Caesar salad

Contrary to myths, this salad wasn't created by Julius Caesar, but Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini in Mexico, 1924. The original recipe is about emulsion: the creaminess of the dressing coating the crisp Romaine lettuce leaves. A true texture play: crisp leaf, creamy dressing, crunchy crouton, juicy meat.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 450 kcal
🌍 Cuisine International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Frying pan (for meat)
  • Large salad bowl
  • Whisk (if mixing dressing yourself)
  • Knife

Allergen Information

⚠️ Cereals containing gluten
⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Eggs (in dressing)
⚠️ Fish (if dressing contains anchovy)

Instructions

1

Slice the chicken breast, salt and pepper. Fry in a hot pan in 1 tbsp oil until golden brown on both sides, then rest before cutting.

Tip: Resting allows juices to redistribute among fibres, keeping the meat juicy.
2

Toast the bread cubes in the remaining oil in a pan until crispy.

Tip: You can flavour croutons with garlic too, but only add at the end so it doesn't burn.
3

Wash the salad, and spin or shake completely dry. Tear into bite-sized pieces.

Tip: Dressing slides off wet salad and dilutes the flavours.
4

In a large bowl toss the leaves with the dressing. Ensure every leaf is coated.

Tip: Tossing by hand is gentlest and most effective.
5

Serve topped with the chicken, croutons and parmesan shavings.

Tip: To be consumed immediately!

Recipe FAQ

Why did the salad go soft?
You mixed it with the dressing too early. The salt and acidic medium eat into the leaves. Only mix before serving!
Can I use iceberg lettuce?
Although possible, the soul of Caesar is the slightly bitter taste and structure of Romaine lettuce.

Ingredients

  • 2 heads Romaine lettuce (Cos)
  • 400 g chicken breast fillet
  • 100 g diced bread (for croutons)
  • 50 g shaved parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 150 ml good quality Caesar dressing