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Caesar Salad

This is not an Italian salad at all, and you would not find it in Italy. Nevertheless, it was very popular in Italian American restaurants in the 1960s and ’70s, and has made a strong comeback today. You can find it in any deli or fast-food locale, often topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey. With all its different renditions and toppings, it is a great salad if made well. This recipe will produce a delicious, tangy Caesar salad.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

2 cups 1/2-inch cubes of country bread
1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
Yolks from 2 large hard-boiled eggs
3 garlic cloves
4 anchovy fillets
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 heads (1 package) romaine hearts, cut into 1-inch pieces crosswise
1/2 cup grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Scatter the bread cubes on a baking sheet, and toast until crisp throughout, about 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

    Step 2

    Blend the vinegar, egg yolks, garlic, anchovies, and mustard in a mini–food processor. Process until the dressing is smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. With the processor running, slowly pour in the oil to make a smooth dressing. Season with the salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    Put the romaine and croutons in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with the dressing, toss well, sprinkle with the grated cheese, and toss again. Serve immediately.

Cover of the cookbook featuring the author with a table full of fresh herbs and vegetables.
Reprinted with permission from Lidia's Italy in America by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali. Copyright © 2011 by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
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