Restaurant Caesar Salads Are Superior According To Chefs

Introduced in the 1920s by Italian emigrant Cesare Cardini, this salad may not boast an extensive ingredient list — yet the ingredients utilized have a significant effect. Creamy dressing, crunchy lettuce, and rich Parmesan cheese collaborate to generate a unique flavor profile that has endured over the years. While this salad might be a staple for many at-home cooks, it’s also a constant on restaurant offerings globally.

Although each eatery has its distinctive approach and method for crafting its salad, there are a few common features that differentiate restaurant Caesars from their homemade equivalents. We consulted Ann Ziata, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education, and Clinton Lomayma, executive chef at Cala Scottsdale, to gather their observations on how professionals achieve such delectable salads — and how you can reach the same standard at home.

Many of the finest restaurant dishes share a common trait: they’re crafted to order. While it might simplify the cooking process to prep certain elements in advance, it can severely impact quality. “The top restaurants prepare their Caesar salads on demand,” Ann Ziata stated. “Once a table places an order, [the kitchen will] dice the lettuce, prepare the dressing, and shave the cheese. Nothing is really prepped in advance.”

You may have come across the term mise en place used in professional kitchens, which is French for “everything in its place.” While this tradition often involves chopping, sautéing, or otherwise prepping components ahead of time, restaurants forgo this step when it comes to their delectable Caesar salads, opting instead to prepare it a la minute, or as soon as it has been requested.

For home cooks wanting to recreate a restaurant-grade salad, take cues from the experts on this aspect. Rather than preparing any of your ingredients earlier in the day (or even days in advance if you typically plan meals ahead), do so right before serving, advised Ziata. “Assemble the Caesar salad fresh right before mealtime when the other dishes are nearing readiness.”

Even though a Caesar salad may appear straightforward, several steps should be undertaken prior to assembly to ensure all ingredients are adequately prepared. The lettuce (and any additional produce such as herbs or vegetables) should be thoroughly washed with cold water and dried accordingly. This type of prep is standard in professional kitchens and is a practice that home cooks should adopt as well, both to enhance the salad’s quality and to avert foodborne illnesses associated with leafy greens.

Once the lettuce is cleaned, it can be stored by wrapping it in a dish towel or paper towels to soak up excess moisture. This technique helps maintain the lettuce’s crispness and prevents unwanted sliminess that may spoil your greens before you can use them. Implementing these additional measures can preserve the produce’s freshness for up to three weeks, ensuring it’s ready when the craving for a Caesar salad strikes.

The cheese should ideally be shredded or grated just before assembling the salad, but the larger block should be properly stored as well. Parmesan needs to be kept in a cool, dry place to maintain the cheese’s quality. It should be wrapped in parchment or wax paper and then placed in an airtight container to shield it from moisture.

As lettuce is the primary component in a Caesar salad, it’s crucial to make it worthwhile. This iconic salad is usually prepared with crisp romaine, but there are numerous other types of lettuce available. Thinking creatively can distinguish restaurant Caesars from the rest. “Fresh romaine lettuce is excellent, but don’t disregard little gems and lacinato kale,” advised Ann Ziata. “Make sure to massage the kale with a pinch of salt for a minute to tenderize it. I also enjoy Caesar with chopped Italian chicories instead of lettuce: radicchio, endive, and frisée create a stunning, crunchy salad.”

Regardless of which lettuce variety restaurants opt for, they also prioritize sourcing the highest quality, freshest product for unparalleled flavor. “Restaurants utilize premium local lettuce that is not available in any chain grocery store since they receive fresh produce daily,” stated Clinton Lomayma. “We hand-wash and dry the lettuce after shocking it in an ice bath to maintain its crispness and crunch.”

While supermarket options may lack the elite lettuces home cooks require to recreate their favorite restaurant salad, the local farmers’ markets farmers market is an excellent venue to shop for appetizing, fresh, and local lettuces akin to those found in a professional kitchen.

