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Caesar Salad with Grana Padano: Perfectly Crafted & Delicious
Description
Caesar Salad with Grana Padano: A Gourmet Salad Experience
The Caesar Salad is one of the most beloved salads in the world, renowned for its crisp greens, creamy dressing, and delightful crunch. Traditionally made with Parmesan cheese, this recipe takes a modern approach by replacing it with Grana Padano, a slightly milder, nutty, and creamy Italian cheese that brings a unique depth of flavor to the dish.
The base of this salad is fresh, crisp romaine lettuce—a perfect leafy green that holds up well to the creamy dressing. Grana Padano cheese, finely grated, is incorporated into both the dressing and sprinkled over the top, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying. The addition of croutons adds a wonderful crunch, making the texture of the salad incredibly satisfying with each mouthful. These homemade croutons, baked until golden and crispy, infuse the salad with an irresistible toasty flavor.
The dressing itself is the heart of a Caesar Salad, made with ingredients like egg (or mayonnaise for an eggless version), Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. These combine to create a creamy, tangy, and savory sauce that perfectly complements the fresh greens and Grana Padano cheese. With the rich flavor of the cheese and the zestiness of the lemon and garlic, this salad is both refreshing and indulgent.
Whether served as a side or a main course, this Classic Caesar Salad with Grana Padano is a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, dinner parties, or even as a light lunch. This recipe brings a delicious twist to the classic Caesar, with a rich, creamy texture and balanced flavors, making it a standout dish at any meal. Plus, the nutritional benefits—like protein, fiber, and healthy fats—make it a satisfying and wholesome choice.
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Ingredients
For the Salad:
For the Dressing:
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Slowly add the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Stir in the grated Grana Padano cheese and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and half of the grated Grana Padano cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining Grana Padano on top before serving.
Serve:
- Serve immediately as a side dish or as a light main course.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- To make your croutons, cube some day-old bread, toss them with olive oil and a pinch of salt, and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until crispy.
- For extra flavor, add some anchovy paste or finely chopped anchovies to the dressing (optional).
- If you prefer a richer dressing, you can use 1/3 cup of mayonnaise in place of the egg.
FAQ
1. Can I use Parmesan instead of Grana Padano?
Yes, you can use Parmesan cheese if you prefer. Grana Padano is a milder and creamier alternative to Parmesan, but the salad will still taste great with Parmesan.
2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a good stir before using.
3. Can I make the croutons without baking them?
While baking is the most common method for making crispy croutons, you can also sauté the bread cubes in olive oil in a pan until crispy, but baking provides a more even crispiness.
4. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Caesar Salad with Grana Padano is vegetarian-friendly. If you're looking for a vegan version, you can substitute the egg in the dressing with vegan mayonnaise and skip the Grana Padano for a plant-based cheese.
5. Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, you can make the salad gluten-free by using gluten-free croutons or simply skipping the croutons if you're looking to avoid gluten altogether.
6. What can I add to make this salad a full meal?
To make the salad more substantial, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for extra protein. You could also toss in some roasted vegetables for added flavor.
7. Can I use bottled Caesar dressing?
While homemade dressing offers the best flavor, you can use bottled Caesar dressing in a pinch. However, the flavor might not be as rich and fresh as the one made from scratch.
8. How can I store leftover salad?
It's best to store the salad without the dressing, as it can wilt the lettuce. Keep the dressing in a separate container and refrigerate both parts. The lettuce will stay fresh for a day or two, but the croutons will lose their crispiness.
9. How long will the croutons stay fresh?
Homemade croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. To revive their crispiness, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
10. Can I make this salad without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg in the dressing with mayonnaise for an eggless version. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought vegan dressing if you prefer not to include any eggs.
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Nour Nouri
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