Classic Caesar Salad with Bacon

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 large head of Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup croutons
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1-2 anchovy fillets, minced (for a more authentic flavor)

For Garnish:

• Extra Parmesan cheese, shaved
• Freshly ground black pepper

For Serving:

• Garlic bread or focaccia

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Dressing:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy fillets (if using).
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with a little water if the dressing is too thick.
3. Set aside.

2. Preparing the Salad:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
2. Add the crumbled bacon and gently toss to combine.

3. Assembling the Salad:

1. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
2. Top with extra shaved Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

4. Serving:

1. Serve the salad immediately on plates or bowls.
2. Accompany with garlic bread or focaccia for a complete meal.

5. Storing:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate in a jar for up to 1 week.
2. Preparation Tip: If you plan to store the salad, add the dressing just before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.

Tips:

• For a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
• Customize your salad with additional ingredients like grilled chicken, shrimp, or avocado for extra protein.
• To make homemade croutons, toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crispy.

Enjoy this Classic Caesar Salad with Bacon, a satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for any meal!