Canadian Caesar Salad
Happy Canada Day! What says, “Canadian” in a cool summer meal on Canada’s birthday? Caesar in a Caesar salad.
When Walter Chell developed a custom cocktail for a restaurant opening, he likely didn’t consider this would be an iconic Canadian drink. This savory cocktail with a tomato base, inspired by spaghetti vongole is a bright, spicy and flavorful version of a Bloody Mary (but truly, a Bloody Mary does not compare).
This week’s theme of “Caesar” for Supper Challenge and Canada day weekend. I couldn’t resist the play on words crossing a Caesar cocktail with a Caesar salad. Its actually a natural pairing due to the savory aspects of the drink and the dressing. Happy Birthday Canada, eh? Celebrate with a Canadian Caesar Salad.
Canadian Caesar Salad
Canadian Caesar Salad – a Caesar cocktail transformed into a Caesar dressing into a classic salad. Savory, eh?
Ingredients
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons
Dressing
- 1 cup Caesar the drink or Motts Clamato – the Works
- ½ teaspoon anchovy paste or ½ anchovy fillet
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Dressing
- On medium heat, in a medium sized pot, cook the Caesar (or Motts Clamato – The Works) down to almost half to concentrate the flavors). Set aside and cool.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk anchovy paste, garlic clove, egg yolks and Dijon mustard until well blended.
- Whisk in lemon juice and ¼ cup of the reduced Caesar.
- While whisking, slowly drizzle vegetable oil into the dressing. Continue to whisk until dressing is homogenous.
- Whisk in grated parmesan cheese.
- Whisk in salt to taste, if desired.
- Salad
- Cut romaine hearts in quarters lengthwise.
- Cut off the stem and discard.
- Cut romaine hearts crosswise in 1” segments.
- In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce slices with several tablespoons of the Canadian Caesar dressing, grated parmesan cheese and croutons.