Romaine Caesar Bowl

Experience the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant greens and rich, savory flavors with this Romaine Caesar Bowl. This dish elevates the classic salad into a satisfying main meal, featuring a signature creamy dressing and handcrafted croutons that provide a delightful crunch in every bite.

Save

Whether you are hosting a casual lunch or looking for a protein-packed dinner, this bowl delivers. The combination of shaved Parmesan and garlic-seasoned bread cubes creates a gourmet texture that makes healthy eating feel like an indulgence.

Ingredients

• Salad: 2 large heads romaine lettuce (washed, dried, and chopped), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional), ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese.
• Croutons: 3 cups day-old bread (cubed), 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper.
• Protein: 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced), OR 1 can chickpeas (drained and roasted), OR 8 oz grilled shrimp.
• Caesar Dressing: ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 garlic clove (minced), 2 anchovy fillets (finely minced, optional), ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Croutons

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovies (if using), Parmesan, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 3: Prepare the Protein

Grill chicken breasts and slice; or roast chickpeas at 400°F (200°C) tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 20 minutes; or grill shrimp until just cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with half the Caesar dressing. Add cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top salad with croutons, protein of choice, and drizzle remaining dressing. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the best results, ensure your romaine lettuce is completely dry before tossing to keep the dressing from getting watered down. Using a large salad bowl and a sturdy whisk will help emulsify the dressing ingredients perfectly. A sharp chef's knife is essential for getting those clean, bite-sized cuts of lettuce and protein.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly adaptable. For a vegetarian version, omit the anchovies and use a vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce with roasted chickpeas as your protein. If you require a gluten-free meal, simply substitute the day-old bread with your favorite gluten-free bread to make the croutons.

Serviervorschläge

For an optimal experience, serve the Romaine Caesar Bowl immediately after assembly to maintain the crispness of the croutons. This dish pairs excellently with a glass of crisp Chardonnay or a refreshing sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Save

With its combination of protein, healthy fats, and crisp vegetables, the Romaine Caesar Bowl is a balanced and delicious choice for any day of the week. Enjoy the satisfaction of a restaurant-quality salad from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the anchovies from the dressing and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Choose roasted chickpeas or extra cheese as your protein instead of chicken or shrimp.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep components separate: store dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day, croutons in a sealed bag for 3-4 days, and dressing refrigerated for up to 1 week. Assemble fresh when ready to enjoy.

→ Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely! While homemade offers the freshest flavor, quality bottled Caesar dressing works perfectly. Look for brands with real Parmesan and garlic listed in the ingredients.

→ What protein works best?

Grilled chicken breast offers classic appeal, shrimp adds seafood elegance, while roasted chickpeas provide a satisfying vegetarian crunch. All pair beautifully with the tangy Caesar flavors.

→ How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread cubes for your croutons and verify all condiments are certified gluten-free. The flavors remain just as delicious with this simple swap.

→ Can I prep this ahead?

Bake croutons and prepare protein up to 2 days in advance. Wash and chop romaine, storing with paper towels to absorb moisture. Make dressing ahead and assemble just before serving.