Today I am sharing the recipe that my family and friends request from me the most, Caesar Salad. We all have that one recipe that represents your cooking perfectly, it becomes your calling card at pot lucks and dinner parties consistently because it is requested by everyone. In my house, that is my Caesar Salad. Now I confess before you read further, this is an elevated caesar salad and not one that will win you the healthy heart recipe of the year award. My caesar salad has three types of Italian meats, three forms of parmigiana, and a whole lotta love added into it. I firmly believe that the lettuce cancels out all the calories, don’t you agree?
This recipe came to be from my desire to make my mom’s caesar salad. Mine was ok, but I knew I could do better. No matter what I did I just couldn’t get her recipe to turn out for me as well as it did for her! Frustrated, I began researching other caesar salad recipes to see what I may want to do to elevate mine to the next level.
The first thing I did was look at my dressing and knew I wanted to change it up. I loved the caesar salad at Earls Restaurant so I did a little digging and found a very close recipe that I have slightly altered and made my own. I then decided that what made my mom’s salad so good was that she always used a lot of freshly cooked bacon, it was salty and tangy and fresh which got me to thinking that maybe I should try adding a few more Italian meats to my salad, just to see if it elevated it even further.
The result of my experiment was hugely successful. From the first time I served it to my family to as recently as last week, this has become my go to salad when I entertain. Full disclosure, this isn’t a cheap salad to make, and it’s not low in calories or likely doctor approved. However, it IS extremely delicious and makes everyone who eats it want the recipe. As with anything I share or teach, you do not have to follow this recipe to the letter. You can cut back on the meat, the cheese to make it more appealing to your family. It is adaptable to your taste but I will share it as I make it for your reference. This recipe will serve 6 people easily.
Dawn’s Elevated Caesar Salad
3 Hearts of Romaine, washed and cut into small pieces
6-8 Pieces Prosciutto, cut in thin pieces
6-8 Pieces Copa Di Parma, cut in thin pieces
1 Bag Cubed Pancetta
4-6 Cloves of Garlic, peeled and minced or pressed
4 ounces Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 Cup Mayonnaise
1 Heaping TSP Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
10 drops Worcestershire Sauce
1 TBSP Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
1/2 Cup Extra Fine Shredded Parisian Cheese x 2
1 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan
1 Cup Parmesan Petals
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper
Optional: Prosciutto Chips
Fry the pancetta in a frypan, I use a bigger than necessary one so the grease splatter isn’t as bad. Once the Pancetta is crispy, turn the burner off and using a slotted spoon remove the meat to a paper towel lined plate. Do not discard the oil from the pancetta. Cook your sliced prosciutto and Copa di Parma in the same saucepan where the pancetta drippings are. I use tongs to break the meat apart and cook until crispy. Remove and place crispy meat with the fried pancetta. If you are doing Prosciutto chips, you may need to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the same pan and gently lay full pieces of Prosciutto in, turning carefully to form chips. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Set your meats aside until ready to serve.
In a medium sized bowl or measuring cup, add the olive oil, minced garlic, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, Worcestershire, lemon juice, 1/2 cup extra fine Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and set in fridge until ready to serve.
To assemble the salad place the chopped romaine into a bowl, add the chopped crispy Italian meat (do not add the prosciutto chips at this point), and all three types of remaining parmesan cheese. Using salad tongs, mix the salad carefully, being sure to get all the lettuce evenly coated. If using Prosciutto chips, place on top of the salad either as a garnish on the full bowl or plate the salad and carefully place the chips on top for garnish.
Notes:
Costco or Superstore are the best places I have found to buy the Italian meats and cheeses at a reasonable price. I often buy the combo packs of meat, for this recipe I would buy a combo pack and use all the prosciutto and Copa di parma that comes in it. It may be a little more than six slices but….it only makes it better. You may get a pack with Salami, yes I have fried that too and added it in. And yes, its delicious!
Do not assemble your salad more than 15 minutes before serving as it will start to slowly go mushy.
You an alter the amount of meats and cheeses if you want a more standard type of salad. The dressing in this is so good, I often do that for my husband and I. You may use regular bacon as well, it works perfectly fine in it
Some people add a shot of Vodka to the dressing, many people have found it enhances the flavours. Personally, I don’t as I love the dressing just as it is.
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