Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing and Sourdough Herb Croutons

After making Parmesan Chicken with Caesar Roasted Romaine last week, I had some leftover anchovies. I am not one to waste food, especially food as delicious as anchovies! Nick went with the theme and suggested I try making homemade Caesar salad. Done!

I was a little creeped out by the raw egg yolk in the dressing, but, who am I kidding. If salmonella were a serious threat, I’ve eaten enough raw eggs in the form of cookie dough and cake batter to kill myself several times over. I figured if I’m not worried when I’m stuffing my face with chocolate and sugar, why be worried now?

Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing and Sourdough Herb Croutons

(adapted from Food Network and Our Best Bites)

serves 2 (as main dish) or 4 (as side)

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan
• Anchovy fillets (optional)

for the croutons

• 2 cups sourdough bread cubes
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan

for the dressing

• 1 egg yolk
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 anchovy fillets, mashed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste

To make the croutons:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl combine salt, onion, garlic, oregano, and parsley and set aside. Melt butter in the microwave until completely melted and then combine it with the olive oil. Place bread cubes in a large bowl and drizzle the butter mixture evenly over them. Toss to coat bread cubes evenly. Sprinkle the herb mixture over the bread cubes, and toss again to coat. Spread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Bake for 10-20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until golden brown.

Remove from oven and cool completely.

To make the dressing:

Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously. This works 10 times better than a whisk, but if you want to be old school, whisk everything together.

To make the salad:

Toss the lettuce, cheese, and desired amount of dressing together.

Divide the salad into bowls and top with croutons and extra anchovies!

The salad was delicious (especially the croutons, which I could NOT stop eating), and guess what? I even lived to blog about it! This would be great as a dinner topped with some grilled chicken or shrimp. We had ours as a side to some mooseburgers!