Sassy Salads

Caesar Salad

Caesar salad, a classic in the culinary world, traces its roots back to Tijuana, Mexico, rather than ancient Rome. In the 1920s, Caesar Cardini, an Italian American restaurateur, created the iconic dish at his eatery in Tijuana during a Fourth of July rush. With a shortage of ingredients, Cardini improvised a salad using romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, boiled eggs, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. The salad was tossed tableside for added flair.

The simplicity and bold flavours of the Caesar salad quickly gained popularity and spread across North America. Over time, variations emerged, with additions like anchovies and grilled chicken becoming common. Today, the Caesar salad remains a timeless favourite, celebrated for its crisp textures and zesty dressing, a testament to the ingenuity of its accidental creator.

Recipe: Classic Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup croutons
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Anchovy fillets (optional, for dressing)
• Grilled chicken (optional)

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce and croutons.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice. If desired, add finely chopped anchovy fillets for an authentic Caesar dressing flavour.

3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Pour the dressing over the lettuce and croutons. Toss the salad until evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss again.

6. If desired, add grilled chicken slices for a protein boost.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy this timeless Caesar salad with its crisp greens and flavourful dressing.

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