Make Your Own Avocado Caesar Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Fall

by: inpatskitchen

October4,2022

4

4 Ratings

  • Prep time 30 minutes
  • Cook time 10 minutes
  • Serves 2 for dinner or 4 as a side

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

We love Caesar Salad around here and make it frequently, especially during the Summer, either as a side or boosted with a little something extra as a complete meal. This one can be either. I like to put some of the ingredients in separate bowls so that we can actually make our own for our individual tastes. This version pairs creamy avocado with briny anchovies, Parmesan, crispy croutons and of course, romaine lettuce! —inpatskitchen

Test Kitchen Notes

We really loved this salad. When it comes down to it, it has entirely the same character as your standard caesar salad, the same sturdy crunch to the greens and the tangy bite of the dressing -- everything that makes caesar's hail-worthy. But then there's avocado. And everything is better with avocado. It's a simple truth. Here, it makes the dressing as silky as all get out; it's a heavy dressing, and more delicate lettuces wouldn't be able to stand up to it, but romaine has no problem. And, I'm usually not much of a crouton girl, but in this particular salad, I felt like the croutons really made the dish. This one is definitely going into the regular salad rotation. —fiveandspice

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • For the dressing
  • 1 teaspoonanchovy paste
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspon Dijon mustard
  • 1 medium avocado
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 cupextra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cupof homemade or great quality commercial mayo
  • 1 2 oz tin anchovies (use the oil in the dressing and the fillets in the salad)
  • 1/2 teaspoonsalt
  • For the salad
  • 1 large head of Romaine lettuce, torn into bite size pieces
  • 1/2 cupfinely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 1 twelve inch baguette, cut into one inch cubes, place on a baking sheet, drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper and then baked in a 350F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crispy
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • dressing
Directions
  1. For the dressing
  2. Place the anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and Dijon mustard in the bowl of a mini food processor and process for a few seconds to break down the garlic. Add the meat from the avocado and squeeze the lemon juice over and process until relatively smooth. Add the olive oil, mayo, oil from the anchovy tin, and salt and continue to process until smooth. If the dressing seems too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water just prior to serving. Place the dressing into a bowl covered with plastic wrap actually pressed onto the dressing and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  1. For the salad
  2. When ready to serve, toss the lettuce with the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan and place in a serving bowl. Have individual salad bowls or plates ready for each person to plate their own salad with the lettuce mixture, a few croutons, the dressing, anchovies, diced avocado and the extra Parmesan cheese.

Tags:

  • Salad Dressing
  • Salad
  • American
  • Anchovy
  • Lettuce
  • Vegetable
  • Seafood
  • Avocado
  • Mustard
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Spring
Contest Entries
  • Your Best Avocados
  • Your Best Lettuce
  • Your Best Recipe with Avocados

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • EmilyC

  • ECMotherwell

  • foxeslovelemons

  • lapadia

  • inpatskitchen

Recipe by: inpatskitchen

I think I get my love for food and cooking from my mom, who was an amazing cook. She would start baking and freezing a month before Christmas in order to host our huge open house on Christmas afternoon. I watched and I learned...to this day I try not to procrastinate when it comes to entertaining.My cooking style is pretty much all over the place, although I'm definitely partial to Greek and Italian cuisine. Oh yes, throw a little Cajun in there too!

Popular on Food52

35 Reviews

CFebus February 20, 2019

This salad sounds and looks amazing. Our family does not like anchovies. What can I use to substitute?

inpatskitchen February 20, 2019

I've heard that adding extra worcestershire works and I also found this article that may be of help: https://tastessence.com/substitutes-for-anchovy-paste
Thanks so much for considering making this salad...certainly hope you enjoy!

inpatskitchen February 20, 2019

Hi CFebus! Thanks for your interest in the salad. I've heard that a little extra worcestershire works or take a look at this article. It may be of help:https://tastessence.com/substitutes-for-anchovy-paste

DJean July 6, 2018

Does anyone have an idea of how long this dressing could be kept in the refrigerator?

inpatskitchen July 7, 2018

Hi DJean! I think if you keep it covered with plastic wrap lying right on the surface of the dressing it will last for a few days.

