Easy Scratch Caesar Salad

Easy Scratch Caesar Salad

Recently, we had the pleasure of joining family who had rented a vacation home in beautiful Tucson, AZ for a long weekend. We enjoyed some amazing sunset meals out at the local Bob's Steak and Chop House overlooking Tucson National Golf Course.

Sunset from the patio at Bob's Steak and Chop House in Tucson, AZ

One of my favorite dinners, though, was at home and included an incredibly tasty homemade Caesar salad. My sister in law Sunny is an amazing cook and I especially admire her ability to entertain large groups with ease. She whipped up this incredible Caesar salad dressing from scratch, and while I usually pass on salad dressings, I couldn't resist. I'm glad I didn't resist. It was fabulous and clean. I snapped this pic of the paper recipe she uses:

Sunny's recipe for Caesar Dressing adapted from Epicurious

And then I quickly made it again as soon as we returned home - yum! It was super easy and quick to make. Just throw a few ingredients in a bowl, stir and toss with romaine. I halved her recipe and it was plenty to dress a large salad for 3-4 people as a side.

Just throw a few ingredients in a bowl, stir and toss with romaine - so easy for such goodness

Easy Scratch Caesar Salad
Adapted from Sunny Hirschfeld and Epicurious

Serves 3-4 as a side

1 organic garlic clove, mashed with a pinch of sea salt
1/2 tsp anchovy paste
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp Worscestershire sauce
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
3 large stalks of organic hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
sea salt
fresh cracked black pepper

In a medium mixing bowl add all ingredients except lettuce, salt and pepper, and mix with a fork until blended.

Toss with lettuce and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with a sprinkling, or a few shaves, of Parmigiano Reggiano if desired.

Note: For a Paleo-friendly version, you can make your own Paleo mayo or do as I did and use Sir Kensington's Mayo.

Bon appétit!