A crisp, refreshing salad isn’t just a summer treat—it can brighten up any meal, even as we transition out of winter’s heavier fare. Caesar salad, with its combination of crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing, is a beloved classic, originally inspired by the flavors of Tijuana, Mexico. Traditionally, it features Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and anchovies or anchovy paste.
Mary Berry, former Great British Bake Off judge and renowned cookbook author, offers a quick and delicious take on the Caesar salad in her BBC series, Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites. This streamlined recipe requires just five simple ingredients and can be ready in around 30 minutes. A standout feature is her clever use of kitchen scraps: homemade croutons crafted from stale bread, turning what might be waste into a crunchy delight.
“Making your own croutons is a great way of using up stale bread,” Mary explains, showcasing her knack for combining frugality with flavor.
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Avoiding store-bought dressings laden with emulsifiers, sugars, and preservatives, Mary’s homemade Caesar dressing uses pantry staples: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. This creamy dressing can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing for quick assembly when hunger strikes.
To prepare the croutons, heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry cubed stale bread on high heat for three to four minutes until golden and crunchy. Drain on a slotted spoon, then season liberally with salt and pepper.
For the dressing, simply whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce together until smooth. If needed, add one to two tablespoons of water to loosen the mixture—careful not to make it too thin.
Finally, toss the fresh romaine lettuce with the dressing, then top with Parmesan cheese and the freshly made croutons. This easy, flavorful Caesar salad combines simplicity and smart kitchen tricks, making it a perfect go-to recipe.