EmilyC August 14, 2014

Tried this and loved it! The dressing is fantastic and kept well for several days in the fridge.

inpatskitchen August 14, 2014

Thanks so much Emily! I'm so happy you enjoyed!

Michele E. July 11, 2014

Made this for dinner last night (served over grilled romaine). This dressing is absolutely amazing!!! So creamy and full of flavor. Definitely my new go-to Caesar dressing! Thank you.

inpatskitchen July 11, 2014

So happy you enjoyed! We make it frequently....Thanks so much!

George April 26, 2014

What can I substitute for anchovies paste?

inpatskitchen April 26, 2014

Hi George! Are you using anchovies in the salad? If so just add one fillet to the dressing. If you're not using anchovies at all you might try a few capers for a little briny kick.

Curteslee March 11, 2014

Caesar Salad, Caesar Salad, Caesar Salad-Avocados, Avocados,Avocados WOW...

inpatskitchen March 11, 2014

So happy you're so happy!!

BadCat September 12, 2013

Holy Cow, I can't wait to give this a shot! I'll be adding grilled chicken and make this a main dish. Too bad it's too late to go to the market!

inpatskitchen September 13, 2013

Thanks! I think grilled chicken will be awesome!

ECMotherwell September 11, 2013

This recipe RULES. So, so delicious. Thank you inpatskitchen!

inpatskitchen September 12, 2013

So happy you enjoyed! Thanks!

Chaffja99 May 4, 2013

I'm a vegetarian. Can I omit the anchovies?

inpatskitchen May 5, 2013

You can but you'll not get that "kick" that anchovies bring to the table. Here's a hotline question link that may be of help
http://food52.com/hotline/11308-vegan-substitute-for-anchovies

shells May 4, 2013

I love Caesar salad and I love avocados. Can't wait to try-especially not messing with the egg!

inpatskitchen May 4, 2013

Thank you shells! I so hope you enjoy it...please let me know.

foxeslovelemons April 3, 2013

Oh my gosh, just discovered this, and I cannot wait to try it! Add an avocado to my grocery list for next week!

inpatskitchen April 3, 2013

If you love Caesar salad you'll be very happy! My brother is in town from Baton Rouge this week and this is always on the menu when he comes. And please let me know how you like it...

sl(i)m October 2, 2012

This was an AWESOME salad. A mixture for 8 was scarfed down by 4 in its entirety!

inpatskitchen October 2, 2012

Thanks so much! I'm sooo glad you enjoyed it!

busylady September 30, 2012

I simply cannot wait to try this version of Caesar Salad. I love avocados and wouldn't you know they are sale this week!

inpatskitchen September 30, 2012

Oh please let me know what you think if you try this. My brother is coming in from Baton Rouge next week and he loves Caesar salad. I'm making it for him with a big steak. I'm hoping he loves it!

Markop September 30, 2012

Sounds delish. But I never make a Caesar salad dressing with mayo, ever.

inpatskitchen September 30, 2012

I know...not traditional but very good and when you think about it, eggs, oil, lemon,garlic and a little mustard turn into mayo and also show up in Caesar dressing.....and no egg issues! Hopefully you'll give it a try. And thanks for the "sounds delish"!

Susige September 30, 2012

Love, love, love! Simply delicious!

inpatskitchen September 30, 2012

Thanks so much Susige!

Raphael K. September 30, 2012

Caesar salad has always been a wonderful one, but with avocado and this nice drssing, its just too crazy.

inpatskitchen September 30, 2012

Thanks! It is crazy isn't it? But sooo good!!

lapadia June 14, 2012

Seriously delicious!!

inpatskitchen June 14, 2012

Yes! Avocado on avocado!! Thanks!

Make Your Own Avocado Caesar Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

Why should avocado not be added to a salad until immediately before serving? ›

Avocados can brown when exposed to the air, so let them be the last ingredient you add before serving to help keep them green for your presentation.

