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Classic Caesar Salad

Delicious homemade Caesar dressing, lemon chicken and crunchy homemade croutons are the keys to this awesome take on the Classic Caesar salad.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Barrett Bridenhagen

Ingredients

Classic Caesar Salad

  • croutons
  • 4 chicken breasts 1 per person
  • fresh parmesan in block form for shaving over the top
  • 2 heads of romaine lettuce
  • Caesar Dressing

Chicken marinade

  • zest of one lemon
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic white wine, apple cider, white vinegar all the get job done without staining the chicken

Dressing

  • 9 anchovies
  • 9 large capers
  • 2 fresh cloves garlic
  • 4 + tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 table spoons olive oil
  • fresh black pepper
  • 3 egg yolks
  • ½ cup + vegetable oil
  • 5 + tablespoons parmesan cheese this is the time to use an economical but flavorful type- the other flavors are really strong

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken at least one hour but up to overnight.chicken marinating
  • When you’re ready to cook it, bring it to room temperature first.
  • Using a grill pan or a grill, cook the breasts until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 if you want to be sure it’s safe (about 10 minutes on each side). Let it cool.grilled chicken breasts
  • Meanwhile, prepare the dressing (a food processor or blender will make this a snap) but it can be done by hand with a mortar and pestle or a knife and a spoon.
  • Place the anchovies, capers, garlic, lemon juice, pepper, yolks and parmesan in the food processor and process until smooth.
  • Slowly pour in the oils. After a half a cup of vegetable oil, check the consistency and creaminess. You may need more. And I like a lot more lemon juice.
  • You will have a lot of extra dressing. But don't worry, it will keep for awhile.caesar dressing
  • Rinse the lettuce and make a bed.
  • Place sliced chicken and croutons on the lettuce.
  • Shave fresh parmesan over the top (now's the time for the good stuff). I found an amazing buffalo milk parm that was perfect for this dish. Buffalo milk has a very bright citrus-y note that went so well with this dish.
  • Add some dressing. Now this, is a Caesar salad.classic caesar salad aerial