Italian Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons and Parmesan
A classic Caesar salad featuring crisp romaine, crunchy garlic croutons, and a tangy anchovy dressing topped with shaved Parmesan. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 27 minutes pairs heads, chopped romaine lettuce, caesar dressing, cut into 1/2-inch cubes baguette into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 330 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 heads, chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup caesar dressing
- 4 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes baguette
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 minced (optional) anchovy fillets
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss 4 oz cubed baguette with 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until croutons are golden and crisp.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 chopped romaine lettuce heads and 1/2 cup Caesar dressing. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
- Step 3: If desired, stir 2 minced anchovy fillets into the salad for extra umami flavor.
- Step 4: Add the warm garlic croutons to the salad and toss lightly.
- Step 5: Plate the salad and garnish with 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons and Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep caesar dressing from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons and Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Italian Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons and Parmesan?
Italian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
