Mary Berry Caesar Salad Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic dish, Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad recipe is a must-try!

Known for her simple yet stunning cooking style, Mary Berry takes this beloved salad to the next level with her flavorful dressing, perfectly crisp croutons, and just the right amount of seasoning. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch or serving it as a side for a larger meal, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and savory. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a great option for both beginners and seasoned chefs alike!

Mary Berry Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad brings together a delightful combination of fresh ingredients, rich textures, and bold flavors. The recipe’s charm lies in its simplicity and the balance of taste. Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:

For The Salad

• Romaine Lettuce (or Cos Lettuce) – The backbone of any Caesar salad, the crisp, slightly bitter leaves of Romaine lettuce provide the perfect base. Its crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor complement the rich dressing.
• Parmesan Cheese – This classic Italian cheese adds a nutty, salty, and umami flavor that’s essential for Caesar dressing. It’s usually grated or shaved and sprinkled over the salad.
• Croutons – You can either buy these pre-made or make your own. Homemade croutons made from stale bread are golden, crispy, and often tossed in olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of seasoning to enhance their flavor.
• Chicken (optional) – Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad recipe gives you the option to include grilled or roasted chicken, providing additional protein and making it a heartier meal. Chicken breast is the most commonly used cut for this purpose.

For The Dressing

• Egg Yolks – Egg yolks are a key ingredient in creating the creamy texture of the Caesar dressing. They bind the oil and other ingredients to create that signature silky smooth consistency.
• Garlic – Garlic provides a bold, aromatic flavor that infuses the dressing. Fresh garlic cloves are often crushed to release the oil and bring out the best in the sauce.
• Anchovy Fillets – These small fish are crucial for achieving the distinct, savory umami flavor typical of a traditional Caesar dressing. While anchovies add depth, they often go unnoticed by many due to their ability to melt into the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard – The mustard adds a touch of tang and sharpness, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides acidity and brightness to the dressing, helping to cut through the richness of the egg yolks and Parmesan.
• Olive Oil – A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor. It helps emulsify the dressing and gives it a smooth, glossy finish.
• Worcestershire Sauce – This adds a deep, tangy complexity that elevates the flavor profile of the dressing, pairing perfectly with the anchovies.
• Salt and Black Pepper – These seasonings are added to taste to bring everything together and enhance the overall flavor.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing together the layers of flavor in this classic dish. From the crunch of the lettuce to the depth of the anchovy-infused dressing, every element is carefully chosen for maximum taste.

Equipment Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad, you won’t need any elaborate or specialized kitchen gadgets. A few basic pieces of equipment will be enough to assemble this dish with ease. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Large Salad Bowl – A big bowl is essential to toss the lettuce, croutons, chicken, and dressing together. This allows for even coating of all ingredients, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
• Whisk – For making the dressing, a whisk is necessary to beat the egg yolks and oil together, creating an emulsified, smooth mixture. If you prefer, you can use an electric hand mixer for ease.
• Garlic Press or Knife – If you prefer using fresh garlic, a garlic press or simply a sharp knife to finely chop or crush the garlic cloves will do.
• Grater or Zester – For grating the Parmesan cheese into the perfect fine consistency, you’ll want a microplane grater or box grater. This ensures the cheese blends effortlessly into the dressing.
• Tongs – Tongs are incredibly helpful when tossing the salad to ensure everything is mixed without damaging the delicate lettuce leaves.
• Frying Pan or Baking Tray (for Croutons and Chicken) – If you choose to make your croutons from scratch or cook the chicken yourself, you’ll need a frying pan for sautéing or a baking tray for roasting.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups – Accurate measurements for the dressing ingredients are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and easy, ensuring each component is prepared perfectly.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad

Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad may be simple, but its result is nothing short of spectacular. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make it:

1. Prepare The Salad Ingredients

Start by washing and drying the Romaine lettuce thoroughly. If any outer leaves are wilted, remove them, leaving behind the fresh, crisp inner leaves.

Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in the large salad bowl. If you’re adding chicken, grill or roast your chicken breast until it’s fully cooked and juicy, then slice it into thin strips. Set aside to cool.

If you’re making your own croutons, cube some stale bread into bite-sized pieces. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the bread cubes, tossing them regularly, until they are golden brown and crispy.

You can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder or herbs to give the croutons extra flavor. Once they are crisp, set them aside to cool.

2. Make The Caesar Dressing

To create the dressing, start by placing the egg yolks in a bowl. Use a whisk to beat them until they are smooth and slightly pale.

Add crushed garlic, anchovy fillets, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk everything together until combined.

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the mixture and create a creamy, thick dressing. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3. Toss The Salad

Add the lettuce to the bowl and pour over the dressing, tossing gently to coat all the leaves evenly. Add the Parmesan cheese either grated or shaved, depending on your preference, and toss again to mix it into the lettuce.

