How to Make a Quick and Easy Caesar Salad

Romaine lettuce, as found in Caesar salads, has a high nutrient content.

It may taste like a gourmet creation, but Caesar salad requires basic ingredients that can be mixed within five minutes. The distinguishing components of a Caesar salad include romaine lettuce and a garlic vinaigrette dressing. If you find yourself in a time crunch to prepare a meal, you can purchase pre-made Caesar-flavored ingredients from the grocery store for a quick and easy appetizer or entrée.

Things You'll Need

• Romaine lettuce
• Serrated knife
• Cold water
• Colander or salad spinner
• Salad bowl
• Caesar salad dressing
• Parmesan cheese
• Grater (optional)
• Salad tongs
• Caesar-flavored croutons
• Ground peppercorn (optional)
• Anchovies (optional)
• Steak (optional)
• Chicken (optional)
• Shrimp (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the root of a head of romaine lettuce, using a serrated knife. Discard the root. Separate the leaves of lettuce because dirt tends to get within the leaves. Rinse the lettuce with cold water in a colander or salad spinner. Pat the lettuce dry with paper towels.

2. Chop the romaine lettuce into 1-inch pieces. Place the lettuce in a salad bowl. Pour a pre-made Caesar salad dressing on the lettuce. Grate or shave Parmesan cheese with a cheese grater or serrate knife over the lettuce.

3. Toss the salad with salad tongs to mix the ingredients and coat the lettuce with dressing. Add store-bought Caesar-flavored croutons when ready to serve to prevent the croutons from getting soggy.

4. Top the Caesar salad with fresh ground peppercorn or anchovies. Add grilled steak, chicken or shrimp for a heartier entrée.

References

• Food Network: Tyler Florence's Caesar Salad
• Epicurious: Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons; Lora Zarubin; 2010