Introduction

This Creamy Caesar Salad with Garlic Panko offers a fresh twist on a classic favorite. Crisp romaine hearts are tossed in a rich, homemade Caesar dressing and topped with golden, garlicky panko for a delightful crunch.

Creamy Caesar Salad with Garlic Panko Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 clove garlic (pressed)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
½ cup panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 hearts of romaine
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the pressed garlic and lemon juice.
Step 2: Whisk in mayonnaise, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until the dressing is smooth. Chill for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, melt the butter, then add panko, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Stir the mixture well and cook for 4-6 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown, stirring regularly. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning and transfer to a bowl to cool.
Step 5: Chop the romaine hearts and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with the chilled Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat the greens evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the garlic panko topping over the salad. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest dressing flavor.
For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.
Use gluten-free panko if you prefer a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store the Caesar dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic panko crumbs in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days to retain their crispness. Assemble the salad just before serving to preserve the romaine’s crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

How can I keep the garlic panko crunchy?

Cool the garlic panko completely after cooking and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make it soggy.

Creamy Caesar Salad with Garlic Panko Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 145 reviews

This Creamy Caesar Salad with Garlic Panko combines crisp romaine hearts tossed in a rich, tangy homemade Caesar dressing with a crunchy garlic-infused panko topping. It’s a delightful twist on a classic salad, featuring zesty lemon, Worcestershire, and Dijon in the dressing, complemented by golden, seasoned panko breadcrumbs sautéed in butter for added texture and flavor.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Caesar Dressing

1 clove garlic (pressed)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Garlic Panko Topping

2 tablespoons butter (melted)
½ cup panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salad

4 hearts of romaine lettuce
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)

Instructions

Make the Caesar dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the pressed garlic and lemon juice. Whisk in the mayonnaise, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Chill the dressing for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend fully.
Prepare the garlic panko topping: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, melt the butter in the skillet, then add the panko bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture continuously and cook for 4-6 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Remove from heat immediately and transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl to cool, preventing further cooking.
Assemble the salad: Chop the romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the chilled Caesar dressing over the greens and toss thoroughly to coat all leaves evenly. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the cooled garlic panko topping over the dressed salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of creamy and crunchy textures.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for maximum flavor.
Chilling the dressing helps the flavors meld and improves the overall taste.
Stir the panko continuously when cooking to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
Serve the salad immediately after assembling to keep the panko crispy.
To make it lighter, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for the dressing if desired.

Keywords: Caesar Salad, Garlic Panko, Creamy Salad Dressing, Homemade Caesar Dressing, Crunchy Salad Topping