4. Serve

If you’ve prepared chicken, place the slices on top of the salad. Sprinkle the homemade croutons over the top for added crunch. For an extra touch of elegance, you can add more Parmesan on top or even a few lemon wedges for garnish.

The result should be a balanced salad with creamy, tangy dressing, rich umami flavors, and a satisfying crunch. This dish can be served as a starter or as a main course, especially if you’ve added chicken to make it more substantial.

Expert Tips

• Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: For the best Caesar Salad, always use the freshest lettuce, high-quality Parmesan cheese, and freshly made croutons. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and make a significant difference in flavor and texture.

• Homemade Croutons: Making croutons from scratch is easy and allows you to customize the flavors. Use day-old bread, and toast it in olive oil with garlic, rosemary, or thyme to infuse the croutons with additional layers of flavor.

• Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste: If you like a tangier dressing, feel free to add more lemon juice. If you’re sensitive to the anchovies, reduce the amount or substitute with anchovy paste for a milder flavor. Taste as you go, and adjust seasoning to your preference.

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day or two. Just be sure to give it a good whisk before serving to bring it back to a smooth consistency. Keep the lettuce and croutons separate from the dressing until you’re ready to serve to prevent wilting.

• Use a Raw Egg Substitute: If you’re concerned about using raw egg yolks, you can substitute them with a pasteurized egg or use mayonnaise as a base to make the dressing safer while still achieving a similar creamy texture.

Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad is a timeless classic that combines rich flavors, textures, and simple ingredients into a delightful dish. With the option to customize the salad by adding chicken or adjusting the dressing, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Whether served as a starter or a main, the crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a satisfying combination that’s sure to impress. Follow these detailed instructions, keep expert tips in mind, and you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality Caesar salad right at home.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad

Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad is a classic, featuring crispy romaine lettuce, a tangy, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons. While her original recipe is delicious as is, there’s always room for creativity. Here are some easy variations you can try to elevate the flavors and adapt to your tastes or dietary preferences.

1. Add Grilled Chicken or Steak

For a heartier meal, adding grilled chicken breast or slices of steak can transform the salad into a filling main course. Marinate the chicken or steak in a bit of lemon, garlic, and olive oil before grilling to infuse even more flavor. The smoky char from the grill complements the creamy Caesar dressing beautifully.

2. Incorporate Avocado

For a creamy, rich twist, add slices of ripe avocado. This variation brings a smooth texture that balances out the crunch of the croutons and the sharpness of the dressing. Plus, avocado’s subtle flavor won’t overpower the classic Caesar components but instead enhances them.

3. Try Bacon or Pancetta

Crispy bacon or pancetta is a simple yet indulgent addition to the salad. The salty, smoky crunch adds a new dimension to the dish, making it even more satisfying. Whether you use crumbled bacon or whole crispy strips, this variation will bring extra layers of flavor.

4. Go for a Vegetarian Caesar Salad

If you’re looking to make the dish vegetarian, you can omit the traditional anchovies in the dressing and use a plant-based alternative, such as nutritional yeast for that ‘cheesy’ flavor. Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini, which will add color and texture while keeping the salad filling and flavorful.

5. Experiment with Different Greens

Instead of just using romaine, try mixing in other greens to add a twist. Baby kale or arugula can give your Caesar salad a peppery bite, while butter lettuce will offer a softer, more delicate texture. You could even mix in some spinach or mixed baby greens for an earthy flavor and varied textures.

6. Make it Mediterranean

For a Mediterranean spin on the traditional Caesar, try adding Kalamata olives, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes to the mix. Use a dressing that incorporates lemon juice, olive oil, and a dash of balsamic vinegar alongside the classic Caesar dressing to create a unique, tangy variation that ties everything together.

7. Sweeten It Up with Roasted Beets

Roasted beets can introduce a slightly sweet and earthy flavor to your salad. When paired with the salty Parmesan cheese and the savory Caesar dressing, they provide a wonderful contrast. The vibrant color of the beets also makes the salad visually appealing, making it perfect for a special occasion or festive dinner.

8. Add Fresh Herbs

For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the top. Parsley, chives, or basil can add brightness to each bite and elevate the overall flavor profile of the salad. Fresh herbs are especially great if you’re serving the salad as a side dish and want to add a bit of extra flair.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

While Caesar salad is best enjoyed fresh, storing leftovers properly can help you enjoy the dish a second time without compromising on taste or texture. Here are some tips to store your leftover Caesar salad in the best possible way:

1. Keep Dressing Separate

The key to maintaining the salad’s quality is to store the dressing separately from the salad. Dressing can quickly wilt the lettuce and make it soggy.

If you have leftovers with dressing already mixed in, remove the dressing as best as you can before storing. Place the salad ingredients in an airtight container and store the dressing in a separate jar or bottle in the fridge.

2. Store Lettuce Properly

Lettuce can easily become limp and unappetizing if not stored correctly. If you have leftover salad with undressed lettuce, wrap the lettuce in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, then place it in a sealed container or resealable bag. This will keep the lettuce crisp for a couple of days.