It goes without saying that one of the primary reasons restaurant Caesar salads excel is due to the homemade dressing. While bottled varieties can suffice in a pinch for a home salad, most eateries avoid this pre-made dressing because it frequently lacks flavor and substance. “Our dressing is crafted following a meticulous recipe using egg yolks, grated Parmesan, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, blended canola and olive oil, confit garlic, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard,” stated Clinton Lomayma. Rather than Worcestershire sauce, some individuals opt for anchovies to obtain a similar salty, umami flavor in the dressing (even though this strays from the authentic Caesar recipe).

However, it’s not solely about the contents of the dressing — the quality of the ingredients plays a crucial role, as Ann Ziata explained. “Superior dressings originate from top-notch ingredients. Use high-quality olive oil, fresh lemon juice instead of commercial varieties, and fresh garlic instead of pre-minced,” said Ziata. “Ensure to choose a reputable brand of anchovies and red wine vinegar as well. Always opt for freshly ground black pepper. You can transform the most mundane lettuce into an outstanding Caesar salad when utilizing the finest ingredients for the dressing.”

Ample quantities of fresh cheese are essential for a scrumptious Caesar. To enhance the dish, high-quality fresh cheese is indispensable, according to both chefs. “Freshly shaved Parmesan is the best; this isn’t the moment for pre-grated cheese,” asserted Ann Ziata. Clinton Lomayma concurred: “Imported Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano is essential for crafting an exceptional Caesar salad. I prefer to peel mine — it provides more texture than freshly grated.”

To recreate restaurant-quality salads in your kitchen, be attentive to several factors when selecting your cheese at the grocery store. Genuine Italian Parm will always be labeled “Parmigiano-Reggiano.” This designation ensures that the cheese complies with stringent standards regarding both the quality of ingredients and aging processes for the most delectable flavor. Alternatively, consider substituting Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan, suggested Ziata. The primary distinction is that Parm is derived from cow’s milk, while Pecorino Romano comes from sheep’s milk, which imparts subtle differences in taste. Other popular alternatives include halloumi, goat cheese, or Gruyère – but you truly cannot go wrong with any delicious, high-quality cheese.

Croutons not only contribute a buttery flavor to a Caesar but also provide an essential crunch. Freshly made croutons crafted from a high-quality loaf of bread can elevate any salad (and especially a Caesar) from ordinary to extraordinary. In restaurant kitchens, they typically prepare croutons fresh every day to accompany the salads, according to Ann Ziata — and the procedure is quite straightforward. “Take a loaf of sourdough bread, hand-tear it into pieces, and allow it to dry for several hours,” explained Ziata. “Then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and bake into crispy croutons.”

Though croutons are traditionally made from classic breads like Italian, French, or baguettes, that doesn’t imply those are the only choices. Flavorful alternatives like sourdough, brioche, focaccia (particularly varieties infused with scrumptious ingredients like garlic or herbs) all make for delightful croutons that complement classic Caesar flavors.

Although croutons are typically crafted from bread, some restaurants enjoy thinking outside the box. “There’s so much room for creativity with a Caesar salad,” she remarked. “Instead of croutons, consider adding fried polenta, baked halloumi, or roasted chickpeas. For added crunch, I relish sprinkling toasted pepitas or hemp seeds on top.”

Given that a Caesar salad comprises only a handful of high-quality ingredients, it is crucial for restaurants to execute everything flawlessly to deliver that timeless flavor we all cherish. An imbalance in the ratio of lettuce to cheese to dressing can lead to a disappointing, unappealing version of this iconic dish.

Even though each restaurant, chef, and diner harbors a unique interpretation of the ideal proportions of cheese, lettuce, croutons, and dressing, home cooks can utilize popular recipes as a foundational guideline to get started and modify from there. When preparing for a gathering, aim to begin with three romaine hearts, 4 ounces of cheese, and 3 cups of croutons. For a single serving, half a romaine heart, a ¼ cup of cheese, and 2 tablespoons of croutons should suffice. Dressing is entirely subjective, so create a large batch according to your preferred recipe and add as much as your heart desires.

