Julia Child’s Caesar Salad

Name: Julia Child's Caesar Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons garlic paste; 1 teaspoon anchovy paste; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, smooth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons); ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s); ⅓ cup fresh-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus extra for shaving; Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste; 24 ounces (about 1 lb, 8 ounces) romaine hearts; 4 cups sourdough bread, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

February 22, 2025

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Julia Child’s Caesar Salad is a timeless classic that’s both simple to prepare and utterly delicious. Imagine sitting at a cozy dinner table, the aroma of a garlic-laden dressing wafting through the air, and the crunch of fresh romaine leaves waiting to be tossed. This salad captures that perfect balance between creamy, zesty dressing and crispy, golden croutons, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply indulging in a meal for yourself, this recipe will elevate your salad game from ordinary to extraordinary. And guess what? You don’t need culinary school experience to tackle it. Just a little enthusiasm and the right guidance. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create Julia Child’s Caesar Salad together!

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Why You’ll Love This Julia Child’s Caesar Salad

You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds—with this salad. Julia Child’s Caesar Salad combines creamy dressing, crunchy romaine, and buttery croutons, making it incredibly satisfying. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a flavorful experience that will dance on your taste buds. And the best part? You can customize it to whether you like more dressing, less, or even extra cheese. It’s a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. You’ll impress your family or guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

What is a Julia Child’s Caesar Salad

Julia Child’s Caesar Salad is a variation of the classic Caesar salad, which supposedly originated in Tijuana, Mexico. Julia took this beloved dish and refined it with her signature style. The key elements of her version are fresh romaine, a rich and creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons—all of which create a perfect combination of texture and flavor. This salad is more than just greens; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients turned into something spectacular.

Ingredients for Julia Child’s Caesar Salad

For the Caesar Dressing & Salad:

2 teaspoons garlic paste
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, smooth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
½ cup full-fat mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s)
⅓ cup fresh-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus extra for shaving
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
24 ounces (about 1 lb, 8 ounces) romaine hearts

For the Sourdough Croutons:

4 cups sourdough bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Crafting the Perfect Caesar Dressing

Mixing the Ingredients

Preparing the Caesar dressing is the first step in making this delicious meal. Combine the garlic paste, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in a mixing bowl. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Giving this a good whisk will make everything blend together smoothly, creating a creamy drizzle that will coat your salad perfectly.

Chilling for Flavor

Once it’s all mixed, cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop and deepen, making your dressing even more irresistible. Remember, the longer you let it rest, the more intense the taste becomes, so patience pays off here!

Making Sourdough Croutons

Preparing Croutons

Now, let’s move on to those delightful sourdough croutons. In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized pieces of sourdough bread with melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This combination ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Air Frying or Baking Croutons

You have two methods for cooking these croutons.

Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the croutons for about 4 minutes, checking them frequently until they’re golden and crunchy.

Oven Method: If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 375°F. Spread the bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn; you want them perfectly crisp.

Assembling the Caesar Salad

Preparing the Romaine

While the dressing and croutons are coming together, prepare the romaine. Rinse the leaves thoroughly and dry them well—remember, moisture can ruin your dressing’s cling! Once dry, remove the root and cut the leaves into 2-inch strips.

Combining the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine strips, the chilled Caesar dressing, and some generous shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Toss everything gently to coat the leaves evenly with that creamy goodness. Finally, sprinkle the crispy croutons on top, and your salad is ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately for maximum crunch. You can present it beautifully in a large bowl or plate it individually.
For a heartier meal, consider pairing your Caesar Salad with some grilled chicken. This adds protein and makes it even more filling.

Tips for Success

Make sure your romaine leaves are completely dry to help the dressing stick better.
Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to suit your taste; some love a little extra creaminess!

Variations

If you want to mix things up a bit, try substituting kale for romaine for a delicious twist. The kale gives a different texture and adds a nutritious punch. You could also use another type of artisan bread for your croutons. A hearty baguette can make for some excellent alternatives!

Storage Tips

To keep everything fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately from the salad if you’re making it in advance. This way, the romaine stays crisp and isn’t weighed down. As for those leftover croutons, keep them in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare the dressing 1-2 days in advance! It will develop deeper flavors that way.

2. Is this Caesar Salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread for your croutons.

3. Can I use store-bought croutons?
Totally! If you’re short on time, store-bought croutons are a great alternative. Just be sure to pick a flavorful variety.

4. What can I substitute for anchovy paste?
If you prefer, Worcestershire sauce can be a good stand-in, or you can skip it altogether for a vegetarian version.

5. How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Keep your dressing in the fridge and be sure to store the salad undressed to keep it from getting soggy.

Julia Child’s Caesar Salad is not just an ordinary recipe; it’s a wonderful experience bringing flavors and textures together. From the creamy dressing to the crunchy croutons, each bite showcases why this classic remains a staple. Whether for a casual weeknight meal or an elegant gathering, this salad promises to bring joy to your dining table. Share it with loved ones or enjoy it solo. You’ll find yourself making this one again and again!

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Julia Child’s Caesar Salad

Why You’ll Love This Julia Child’s Caesar Salad

What is a Julia Child’s Caesar Salad