8 Creative Caesar-Inspired Recipes That Riff on the Classic Dish
Elevate your salad with hearty toppings and homemade dressing!
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Salad may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of "comfort food." But add in the keyword "Caesar," and things become a little clearer. There's just something about Caesar salad that feels like a warm hug, but also a crisp breath of fresh air. Perhaps it's the creamy, tangy dressing, the crunchy romaine, or the golden-brown croutons that make for the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent. Add in nutty parmesan cheese shreds and you've got a recipe for success (or at least lunch). But as good as the classics are, have you ever considered thinking outside the Caesar salad bowl? That's where these creative Caesar-inspired recipes come in!
We know there's no need to mess with perfection, but at the same time, you can't go wrong with a few flavorful enhancements. Each of these Caesar-inspired dishes brings a fresh spin to the tastes and textures you know and love in a traditional salad recipe. Craving some spice? Try Ree's spicy wedge Caesar salad, complete with fiery jalapeño dressing and crunchy cornbread croutons. Looking to add more protein to your diet? Top your salad with smoky Chipotle salmon, tender steak, or a crispy chicken cutlet! And for those who still can't fathom branching out from the classic Caesar salad, Ree has a recipe for homemade Caesar dressing that'll have you licking the bottom of the bowl. All that's left to do is heat up some French fries and crack open a cold can of Diet Coke (or if you're anything like the Drummonds, Dr. Pepper) for the ultimate "girl dinner"!
Kale Caesar Salad with Steak
Not all Caesar salads require romaine! Baby kale ups the nutritional value of the salad, while homemade croutons, parmesan, and medium-rare steak add plenty of flavor.
Get Ree's Kale Caesar Salad with Steak recipe.
Chicken Caesar Milanese
This Caesar recipe may not contain croutons, but it sure doesn't lack crunch! The thin, crispy chicken cutlet ensures it.
Get Ree's Chicken Caesar Milanese recipe.
Caesar Dressing
No matter which of these Caesar-inspired recipes you choose to make, you'll need some Caesar dressing! Instead of opting for a premade one, whip up Ree's homemade Caesar dressing, a blend of Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and egg yolk. It's creamy, tangy, garlicky, and so delicious!
Get Ree's Caesar Dressing recipe.
Caesar Salad Spears
Caesar salad tastes just as good with a base of crisp lettuce spears! It's perfect for when the Caesar craving hits, but you don't feel like chopping lettuce.
Get Ree's Caesar Salad Spears recipe.
Caesar Salad
It isn't a Caesar recipe roundup without the classic salad that started it all! It has all the components you crave in a Caesar salad, like crisp romaine lettuce, shredded parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing. Toss in some extra toppings to switch things up, or keep it as-is!
Get the Caesar Salad recipe.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Instead of making pasta with a side of Caesar salad, combine the two dishes into a hearty pasta salad. It's just like your typical Caesar salad, with chicken, lettuce, croutons, parmesan, and Caesar dressing, but with the addition of pasta.
Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.
Spicy Wedge Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons
Spice things up with a zesty cilantro and jalapeño-infused Caesar dressing! It takes the romaine hearts and homemade cornbread croutons to new heights.
Get Ree's Spicy Wedge Caesar Salad recipe.
Chipotle Caesar Salad with Grilled Salmon
Looking for the perfect protein to top your salad with? Enter grilled salmon! It's coated in the same adobo sauce that gives the homemade Caesar dressing a flavorful twist.
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