How does Gordon Ramsay make Caesar salad? ›

How to cook:
  1. separate the whites from the yolks;
  2. whisk the yolks and add Dijon mustard and wine vinegar;
  3. carefully whisk everything until the mass thickens;
  4. gradually introduce olive oil and whisk;
  5. add anchovies, garlic and grated Parmesan to the sauce;
  6. cut the chicken fillet into slices;
  7. sprinkle with salt and pepper;
Apr 21, 2020

What are the stats on Caesar salad? ›

Nutritional profile of Caesar salad
Caesar salad without dressingCaesar salad with regular dressing
Calories74156
Protein (grams)45
Total fat (grams)412
Saturated fat (grams)23
7 more rows
Jun 20, 2022

What is everything about Caesar salad? ›

Caesar salad is made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. The dressing is a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Tip: Skip the shaky cheese. Shaved Parmesan makes a big difference with this dish, elevating both presentation and flavor.

How to meal prep avocado for salad? ›

If you're using avocado in meal prep, consider preparing the rest of the dish beforehand and just adding the avocado later, right before you eat. You may also squeeze lemon or lime on the cut avocado, cover it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it to slow down the rate at which it browns.

Is eating Caesar salad healthy? ›

But there are some benefits, too: “The base of romaine lettuce is a good source of fiber, along with vitamins A, C and K,” Barrett explains, “and it provides a source of hydration along with being low in calories.” As for the dressing, she points out that there's heart-healthy, antioxidant-containing olive oil, vitamin ...

What is the difference between house salad and cesar salad? ›

The main differences lie in the type of lettuce used, key components, and dressing. House salads offer a broader range of ingredients and dressings, while Caesar salads have specific components like romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and a distinct Caesar dressing.

What was the original Caesar salad made of? ›

The seven ingredients of the original Caesar salad: whole leaves of romaine lettuce, a raw egg yolk, Italian olive oil, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice and a toasted round of baguette. Photo by Bill St. John, for UCHealth.

Do you cut or tear romaine lettuce for Caesar salad? ›

Cut the romaine into bite-sized pieces and rinse under cool running water. Salad spin to dry or spread the romaine out onto a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Toss and serve. Place the romaine in a large bowl, add half of the dressing, and toss to combine.

Can diabetics eat Caesar salad? ›

Even though caesar salad with chicken is a balanced dish, it can still impact your glucose metabolism. Control the portion of croutons as they are high in carbohydrates. Have a small portion of the Worcestershire sauce since it contains a lot of carbohydrates and sugar.

What is the healthiest salad dressing? ›

8 Simple and Healthy Salad Dressings
  1. Sesame ginger. This simple salad dressing doubles as an easy marinade for meat, poultry, or roasted veggies. ...
  2. Balsamic vinaigrette. ...
  3. Avocado lime. ...
  4. Lemon vinaigrette. ...
  5. Honey mustard. ...
  6. Greek yogurt ranch. ...
  7. Apple cider vinaigrette. ...
  8. Ginger turmeric.
Jul 27, 2023

Why is Caesar salad so good? ›

A traditional Caesar salad is composed of lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons. But what really makes it special is the dressing in which it's tossed, which features an odd-sounding combination of anchovy, egg, oil, parmesan, and lemon juice.

Why does Caesar salad have raw egg? ›

For one thing, it's an extra step. But also, if you overcook the egg, you'll have trouble emulsifying the dressing. It's easier to use raw egg yolks, and since that's the way most Caesar salads are made these days, it'll turn out like what you're probably accustomed to.

What is caesar salad dressing made of? ›

Raw eggs, anchovies, and Worcestershire sauce aside, traditional Caesar dressing is made with Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. These ingredients are all staples in my kitchen.

Can I cut up avocado ahead of time for salad? ›

Yes, you can keep a cut avocado in the fridge for up to a day. Wrap the exposed side in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to minimize air exposure and slow down the oxidation process, which can lead to browning.

Is it bad to eat avocado before it's ready? ›

Once you've let the feeling of disappointment wash over you, you may wonder, "Can you eat an unripe avocado?" The short answer is yes — unripe avocados have the same nutritional value, and if you're not allergic to avocados, eating an unripe one is perfectly safe.

How long before serving can you cut avocado? ›

However, keep in mind that cut avocados in general will only last three to four day in the refrigerator, so you'll still want to eat it as soon as possible.

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