Introduction: What Makes the Original Caesar Salad Special

The Original Caesar Salad is more than a dish; it’s a culinary experience that has stood the test of time. Created in the early 1920s, it has transcended borders to become one of the most iconic salads in the world. Its charm lies in its simplicity—whole romaine leaves, a creamy dressing made with coddled eggs, and the perfect balance of flavours from Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil.

Unlike modern Caesar salads loaded with extras like grilled chicken or bacon, the original recipe is pure and elegant. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and masterful preparation. This guide will walk you through every step to recreate the magic of the Original Caesar Salad at home, just as it was meant to be enjoyed.

The Brief History of Caesar Salad

The Caesar Salad was first created in Tijuana, Mexico, by Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant and restaurateur. Legend has it that the salad was born out of necessity when Cardini ran out of kitchen supplies during a busy weekend. Using the ingredients he had on hand, he whipped up what would become a culinary masterpiece.

Interestingly, early recipes used lime juice instead of lemon, as limes were more readily available in Mexico. The original dressing also relied on Worcestershire sauce for umami, with no anchovies directly added. Some stories credit Caesar’s brother, Alex Cardini, for naming it the “Aviator Salad,” but it’s Caesar’s name that lives on today.

Today, the spectacle of preparing the salad tableside endures at Caesar’s Restaurant in Tijuana. For more tips on perfecting traditional recipes, visit this guide on discovering culinary classics.

Ingredients for the Original Caesar Salad

To recreate the original Caesar Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Romaine Lettuce: Use whole, crisp leaves for an authentic touch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the dressing and garnish.
• Baguette: Thinly sliced and toasted to make crostini.
• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing and crostini.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or grated for bold flavour.
• Egg Yolk: Coddled or pasteurized to ensure safety.
• Lime Juice: The original recipe used lime instead of lemon.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang to the dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami depth.

These simple yet high-quality ingredients are the key to an unforgettable Caesar Salad.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Crostini: The Perfect Crunch

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Slice a baguette into thin pieces and arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

These crostini offer a delightful crunch, similar to the texture of classic recipes like the ones used in other authentic dishes.

Lettuce: Choosing and Preparing the Base

1. Use fresh romaine lettuce heads and separate them into whole leaves.
2. Soak the leaves in a bowl of cold water to remove dirt and keep them crisp.
3. Pat dry with a clean towel and refrigerate until ready to use.

Egg Yolk: The Key to Authenticity

1. To coddle the egg, place it in boiling water for 2 minutes.
2. Transfer the egg to an ice bath to stop cooking.
3. Crack it open and scoop out the yolk for the dressing.

How to Make Original Caesar Dressing

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic, lime juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Add the coddled egg yolk and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify.
4. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese to achieve the dressing’s signature texture.

Tossing and Plating for Presentation

1. Add the romaine leaves to the bowl with the dressing.
2. Toss gently using clean hands or wooden tongs to coat the leaves evenly.
3. Arrange the leaves on individual plates, stacking them neatly for an elegant presentation.
4. Top with a crostini, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Do Not Forget These Caesar Salad Essentials

• Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavour.
• Handle raw eggs with care by coddling or pasteurizing them.
• Serve the salad immediately after tossing it to maintain its texture and taste.

Expert Recipe Tips for the Perfect Caesar Salad

Serving Suggestions

Serve the salad as a standalone appetizer or pair it with grilled proteins like steak, chicken, or shrimp for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

Wash and dry the romaine leaves ahead of time, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Prepare the dressing fresh to preserve its flavour.

Tossing Technique for Even Coating

Use a large mixing bowl and toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the lettuce. Ensure every leaf is evenly coated for maximum flavour.

Modern Caesar Salad Variations

Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad

Add smoky, spicy, blackened chicken slices for a protein-packed twist.

Tuna Caesar Salad

Seared tuna slices offer a lighter, more elegant variation.

Vegan Caesar Salad

Replace the egg yolk with cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.

Original Caesar Salad Recipe Card

Ingredients

• 1 romaine heart, leaves separated
• 2-4 slices baguette
• 1 coddled egg yolk
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ lime, juiced
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Prepare crostini as described above.
2. Make the dressing by whisking together all the ingredients.
3. Toss romaine leaves in the dressing and plate neatly.
4. Garnish with Parmesan, black pepper, and crostini. Serve immediately.

This comprehensive guide ensures you have everything you need to create and enjoy the authentic Original Caesar Salad, honouring its rich history and timeless flavour.

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