Don’t let the name fool you! This is an American salad, not an Italian one. Our recipe has three parts, but they each contribute to making an incredible salad. Plus, making the dressing can be done ahead of time, as can toasting the bread crumbs. And you’ll likely love the bread crumbs so much, you’ll want to double the recipe and use them in other salads instead of croutons! (This recipe makes more dressing than you’ll need, so refrigerate the rest. If it solidifies, let it stand at room temperature until it warms up a bit before adding it to the greens, about 1⁄2 hour.)
kitchen gear
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife (adult needed)
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Measuring spoons
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Measuring cup
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Blender (adult needed) or lidded jar
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Small skillet
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Heatproof spatula
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Grater
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Large bowl
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Salad tongs or spoons for tossing
Ingredients
- **For the Creamy Caesar Dressing**
- 2 anchovy filets (finely chopped, if not using a blender) or 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced (or 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- **For the Toasted Panko Bread Crumbs**
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1⁄2 cup whole-wheat panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- **For the salad**
- 1 large (or 2 small) head romaine lettuce, core and outer leaves removed, remaining leaves torn, chopped, or shredded
- 1⁄4 cup Creamy Caesar Dressing
- 1⁄2 cup Toasted Panko Bread Crumbs, cooled
Instructions
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Put all the dressing ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth or put all the dressing ingredients in the jar, screw the lid on tightly, and shake until blended. Use right away or cover and refrigerate up to 1 week.
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Put the skillet on the stove, add the oil, panko, and salt and mix well. Turn the heat to low and cook, stirring from time to time, until golden, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
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Put the lettuce in the bowl and add 3-4 tablespoons dressing and toss until the leaves are evenly covered. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs. Serve right away.
Notes
Panko is a type of flaky bread crumb that can be used as a crunchy topping or coating. If you don’t have panko, grind one slice of whole-wheat bread into crumbs in the blender, and toast the crumbs in a skillet with 2 teaspoons of oil until crisp.
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Instead of or in addition to romaine lettuce, add spinach, kale, or any other leafy green you like.
