The Best Caesar Salad

A Timeless Classic from San Francisco’s Zuni Café

Imagine biting into a crisp, perfectly dressed leaf of romaine lettuce, topped with homemade golden croutons and a dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano. This is not just any Caesar salad—this is the best Caesar salad recipe, adapted from the iconic Zuni Café in San Francisco. Known for its impeccable flavors and simple, yet masterful preparation, this Caesar salad is the real deal. It’s all about fresh anchovies, homemade torn croutons (surprisingly easy!), and lots of cheese. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought Caesar dressing again.

this Recipe

Ingredients

For the Croutons:

• 4 to 5-ounce hunk of day-old crusty bread
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Generous pinch of salt

For the Salad:

• 2 to 3 heads of crisp, fresh romaine lettuce (about 1 pound)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup mild extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 anchovy filets, preferably salt-packed, chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (from about 3 cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 cold eggs
• Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 1/2 lemons)
• Torn croutons (from the recipe above)

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this Caesar salad recipe so special? The secret lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. The croutons are homemade and perfectly crispy, the dressing is rich and creamy thanks to the fresh eggs, and the anchovies add a depth of flavor that’s both savory and complex. Zuni Café’s recipe insists on using the best ingredients, and the result is a salad that’s balanced, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Croutons:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the Bread: Cut or tear your day-old bread into cubes.
3. Toss and Roast: Mix the bread cubes with olive oil and a generous pinch of salt. Spread them on a sheet pan and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. Let the croutons cool to room temperature.
   • Pro Tip: If your bread is fresh, it may need a few extra minutes in the oven to dry out.

Preparing the Salad:

1. Prep the Lettuce: Trim the outer leaves and stump from the romaine heads. Rinse and dry the whole leaves thoroughly.
   • Pro Tip: The lettuce leaves must be completely dry to avoid a soggy salad. Pat them dry, then roll them out on clean dish towels and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
2. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, anchovies, salt, and garlic. Add the eggs, 1/2 cup of cheese, and a generous teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper. Whisk in the lemon juice and taste for seasoning.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss the romaine leaves with most of the dressing until each leaf is thoroughly coated. Sprinkle in most of the remaining cheese, saving a few tablespoons for garnish. Add the croutons and toss again. If needed, add any remaining dressing.
4. Plate and Serve: Divide the dressed lettuce leaves onto salad plates, layering from large to small. Distribute the croutons evenly and finish with a dusting of grated cheese and a few twists of black pepper. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This Caesar salad is perfect on its own as a light meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a juicy steak. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, and some fresh, crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

This Caesar salad is not just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. The romaine lettuce provides a good dose of vitamins A and K, while the eggs and cheese contribute protein and calcium. Keep in mind that this recipe is indulgent, thanks to the olive oil and cheese, so enjoy it as a special treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought croutons? A: Absolutely, but making your own croutons elevates the salad to another level. Plus, it’s easy and worth the effort!

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good whisk before using.

Q: What if I don’t like anchovies? A: Anchovies are key to the authentic Caesar flavor, but if you’re not a fan, you can reduce the amount or omit them. However, keep in mind that the dressing may lack some of the depth and umami that anchovies provide.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Best Caesar Salad Recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:

• Easy Smash Burger Tacos
• Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich – A Fiery Southern Favorite
• Vegetarian Thai Green Curry Recipe

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this amazing Caesar salad recipe! Whether it becomes a regular in your weekly meal planning or a special occasion dish, I’m confident it will impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share any variations you made. Happy cooking!

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