Description

This Creamy Caesar Salad with Garlic Panko combines a rich, tangy homemade Caesar dressing with crispy, golden garlic panko breadcrumbs for an elevated twist on a classic salad. Fresh romaine lettuce tossed in the flavorful dressing and topped with freshly grated parmesan makes this salad a satisfying and delicious starter or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Caesar Dressing

1 clove garlic (pressed)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Garlic Panko Topping

2 tablespoons butter (melted)
½ cup panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salad

4 hearts of romaine lettuce
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)

Instructions

Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the pressed garlic and lemon juice. Whisk in the mayonnaise, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Prepare the Garlic Panko Topping: Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once hot, melt the butter in the skillet. Add the panko bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook the mixture for 4-6 minutes, stirring regularly until the bread crumbs turn a golden brown color. Immediately transfer the toasted panko to a bowl to cool and prevent further cooking.
Assemble the Salad: Chop the romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the chilled Caesar dressing over the greens and toss the salad gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top, followed by the cooled garlic panko breadcrumbs. Serve the salad immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese according to your taste preference.
For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, but it will alter the creamy texture.
Make sure to toast the panko breadcrumbs on medium heat and remove them promptly to avoid burning.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
This salad is best served fresh; the crispy panko topping can lose its crunch if added too far in advance.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Caesar Salad, Garlic Panko, Caesar Dressing, Romaine Salad, Homemade Caesar Dressing, Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs