Ultimate Caesar Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the dressing: Combine the lemon juice, anchovies, mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a generous grind of black pepper in a mini-food processor and process until smooth. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing.
• For the croutons: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is golden and begins to soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool, then remove and discard garlic.
• Put the focaccia in a large bowl and drizzle with the garlic oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper and toss well to coat all of the cubes in oil. Spread on a baking sheet and toast, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are lightly golden and crisp, about 12 minutes. Let cool.
• To assemble: When ready to serve, put the romaine in a large serving bowl and sprinkle with the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Add the croutons, drizzle with the dressing and toss well. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary. Use a vegetable peeler to shave shards of Parmigiano-Reggiano over the salad, toss gently again, and serve immediately.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the croutons: Put the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. When the butter is completely melted add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Carefully swirl the pan to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the oil mixture.
• Put the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Evenly pour the garlic mixture over the bread and toss to coat. Spread the bread in a single layer and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bread halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with black pepper and Parmesan. Set aside to cool.
• For the salad: Soak the anchovies in a small bowl of water for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain and pat dry. Finely chop the anchovies and garlic, then use the side of your knife to mash them to a paste.
• Add the anchovy paste, egg yolk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan. If needed, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time to thin the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the lettuce and croutons to a large bowl and gently toss with the dressing until coated. Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

Steps:

• Marinate the chicken. Mix the lemon juice, oil, thyme and garlic in a shallow dish. Add the chicken and turn it over in the marinade to coat well. Season with freshly ground pepper and leave for up to 2 hrs.
• Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Slice, then cut the bread into big, rough cubes for the croutons. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then brush all over with the 2 tbsp oil. Bake for about 10 mins until golden and crisp.
• Meanwhile, put the garlic into a mini blender with the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, chilli and anchovies. Blend until smooth, add the mayonnaise and yogurt, then blend again - it should be the consistency of double cream. Adjust the taste with lemon juice and pepper. If necessary, thin with a couple of tsps of cold water to get the consistency right so it will coat the leaves.
• Heat a griddle pan until very hot. Lay the chicken on the griddle, on the side that had the skin on. Cook for 15-16 mins, turning once or twice, until cooked through. Remove, then let the meat sit for 5 mins before slicing.
• Keep any small inner lettuce leaves whole, tear the larger outer leaves into 2-3 pieces, then put them all into a large bowl with the rocket or watercress. Pour just under half the dressing over the leaves and carefully toss to coat - it's gentler to use your hands. Either assemble in the bowl, or pile the leaves onto individual plates, tucking in the croutons, chicken and Parmesan. Drizzle the rest of the dressing over and around, then finish with an extra squeeze of lemon.