Recipe

The Caesar Salad is a timeless favorite, known for its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and generous dusting of Parmesan cheese. This iconic dish is perfect as a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. With the Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, preparing the perfect Parmesan topping is quick, safe, and effortless, thanks to its sharp premium blades and stable suction base. Let’s dive into this classic recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!

Ingredients

Romaine lettuce: 1 large head (or 2 small), washed and chopped

Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, finely shredded

Croutons: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)

Caesar dressing: ½ cup (store-bought or homemade, see below for recipe)

Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (for extra zest)

Black pepper: To taste

Homemade Caesar Dressing (optional):

Mayonnaise: ½ cup

Anchovy fillets: 2, finely chopped (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)

Garlic: 1 clove, minced

Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons

Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon

Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon

Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, finely shredded

Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Salt and pepper: To taste

Instructions

1.Prep the Lettuce

Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove all moisture. Chop or tear into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Dry lettuce ensures the dressing coats evenly.

2.Grate the Parmesan

Using the crank cheese grater with the Extra Fine Shredding Blade from the 5-Blade Set, shred the Parmesan cheese to a delicate, powdery texture perfect for sprinkling over the salad. The stable suction base keeps the grater firmly in place, while the food pusher and detachable handle make grating safe and easy, even for family members helping out. Set aside ½ cup for the salad and ¼ cup for the dressing if making it from scratch.

3.Make the Dressing (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chopped anchovies (or paste), minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil until smooth. Add the ¼ cup of finely shredded Parmesan and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a thinner dressing, add a splash of water. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4.Assemble the Salad

Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the chopped romaine lettuce, starting with ¼ cup and adding more as needed. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly. Add the lemon juice for extra brightness and toss again. Sprinkle the ½ cup of shredded Parmesan over the salad, followed by the croutons. Finish with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.

5.Serve

Serve the salad immediately in chilled bowls for maximum freshness. Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a heartier meal, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.

Tips and Variations

Make it Festive: The cheese slicer is a versatile tool—use the Crushing Blade from the 5-Blade Set to grind nuts for a crunchy salad topping at gatherings.

Customization: Add grilled chicken, bacon, or avocado for extra protein and flavor. For a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise.

Homemade Croutons: Cube stale bread, toss with olive oil and garlic powder, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden for a fresh touch.

Conclusion

This Caesar Salad is a fresh, flavorful classic that’s easy to whip up and always impresses. With the cheese shredder, grating Parmesan is fast, safe, and fun, letting you focus on enjoying the crisp, cheesy goodness. Whether it’s a quick weeknight side or a star at your next gathering, this salad is sure to delight. Grab your grater and start tossing!