Caesar Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: Approximately 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup croutons
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Caesar Salad Dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to make the Caesar Salad Dressing. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
2. In a large salad bowl, add the torn romaine lettuce leaves.
3. Pour the desired amount of Caesar Salad Dressing over the lettuce and toss the salad to coat the leaves evenly.
4. Add the croutons to the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad just before serving.
6. Enjoy your delicious Caesar Salad!

History:

The Caesar Salad is a classic and iconic salad believed to have been invented by Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American chef and restaurateur, in the early 1920s. Caesar Cardini owned a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, where he catered to both American tourists and locals during the Prohibition era.

Legend has it that, on July 4, 1924, Caesar Cardini threw together a simple salad using ingredients he had on hand when a group of American visitors arrived at his restaurant. The salad's popularity grew, and soon it became a signature dish at Caesar's restaurant, where it was prepared tableside for the customers.

The original Caesar Salad dressing included raw egg yolks, but later variations replaced them with mayonnaise or emulsified oils for safety reasons. Today, the Caesar Salad remains a beloved and timeless classic enjoyed worldwide.

Interesting Facts:

- Caesar Salad Day is celebrated on July 4th in honor of the salad's creation by Caesar Cardini.

- The famous Caesar Salad is often served with grilled chicken or shrimp as a complete meal.

- The Caesar Salad is known for its umami flavor, which comes from ingredients such as anchovies and Parmesan cheese.