemadeor store-bought
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 large egg, preferably pasteurized (see Cooks' notes)
1/2 cup deeply fruity extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, or to taste
2 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Special Equipment

Large wooden salad bowl; pushpin
  1. Step 1

    Rub the bottom and sides of a very large wooden salad bowl well with garlic; discard garlic.

    Step 2

    Add romaine, croutons, and Parmigiano-Reggiano to bowl and toss lightly.

    Step 3

    Bring a small saucepan of water to a simmer over moderate heat, pierce the large end of the egg with a pushpin, then ease the egg into the simmering water. As soon as water returns to a simmer, coddle (simmer) the egg 1 minute exactly. Remove the egg to a small ramekin or bowl with a slotted spoon and set aside.

    Step 4

    Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad greens but do not toss.

    Step 5

    Whisk together the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a small liquid measure. Drizzle over the salad and toss lightly.

    Step 6

    Break the coddled egg into the salad and again toss lightly.

    Step 7

    Taste the salad for lemon juice, salt, and pepper and adjust as needed.

    Step 8

    Set the salad bowl on the dining table and serve as a first course. It's the California way.

Cooks' notes:

To get a head start, I prep the romaine well ahead of time and layer the leaves between double sheets of paper toweling in a jumbo resealable plastic bag. Stored in the refrigerator, the greens remain crisp and fresh for at least 2 days.

为什么巴氏杀菌鸡蛋?因为沙门氏菌仍是一个n ongoing problem. Many supermarkets now sell pasteurized eggs and the boxes are clearly labeled (I use the Davidson's brand). If pasteurized eggs are unavailable, choose farmers' market eggs or others from a local source you know and trust.

Read More
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
A twist on the classic, this Caesar pops with the addition of chile-powder-and-Cotija-crusted croutons, crumbled queso fresco, and creamy avocado.
Caesar Salad
Our best Caesar salad recipe is classic version with a zesty homemade dressing and crunchy garlic croutons.
Anchoïade
Serve this zippy anchovy-forward vinaigrette with crudités or ribbons of raw root vegetables.
Halal Cart Chicken Salad
This flavorful dinner salad—inspired by the street food favorite—is made super speedy with the addition of store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Chili Crisp Panzanella
Take panzanella up a notch by mixing chili crisp into golden-brown bread cubes to add the right amount of heat and savory notes to this refreshing salad.
Fig and Mustard Baby Back Ribs
These spicy-sweet ribs are ideal for fuss-free grilling as they can be cooked directly on the grill, with no need to bake or steam them first.
Blistered Asparagus With Labneh and Harissa
This just-charred-enough asparagus begs to be dragged through a swoosh of cool, creamy labneh mixed with bright, fiery harissa.
Blistered Brassicas With Tamari Caesar
Seared broccoli rabe and broccolini get dressed in a dairy-free, umami-jacked dressing and topped with crisp and nutty cornbread.