Description
A deliciously creamy Caesar salad topped with golden garlic panko bread crumbs for added crunch and flavor. This recipe features a homemade Caesar dressing made with garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, combined with romaine lettuce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a classic and satisfying salad experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Caesar Dressing
- 1 clove garlic (pressed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Garlic Panko Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salad
- 4 hearts of romaine lettuce
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Caesar dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the pressed garlic and lemon juice. Whisk in the mayonnaise, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the garlic panko topping: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, melt the butter and add the panko bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring regularly, until the bread crumbs turn golden brown. Remove immediately from heat to prevent overcooking and transfer the toasted panko to a bowl to cool.
- Assemble the salad: Chop the romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the chilled Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss to coat evenly. Top the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the cooled garlic panko bread crumbs. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- The garlic panko topping can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a day or two to save time.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce to taste for a more tangy or savory flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caesar salad, creamy dressing, garlic panko, romaine lettuce, homemade dressing, Parmesan cheese, easy salad recipe
