Parmesan and Bacon Caesar Salad
A keto adaptation of Caesar salad with crispy bacon and rich Parmesan dressing, served over fresh romaine without croutons. This american-inspired salads (keto, low carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese 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 240 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
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 minced garlic clove
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble.
- Step 2: Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Toss 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated, then top with crumbled bacon and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Parmesan and Bacon Caesar Salad take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Parmesan and Bacon Caesar Salad?
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 bacon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Parmesan and Bacon Caesar Salad?
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 Parmesan and Bacon Caesar Salad 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.
Is Parmesan and Bacon Caesar Salad keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The bacon was crispy and the parmesan was perfect. My whole family devoured it!
- ★★★★☆
The salad was delicious and the bacon was a hit with my kids.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted amazing, but I had to cook the bacon longer than the recipe said.
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