Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: The inclusion of beef adds a rich, savory element that makes this salad a filling meal.
- Homemade Dressing: A creamy Caesar dressing made from scratch enhances the freshness and taste.
- Crunchy Croutons: Freshly baked croutons provide the perfect crunchy texture contrast.
- Inspired by Café De Flore: Bring a piece of Parisian café culture to your table with this inspired recipe.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Water
- Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Croutons:
- Olive oil
- Soft baguette
- Garlic powder
For the Salad:
- Crunchy romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Soft-cooked eggs
- Cooked beef strips
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add cold water if the dressing is too thick, adjusting to your desired consistency.
- Make the Croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the baguette into cubes and place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the bread cubes.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Cook the Beef:
- Slice the beef into thin strips.
- In a pan over medium heat, cook the beef until browned and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Wash and chop the romaine lettuce, ensuring it’s thoroughly dried to prevent sogginess.
- In a large bowl, layer the lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced soft-cooked eggs, cooked beef strips, and croutons.
- Top with shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad just before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute the beef with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add roasted chickpeas or extra vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers.
- Dressing Twist: Incorporate anchovy paste into the dressing for a more traditional Caesar flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Enjoy the salad cold. If you prefer warm beef, reheat the beef strips in a pan over medium heat until warmed through before adding to the salad.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for this salad?
Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work well due to their flavor and tenderness.
How should I cook the beef for optimal flavor?
Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot pan until your desired doneness is reached. Let it rest before slicing thinly.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, but homemade dressing offers fresher taste and allows you to control the ingredients.
How do I make soft-cooked eggs?
Place eggs in boiling water for 7-8 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Peel and slice.
What’s the best way to shave Parmesan cheese?
Use a vegetable peeler to create thin, even shavings from a block of Parmesan.
Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing, croutons, and beef ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
How do I keep the croutons crunchy?
Ensure the lettuce is completely dry before adding croutons, and add dressing just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in the dressing?
Soy sauce or tamari can be used as alternatives, keeping in mind they may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to include cucumbers
Caesar Salad
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Paris with this Café De Flore-inspired Caesar Salad. Featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, soft-cooked eggs, and tender beef strips, this dish is elevated with a creamy homemade dressing and crunchy croutons. Perfect for a hearty yet fresh meal.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce/tamari)
- Salt
- Water
- Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Croutons:
- Olive oil
- Soft baguette, cubed
- Garlic powder
For the Salad:
- Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Soft-cooked eggs, sliced
- Cooked beef strips (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak recommended)
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
. Prepare the Dressing:
- Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Adjust thickness by gradually adding cold water to reach your desired consistency.
2. Make the Croutons:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss baguette cubes with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder over them.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway. Cool completely.
3. Cook the Beef:
- Slice beef into thin strips.
- Sear in a hot pan over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- Layer chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, sliced soft-cooked eggs, beef strips, and croutons in a large bowl.
- Top with shaved Parmesan.
- Drizzle with homemade dressing just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure lettuce is completely dry to prevent sogginess.
- Store dressing, croutons, and salad components separately for freshness.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep croutons crunchy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: French-inspired
