Seared Caesar Salad
14 Comments | Written on November 9, 2011 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni
Last week it was all about Halloween candy, Thanksgiving pies are right around the corner and Christmas cookies aren’t too far behind. With all the sweet treats this time of year, I figured it was time to post a good old fashioned salad.
Well, a salad with a twist…
If you are a fan of the classic Caesar Salad, you will love this version. It is a “seared” Caesar Salad! The technique creates what I would describe as a built in crouton. Simply slice a head of romaine lettuce in half and brush on a layer of Ranch of Creamy Caesar dressing. Then press in a combination of panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sear, cut side down in a pan until a crispy crust is formed. Serve warm as a light lunch during this “indulgent” time of year!
SEARED CAESAR SALAD (click here to view and print recipe)
Panko bread crumbs (regular or Italian flavor)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Lengthwise halved pieces of Romaine lettuce
Freshly grated black pepper
On a large plate, toss together desired amount of panko crumbs and parmesan, depending on how many romaine leaves you are making. Brush each long piece of romaine (cut side) with some ranch dressing. Firmly press on the crumb mixture the length of the lettuce piece. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet and place romaine leaf, coated side down, into skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until panko crumbs are crispy and leaves just start to soften. To serve, place lettuce coated side up on serving dish; drizzle with extra ranch dressing, if desired. Serve warm.
Categories:
Better Recipes, Dinner Tonight, Fast and Fabulous, Fresh and Healthy, On A Budget, Tips and Tricks | Tags: Easy Salad Recipes, Green Salads, Salad Recipes
14 Comments | Post Your Comment
14 Responses to “Seared Caesar Salad”
This looks so good and easy. We’re gluten free so I’ll have to make some gluten free bread crumbs to try this. Thanks!
Hi Kathryn! Great point – you could certainly use GF bread crumbs. Let us know how it turns out!
Is there such a thing as GF panko? Or would you just make your own breadcrumbs out of GF bread?
You had me at the word “seared” paired with “salad.” Oh my!
How do you stop the dressing/breadcrumbs falling away from the lettuce when you place it in the pan?
Hi Lucy! The dressing sort of acts as a “glue” to hold the breadcrumbs in place. If you just flip it over quickly into the pan, it works great! Then as it sears, a nice crust is formed. Quickly flip it out onto your serving plate and voila! Simple and delicious salad!
This is so unique! I have never seen this before! I am a fan of anything with a crispy cheese coating!
I am so intrigued by this recipe. I cannot wait to try it!
what a creative twist on Caesar salad, Kristina!
Such an inventive idea for a salad!
Love this idea!
I’ve never ever thought to do ceasar salad this way, thanks for the inspiration!
Amazing. An idea so simple that when served will make one look like a “gourmet” cook! Thx! Can’t wait to serve it!
This was yummy, I made a couple of modifications but great non the less. WE are a huge salad family.
Made this last night. All 5 of my guests loved it! I used light Caesar’s dressing instead of ranch and corn flake crumbles with Herbs de Provence and Sea Salt instead of bread crumbs (have a wheat allergy in the family). Turned out very well. Make sure to give the lettuce a little shake with a pair of tongs while still in the pan to loosen before removing from the heat; will help to keep the “crouton” from sticking.