Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad is a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and savory flavors. This salad features crisp Romaine lettuce, tangy Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a delicious homemade Caesar dressing. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a dinner party, this salad is sure to impress.
Mary Berry Caesar Salad is not only visually appealing with its vibrant green lettuce and golden croutons but also incredibly easy to make. The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for any occasion.
In this guide, I’ll take you through a detailed, step-by-step process to create this delightful dish right in your own kitchen.
What is Mary Berry Caesar Salad?
Mary Berry Caesar Salad is a delightful variation of the traditional Caesar salad, featuring a unique blend of fresh ingredients and a signature dressing that sets it apart from the rest. Known for her exceptional recipes, Mary Berry adds a touch of elegance to this classic salad, making it a must-try for any salad lover.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and Mary Berry’s special dressing creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad is as healthy as it is tasty.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or a dinner party, this salad fits perfectly.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Caesar Salad
- Romaine lettuce
- Parmesan cheese
- Croutons
- Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Chicken breast (optional)
- Anchovies (optional)
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Caesar Salad
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry the Romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Chicken (if using): Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry until fully cooked. Slice into strips.
- Make the Croutons: Toss bread cubes with olive oil and garlic, then bake until golden brown.
- Mix the Dressing: Combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese to create the Caesar dressing. Add anchovies if desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the lettuce, chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Caesar Salad
- Grilled Chicken: Adds a protein boost and complements the salad’s flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Soup: A warm bowl of soup pairs nicely with this fresh salad.
- Pasta Dishes: Balances the meal with a hearty side.
- Seafood: Shrimp or salmon make great additions.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Mary Berry Caesar Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest lettuce and Parmesan cheese.
- Homemade Dressing: If possible, make your own dressing for the best flavor.
- Crispy Croutons: Ensure your croutons are crispy for the perfect crunch.
- Properly Season: Don’t forget to season your chicken if using.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right after dressing to keep it crisp.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your preference.
- Anchovies Optional: Add anchovies if you like a more traditional Caesar taste.
Variations of Mary Berry Caesar Salad
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more veggies.
- Seafood Twist: Incorporate shrimp or salmon for a seafood flair.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing for some heat.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace croutons with avocado or nuts.
- Low-Calorie Option: Use a light dressing and skip the cheese.
Storing Mary Berry Caesar Salad: Best Practices
- Use an Airtight Container: Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
- Separate Dressing: Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
- Refrigerate Immediately: Place the salad in the fridge as soon as possible.
- Consume Quickly: Eat within 1-2 days for the best taste.
Reheating Mary Berry Caesar Salad: Best Practices
- Avoid Microwaving: Reheating can wilt the lettuce and ruin the texture.
- Use Fresh Dressing: Add fresh dressing if needed to revive the flavor.
- Toss Before Serving: Give the salad a good toss to redistribute the ingredients.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
FAQs
How do you make Mary Berry Caesar Salad dressing?
To make Mary Berry Caesar Salad dressing, combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Mix until well combined. For an authentic flavor, you can add finely chopped anchovies.
Can I make Mary Berry Caesar Salad without anchovies?
Yes, you can make Mary Berry Caesar Salad without anchovies. Simply omit the anchovies from the dressing recipe and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
What can I use instead of croutons in Mary Berry Caesar Salad?
Instead of croutons, you can use toasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or add crunchy vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers for a different texture in Mary Berry Caesar Salad.
How long does Mary Berry Caesar Salad last in the fridge?
Mary Berry Caesar Salad can last up to 2 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.
Is Caesar salad actually healthy?
Caesar salad can be healthy, depending on how it’s prepared. While the traditional dressing and croutons can be high in calories and fat, using a lighter dressing and adding plenty of fresh vegetables can make it a nutritious option. Including lean proteins like grilled chicken also boosts its nutritional value.
Final Words
Mary Berry Caesar Salad is a delightful dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. With fresh ingredients and a flavorful dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Follow this guide, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade Caesar salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
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PrintMary Berry Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry Caesar Salad is a delightful variation of the traditional Caesar salad, featuring a unique blend of fresh ingredients and a signature dressing that sets it apart from the rest. Known for her exceptional recipes, Mary Berry adds a touch of elegance to this classic salad, making it a must-try for any salad lover.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce
- Parmesan cheese
- Croutons
- Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Chicken breast (optional)
- Anchovies (optional)
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry the Romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Chicken (if using): Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry until fully cooked. Slice into strips.
- Make the Croutons: Toss bread cubes with olive oil and garlic, then bake until golden brown.
- Mix the Dressing: Combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese to create the Caesar dressing. Add anchovies if desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the lettuce, chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.