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Basil Caesar Salad

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Basil Caesar SaladRomulo Yanes

Many riffs on Caesar salad are too heavily dressed, but here a hefty handful of basil keeps things fresh and herbal.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    30 min

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1

(10-inch) piece baguette, cut into 1-inch pieces

1

/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1

garlic clove

1

large egg

2

tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1

tablespoon anchovy paste

1

cup basil leaves, coarsely chopped

1

/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

1

package romaine hearts (1 pound), leaves separated and washed well, then halved crosswise

1

cup coarsely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in middle.

    Step 2

    Toss bread with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a large 4-sided sheet pan, then spread out in 1 layer. Toast in oven, stirring halfway through, until golden, 12 to 15 minutes.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, with motor running, drop garlic into a food processor and finely chop. Add egg, lemon juice, anchovy paste, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and pulse until combined. With motor running, add remaining 6 tablespoons oil in a slow stream, blending until emulsified. Add herbs and blend until dressing turns green and herbs are finely chopped.

    Step 4

    Toss romaine with dressing, croutons, and half of cheese in a large bowl. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.