This Gordon Ramsay Caesar Salad Recipe is a crisp and bold recipe, which is made with fresh romaine lettuce and a classic anchovy dressing. It’s a foolproof recipe for a restaurant-quality salad, ready in about 15 minutes.
Jump to RecipeGordon Ramsay Caesar Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce, washed + torn
- 4 anchovy fillets
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 120ml olive oil
- 50g Parmesan, grated (plus more for garnish)
- Salt + pepper, to taste
- 1-2 cups croutons
- Optional: Grilled chicken, shrimp
How To Make Gordon Ramsay Caesar Salad Recipe
- Make the Dressing Base: In a blender or food processor, combine the anchovy fillets, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
- Emulsify the Dressing: With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing becomes creamy and fully emulsified.
- Finish the Dressing: Transfer the dressing to a bowl and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash the romaine lettuce leaves thoroughly and ensure they are completely dry. Tear them by hand into large, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large, chilled bowl.
- Dress the Salad: Add about half of the dressing to the lettuce and toss gently with your hands to coat the leaves without bruising them. Add more dressing as needed until the lettuce is lightly coated.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Add the croutons and some shaved Parmesan to the bowl. Give it one final, gentle toss. Top with grilled chicken or shrimp if using, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How do I keep the croutons from getting soggy? Always let your croutons cool completely before adding them to the salad. Adding warm croutons will create steam and wilt the lettuce, making both the croutons and the leaves soft.
- What’s the secret to extra-crisp lettuce? Pre-chill your serving bowl and plates in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before assembling the salad. This helps keep the romaine lettuce crisp and refreshing for longer.
- How do I get those classic Parmesan ribbons? Instead of using grated Parmesan for the garnish, use a standard vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons from a block of Parmesan cheese. It adds a professional, restaurant-quality look to the finished salad.
- How should I season the grilled protein? If adding grilled chicken or shrimp, season it simply with salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon, and maybe some chopped rosemary. These flavors complement the Caesar dressing perfectly without overpowering it.
What To Serve With Caesar Salad
This salad is a versatile dish that works as a light main or a classic side.
- As a main course topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
- As a side dish for pasta, steak, or pizza.
- Alongside a bowl of soup.
How To Store Caesar Salad
- This salad is best eaten immediately after it’s dressed. Once tossed, it does not store well as the lettuce will become soggy.
- Dressing: The Caesar dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Caesar Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 90kcal (dressing and lettuce only)
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used. Croutons and optional protein not included.
FAQs
Do I have to use anchovies?
For a true, classic Caesar dressing, yes. Anchovies provide a deep, savory, umami flavor that is the signature of the dish and not u0022fishy.u0022 If you are strongly opposed, you can omit them, but the dressing will lack its characteristic depth. You could add a little extra Worcestershire sauce as an alternative.
What’s the best way to dry lettuce?
A salad spinner is the most effective tool for getting lettuce thoroughly dry after washing. If you don’t have one, you can gently pat the leaves dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Dry lettuce is crucial for the dressing to cling properly.
Can I make the dressing by hand?
Yes. Finely mince the anchovies and garlic into a paste with the side of your knife. In a bowl, whisk the paste with the mustard and lemon juice. Then, while whisking constantly, add the olive oil in a very slow, thin stream to create the emulsion.
Gordon Ramsay Caesar Salad Recipe
Course: SaladsCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes5
minutes90
kcalA classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, a bold and creamy anchovy dressing, and sharp Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
2 heads Romaine lettuce
4 anchovy fillets
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
120ml olive oil
50g grated Parmesan (plus more for garnish)
Salt and pepper
1-2 cups croutons
Directions
- In a blender, combine anchovies, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- With the blender on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Place clean, dry, torn romaine lettuce in a large, chilled bowl.
- Add dressing gradually and toss gently to coat.
- Add croutons and shaved Parmesan, toss once more.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure your croutons are completely cool before adding them to the salad to prevent wilting.
- Chilling your bowl and plates beforehand helps keep the lettuce crisp.
- Use a vegetable peeler on a block of Parmesan to create attractive ribbons for garnish.
- If adding grilled chicken or shrimp, season it simply with flavors like lemon and rosemary that complement the salad.