3. Refrigerate Quickly

Always refrigerate leftover salad as soon as possible to preserve its freshness. Leaving it at room temperature for too long can lead to bacterial growth and cause the ingredients to deteriorate. Aim to put your leftovers in the fridge within an hour of finishing your meal.

4. Croutons and Cheese

If you’ve got leftover croutons, it’s a good idea to store them separately as well. Storing croutons with the salad will result in them absorbing moisture and losing their crispness.

Place the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days. Similarly, store grated Parmesan cheese in a separate airtight container in the fridge to maintain its flavor.

5. Shelf Life

Leftover Caesar salad with undressed greens can last for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. If the dressing has been mixed in, aim to consume the leftovers within 1-2 days for the best quality. After that, the lettuce will begin to lose its freshness and texture, and the dressing might start to separate or curdle.

What Goes Well With Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a wide range of other dishes. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a side, it can complement various flavors and cuisines. Here are some options that go well with a Caesar salad:

1. Grilled Meats and Seafood

Caesar salad is often served alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or lamb, as the crisp, fresh lettuce and creamy dressing balance out the richness of the meat. If you’re in the mood for seafood, grilled shrimp or salmon pairs exceptionally well with Caesar salad. The smoky, charred flavor of the seafood beautifully complements the salad’s richness.

2. Pasta Dishes

Pairing Caesar salad with a pasta dish creates a complete, satisfying meal. Light pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio or linguine with lemon and garlic work especially well because they won’t overwhelm the flavors of the salad. If you prefer something more indulgent, a creamy carbonara or a rich fettuccine Alfredo offers a hearty, delicious combo.

3. Roasted Vegetables

For a healthier, plant-based side dish, roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes can pair perfectly with Caesar salad. The smoky, caramelized flavors of the roasted veggies create a great contrast with the freshness of the salad. If you want to go a step further, try adding roasted garlic or red onions for an extra flavor kick.

4. Light Soups

If you’re having a lighter meal, pair Caesar salad with a clear soup, such as a vegetable or chicken broth-based soup. The light, savory nature of these soups complements the salad’s richness without overwhelming your taste buds. A classic tomato soup is also an excellent choice for this pairing.

5. Wine Pairings

Caesar salad can be paired with a variety of wines, depending on the protein you’re serving with it. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well with grilled chicken or seafood, while a light red wine such as Pinot Noir is great for pairing with steak. If you’re serving a vegetarian variation of the salad, consider a slightly floral white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad is a timeless dish that brings together simple yet delicious ingredients in a way that never fails to impress. Whether you’re sticking with the classic or making your own creative twists, the Caesar salad’s versatility allows for endless possibilities.

From grilled meats and seafood to vibrant roasted vegetables, there are countless ways to customize and elevate your salad. And while the salad’s texture and taste are best enjoyed fresh, knowing the best practices for storing leftovers can help you enjoy your meal later without sacrificing quality.

In the end, Caesar salad is much more than just a side dish; it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, its timeless appeal will never go out of style.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad?

To make Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients: romaine lettuce, a homemade Caesar dressing (which includes ingredients like egg yolks, garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice), croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a few optional extras like grilled chicken or bacon.

Can I Use Store-bought Dressing For Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad?

While Mary Berry’s recipe encourages making your own Caesar dressing from scratch for the freshest flavor, you can use a high-quality store-bought Caesar dressing if you’re short on time. However, making it yourself adds a rich and authentic taste.

How Do I Make The Croutons For Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad?

For the croutons, cut day-old bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You can also add some garlic powder for extra flavor.

Can I Prepare Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare many of the components ahead of time. You can make the croutons and dressing a day or two in advance, and store them in airtight containers. However, it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad More Filling?

To make the salad more filling, you can add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon. Some people also like to add hard-boiled eggs or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad Without Anchovies?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of anchovies or have dietary restrictions, you can leave them out or substitute with anchovy paste. Alternatively, a bit of Worcestershire sauce can also provide a similar depth of umami flavor.

What Type Of Lettuce Is Best For Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad?

Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad uses romaine lettuce, as its crisp texture and sturdy leaves hold up well with the dressing and other ingredients. You can also mix in some other lettuces if you like, but romaine is the traditional choice.

How Do I Make Mary Berry’s Caesar Dressing?

Mary Berry’s Caesar dressing is made by blending egg yolks, garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor. You can also add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. The dressing should be creamy and rich.

Can I Make A Vegetarian Version Of Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad?

Yes, to make a vegetarian version of Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad, simply omit the anchovies in the dressing and substitute the Parmesan with a vegetarian-friendly cheese or nutritional yeast. You can also add roasted vegetables or grilled tofu for extra texture and flavor.

How Do I Serve Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad?

Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad is typically served as a side dish or light lunch. To serve, toss the lettuce with the dressing, then sprinkle over the croutons and Parmesan cheese. You can also top with additional protein like grilled chicken or bacon for a more substantial meal.