Classic and Vegan Caesar Salads

Foundations Referenced

• → Caesar Dressing

Classic Caesar

Ingredients

• 2 heads romaine hearts, outer leaves removed, halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (→ foundation)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan shavings
• Croutons (see below)
• Lemon wedges, black pepper

Croutons

• 2 cups day-old bread, 3/4" cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt

Toss bread with oil, garlic, salt. Bake 375°F 10–12 min, tossing once, until golden.

Vegan Caesar

Replace in the dressing:

• Egg yolk → 2 tbsp silken tofu, blended smooth
• Anchovy → 1 tbsp white miso paste + 1 tsp capers
• Parmesan → 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• Use same oil, lemon, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire (vegan version)

Top with: toasted pepitas, shaved hearts of palm, smoked almonds

Method

1. Wash and dry romaine thoroughly (wet leaves = diluted dressing).
2. For classic: toss torn leaves with dressing in a large bowl. Add half the Parmesan and croutons, toss gently.
3. Plate on chilled plates. Top with remaining Parmesan shavings, croutons, pepper, lemon wedge.
4. For vegan: same method with vegan dressing and toppings.

What You're Learning

• Building a proper emulsified dressing from scratch
• Adapting classical recipes for dietary needs while maintaining the spirit of the dish
• Crouton technique: stale bread, garlic oil, proper browning
• Composed salad plating: height, contrast, intentional placement