Creamy Caesar Salad with Garlic Panko Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Caesar Salad with Garlic Panko is a fresh twist on a classic favorite. Crisp romaine hearts are coated in a rich, tangy dressing and topped with crunchy, flavorful garlic panko breadcrumbs. It’s easy to prepare and perfect as a side or light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic (pressed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 hearts of romaine
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the pressed garlic and lemon juice.
2. Step 2: Whisk in the mayonnaise, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth. Chill for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Step 3: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the panko bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Step 4: Stir the crumbs frequently and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from heat immediately and transfer the panko to a bowl to cool, preventing overcooking.
5. Step 5: Chop the romaine hearts and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with the chilled Caesar dressing and toss to coat the greens evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and cooled garlic panko breadcrumbs over the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tang, add a splash of anchovy paste to the dressing mixture.
• Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.
• Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
• Freshly grate Parmesan cheese just before serving for the best taste.

Storage

Store the Caesar dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic panko crumbs in a sealed container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days to maintain crunch. Assemble the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess. Leftover salad is best eaten fresh and not recommended to keep once dressed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using.

What can I use instead of panko bread crumbs?

If you don’t have panko, you can use regular bread crumbs or crush some toasted bread for a similar crunchy topping, though the texture may be slightly different.