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Crispy Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Homemade Parmesan Crisps

crispy caesar salad - featured image

A quick and easy Caesar salad featuring fresh romaine, creamy tangy dressing, and homemade crispy Parmesan crisps for an unbeatable crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or Greek yogurt to lighten)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a small bowl, mix grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  3. Spoon small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the baking sheet, pressing down gently about 2-3 inches apart.
  4. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and bubbling. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Let Parmesan crisps cool completely on the sheet to crisp up.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and chopped anchovies.
  7. Season dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of water or olive oil if too thick. Chill dressing.
  8. Wash and dry romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
  9. If using, halve cherry tomatoes and add to the lettuce.
  10. Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly.
  11. Add shaved Parmesan cheese and toss lightly again.
  12. Transfer salad to serving plates or a large bowl.
  13. Top with crispy Parmesan crisps just before serving to maintain crunch.
  14. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and crisping. Watch crisps closely while baking to avoid burning. Prepare crisps and dressing ahead but toss salad just before serving to avoid soggy leaves. Anchovies can be omitted or replaced with soy sauce or caper brine for similar flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, Parmesan crisps, homemade salad, easy salad recipe, crispy salad, Caesar dressing, healthy salad