Merken Experience a fresh twist on a classic with this Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad. This dish elevates the traditional Caesar by combining charred, tender asparagus spears with crisp romaine hearts, all tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt-based dressing. It is a vibrant, satisfying vegetarian meal that balances smoky roasted notes with the refreshing crunch of fresh greens and homemade croutons.
Merken The secret to this salad's depth of flavor is the roasting process. As the asparagus and bread cubes cook in a high-heat oven, they develop caramelized edges and a rustic texture that perfectly complements the creamy, savory dressing. Whether served as a sophisticated lunch or a side for a dinner party, it is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed; 2 large romaine hearts, chopped; 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Croutons: 2 cups (about 100 g) day-old baguette or bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Caesar Yogurt Dressing: 1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 egg yolk (optional, for classic creaminess)
- Garnish: 1/4 cup (20 g) shaved Parmesan cheese; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Season Croutons
- In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread them evenly on the first baking sheet.
- Step 3: Season Asparagus
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus on the second sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Roast
- Roast the asparagus for 10–12 minutes until tender and lightly charred. Roast the croutons for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are golden and crisp.
- Step 5: Whisk Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, Worcestershire, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and the optional egg yolk until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 6: Assemble
- In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine with half of the prepared dressing.
- Step 7: Final Touch
- Arrange the roasted asparagus over the lettuce. Top with the homemade croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and finish with cracked black pepper.
- Step 8: Serve
- Serve the salad immediately while the roasted elements are still warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a sharp chef's knife and a sturdy cutting board for prep work. When whisking the dressing, ensure the yogurt and Parmesan are well-integrated for a silky consistency. For those concerned about safety, you may omit the raw egg yolk; the Greek yogurt provides plenty of creaminess on its own. Using parchment paper on your baking sheets is essential to prevent the croutons from sticking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable. For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the asparagus instead of roasting it. To add more protein, top the salad with sliced grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs. For dietary needs, substitute gluten-free bread for the croutons. Traditionalists can add 1/2 tsp of anchovy paste to the dressing for that classic Caesar bite. Note that the salad contains milk, egg, wheat, and fish (via Worcestershire sauce), so check labels carefully for allergy-friendly alternatives.
Serviervorschläge
This salad yields 4 servings and is best enjoyed immediately after assembly to maintain the crispness of the romaine and the warmth of the asparagus. It makes a beautiful vegetarian main course or a refreshing starter. Each serving contains approximately 285 calories, 13g of protein, and 13g of fat, making it a balanced and nutritious choice for any meal.
Merken With its combination of warm roasted vegetables and cool crisp lettuce, this Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad is a delightful way to celebrate fresh ingredients. It provides a gourmet touch to your weekly menu while remaining simple enough for any home cook to master.
