A classic and savory Caesar salad prepared in minutes with a homemade creamy vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or an elegant side dish, it combines the freshness of romaine lettuce with the intense flavors of anchovies and cheese.
⏱️15 min
📊Easy
👥2 servings
🍽️Starter
quickbudget-friendlyfamily
Ingredients
1 piedromaine lettuce
50 gparmesan
4 filetsanchovies in oil
100 mlmayonnaise
1 cuillère à soupefresh lemon juice
1 cuillère à caféDijon mustard
1 goussegarlic
1 cuillère à soupeolive oil
1 pincéesalt and pepper
Instructions
1PREPARE THE VINAIGRETTE: In a salad bowl, finely mince the garlic clove or press it directly above. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Gently crush the anchovies with a fork and progressively incorporate them into the mixture, creating a homogeneous paste that imparts the characteristic flavor to the dressing. Mix vigorously until you achieve a smooth and creamy vinaigrette. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
2WASH AND CUT THE LETTUCE: Gently rinse the romaine under cold water to preserve its crispness. Drain thoroughly and dry it in a clean cloth or salad spinner, as excess moisture would dilute the vinaigrette. Detach the leaves and cut them into medium-sized pieces, approximately 5 to 7 centimeters, to facilitate eating while maintaining an attractive presentation.
3ASSEMBLE THE SALAD: Place the cut lettuce in a large salad bowl. Gently pour the vinaigrette over the leaves and toss with care, lifting the leaves with two spoons or salad servers, ensuring each leaf is evenly coated with dressing without being crushed. Avoid over-handling to preserve the crisp texture of the romaine.
4ADD THE PARMESAN: Using a vegetable peeler or a fine-bladed knife, generously shave the parmesan into shards over the salad just before serving. The thick shavings provide an elegant texture and melt pleasantly on the palate. Avoid preparing this step too early, as the cheese could absorb moisture and lose flavor.
5PLATE AND SERVE: Divide the salad among chilled individual plates, ensuring the leaves and parmesan shards are well distributed. Serve immediately while the lettuce maintains its freshness and crispness. Optionally accompany with homemade croutons for added character and texture.