Caesar salads contain a few essential components: lettuce, cheese, croutons, and dressing. Aside from these basics, the variety of toppings that can enhance a gourmet dish is endless. “Roasted or grilled carrots, corn, cauliflower, and broccoli florets all make delightful toppings,” mentioned Ann Ziata. While eateries often indulge in imaginative variations on all meals (including Caesar salads), home cooks may find it intimidating to explore flavors beyond the conventional.

To give a fresh perspective on the traditional Caesar, elevate your salad at home with additional seasonal ingredients. During summertime, think about incorporating fresh fruits available in grocery shops and farmers markets, such as berries, peaches, or grapes. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the salty, savory notes of the cheese and dressing. In the autumn, dried cranberries and toasted pumpkin seeds create the perfect balance while presenting a seasonal twist on the classic dish.

Salt and pepper are indispensable when preparing nearly any dish. Although many of the constituents in a salad aren’t cooked but rather assembled, seasoning each element is crucial to achieving maximum flavor. “Utilize the finest ingredients available, and don’t hesitate to add more salt and a hint of lemon!” advised Clinton Lomayma. “I always incorporate freshly squeezed lemon and cracked black pepper for an added zing.”

Along with these two kitchen essentials, Lomayma suggests incorporating fresh herbs as an excellent means to infuse extra flavor into your salad. Choose the clean, peppery essence of parsley or the sweet, slightly minty flavors of basil for traditional pairings. For a more surprising twist, add some sprigs of vibrant, subtly sweet fresh dill to complement the citrusy touch of lemon. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dry alternatives can work in a pinch.

A salad can easily be enjoyed on its own, but why not complement it with fabulous sides for a more luxurious dining experience? The finest restaurants offer a variety of sides that can be paired creatively with a Caesar salad, enabling you to curate the ideal combination to satisfy your desires.

For something salty and savory, there’s a fantastic combination that should not be overlooked. “Caesar salad and fries are a timeless duo,” stated Ann Ziata. Seeking a more surprising option? “I also enjoy a serving of rice and beans, a baked potato, or corn on the cob. A creamy butternut squash soup is delightful as well,” she noted.

If all else fails, opt for a well-prepared piece of protein. Ziata suggested roasted chicken, seared tuna, or a perfectly cooked steak. These can be enjoyed on their own or placed atop your salad depending on your preference.

At times, nothing satisfies quite like the crisp crunch of romaine, the salty, creamy dressing, and the rich taste of Parmesan found in a traditional Caesar salad. Nevertheless, there’s also something valuable about a unique interpretation. Innovative takes on these familiar ingredients create a more unforgettable meal and allow eateries to leave their distinctive mark on something iconic.

“I enjoyed an incredible Caesar last month that featured a fried chicken thigh tossed with nuoc cham. It was worth returning just for the salad,” remarked Clinton Lomayma. Alongside this Vietnamese-inspired creation, restaurants have incorporated various Asian flavors for unconventional twists, such as the miso Caesar at Banyan Bar + Refuge in Boston, which includes kale, napa cabbage, grilled scallions, salted egg yolk, garlic crouton crumbs, and a miso Caesar dressing.

Others find inspiration from beloved flavor combinations, like the chopped spicy kale Caesar at Otto Strada in Hoboken, New Jersey, highlighting toasted paprika brioche croutons, chipotle Caesar dressing, whole roasted garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano atop a bed of fresh kale.

While the Caesar salad may steal the spotlight, selecting the proper beverage pairing can enhance the meal just as sides do. The creamy, saline dressing pairs best with a refreshing white wine. “I always suggest enjoying a nice glass of sauvignon blanc alongside my chicken Caesar salad,” stated Clinton Lomayma. Other suitable pairings include pinot grigio, chenin blanc, or unoaked chardonnay.

For those who favor beer over wine, a light German lager balances the acidity of the dressing and echoes the yeasty flavor of the croutons. The lemony essence of a saison also complements Caesar flavors well. With cocktails, the same principles apply — the citrusy notes of a Tom Collins, a French 75, or a simple gin and tonic are excellent companions.

For those seeking non-alcoholic options, consider a citrus-flavored sparkling water or sparkling lemonade. The invigorating zing of ginger ale also cuts through the richness of the dressing, providing a pleasant contrast.

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