Romaine Caesar Bowl

Enjoy a fresh and hearty Romaine Caesar Bowl, a quintessential Italian-American main dish that combines crisp textures with a rich, creamy homemade dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, offering a balance of crunchy homemade croutons, savory Parmesan, and your choice of protein.

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Whether you are looking for a classic chicken Caesar or a plant-based alternative with roasted chickpeas, this recipe provides the foundation for a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan creates a bright yet savory profile that elevates simple romaine lettuce into a gourmet experience.

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: Whisk 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

Prepare your 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: Toss the Salad

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

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor and texture, consider adding crispy bacon bits or a soft-boiled egg to the bowl. If you are short on time, you can use store-bought croutons for convenience while still enjoying the homemade dressing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the anchovies from the dressing and use a vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce. For a gluten-free version, substitute the day-old bread with your favorite gluten-free bread when making the croutons.

Serviervorschläge

This Romaine Caesar Bowl pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water and a fresh squeeze of lemon to complement the citrus notes in the dressing.

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With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Romaine Caesar Bowl is a timeless favorite. By preparing the elements fresh at home, you ensure every bite is packed with the perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and protein.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

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

→ How long does the dressing keep?

The homemade Caesar dressing stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good whisk before using.

→ Can I use store-bought croutons?

Absolutely. Store-bought croutons work perfectly and save time. The homemade version takes just 10 minutes and allows you to control the seasoning.

→ What protein works best?

Grilled chicken breast is classic, but roasted chickpeas make excellent vegetarian options. Grilled shrimp adds a lighter, seafood twist.

→ Is gluten-free possible?

Yes, use gluten-free bread for the croutons and double-check all ingredient labels. The dressing is naturally gluten-free.

→ Can I prep components ahead?

The dressing and croutons can be made 2-3 days ahead. Wash and chop romaine 1 day before. Assemble just before serving for optimal crispness.