Caesar Salad Spears: A Modern Twist on a Classic Dish
Handheld salad makeovers that bring flavor, texture, and style to any gathering.
Caesar salad is a timeless favorite, beloved for its creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. This recipe transforms the familiar dish into a visually captivating, party-friendly appetizer: Caesar Salad Spears. By serving crisp romaine hearts, shavings of parmesan, and homemade croutons in easily handled spears, you create a salad that’s just as delicious, but far more elegant for entertaining and snacking.
Why You’ll Love Caesar Salad Spears
- Handheld elegance: Easy to serve and eat—no need for a fork.
- Perfect for parties: Great for appetizers, buffets, or as a fresh addition to a brunch spread.
- Customizable toppings: Add extra cheese, spice, or even protein to tailor it to your taste.
- All the flavor, less mess: Each spear delivers the full Caesar experience in a neat package.
What Are Caesar Salad Spears?
Caesar Salad Spears are a reimagined presentation of traditional Caesar salad. Rather than tossing chopped romaine in a bowl, intact hearts of romaine are separated into sturdy individual leaves (spears), then topped with fresh parmesan shavings, crunchy seasoned croutons, and savory Caesar dressing. This method lets every component shine, and the handheld format makes them irresistible as finger food.
Ingredients
This recipe keeps classic Caesar flavors intact but updates the method. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Croutons
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 cups cubed French bread (day-old preferred for extra crunch)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 anchovy fillets (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of half a lemon
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
For the Salad Spears
- 3 romaine lettuce hearts, trimmed and quartered lengthwise into spears
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shavings
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Homemade Croutons
The homemade croutons make this dish truly special. Here’s how to achieve perfect crunch and flavor:
- Preheat your oven to 250˚F.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
- Place the cubed bread into a large bowl. Pour the butter and oil mixture over the cubes.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece.
- Spread the bread cubes out evenly on a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp throughout.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
2. Caesar Dressing
This simple, flavorful dressing comes together quickly—no raw eggs required!
- In a blender or small food processor, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, anchovy fillets, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
- Blend on low until the anchovies and garlic are finely incorporated.
- Pause to scrape down the sides, then blend again, slowly adding the shredded parmesan.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or a bit more lemon juice to reach the desired consistency.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or sealable jar; refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 3 days.
3. Preparing and Assembling the Salad Spears
- Trim and quarter three romaine hearts lengthwise to create about 12 sturdy leafy spears.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine spears. (Water will prevent the dressing from clinging.)
- Lay the spears out on a large platter, evenly spaced and ready to be garnished.
4. Building the Caesar Salad Spears
What others are reading
- Drizzle or brush each romaine spear lightly with the Caesar dressing. Alternatively, serve extra dressing on the side for dipping.
- Top each spear with several homemade croutons, gently pressing them into the center so they don’t fall off easily.
- Scatter parmesan shavings generously over the top.
- Finish with a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
- Use a vegetable peeler to create wide, thin parmesan shavings for an attractive finish.
- For extra flavor, grill or roast the romaine spears briefly before assembling—this adds a pleasant smoky note.
- Try different breads for your croutons (sourdough, ciabatta, or multigrain).
- Substitute grilled chicken, salmon, or crispy chickpeas for a heartier version.
- To make ahead, prepare the croutons and dressing up to two days ahead and assemble just before serving for maximum crunch.
Nutritional Highlights
| Component | Calories (approx. per spear) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce | 5 | High in fiber & vitamin A |
| Homemade croutons | 40 | Use whole grain bread for extra nutrition |
| Caesar dressing | 60 | Rich flavor, good fats from olive oil |
| Parmesan cheese | 20 | Calcium & protein boost |
Variations
- Spicy Spears: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the anchovies or substitute with capers for a similar briny taste.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the croutons, or swap in toasted nuts for crunch.
- Mini Bites: Cut the romaine hearts into smaller spears for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.
Entertaining Ideas
Caesar Salad Spears bring restaurant flair to your home table. They’re ideal for:
- Holiday spreads—a lighter addition to rich buffets.
- Brunches and showers—dress up your appetizer selection.
- Summer gatherings—no plates or utensils needed.
- Weeknight dinners—serve as a crisp, refreshing first course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the dressing in advance?
A: Yes! The Caesar dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead. Keep it refrigerated and whisk or shake before serving, as it may separate.
Q: What can I substitute for anchovies in the dressing?
A: For a vegetarian version, substitute 1 tablespoon of capers, drained and chopped, for a similar salty, savory kick.
Q: How do I keep the salad spears crisp until serving?
A: Pat the romaine spears very dry after washing and refrigerate them in a sealed container until you’re ready to assemble.
Q: Are store-bought croutons okay?
A: While homemade croutons are best for flavor and crunch, quality store-bought croutons in a pinch will work well.
Q: How can I prep this salad for a crowd?
A: Prepare a large platter ahead of time, or let guests build their own spears from a DIY salad bar spread with croutons, cheese, and dressing on the side.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Croutons can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Wash, dry, and trim the romaine hearts a day ahead for quick assembly.
Expert Tips for the Best Caesar Salad Spears
- Use sturdy romaine hearts: Larger, thicker leaves hold toppings better and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Don’t overdress: Add just enough dressing to coat but not saturate the spears—excess dressing makes them soggy.
- Serve chilled: Keep both the lettuce and dressing cold for the most refreshing bite.
- Up the umami: Mix a bit of grated parmesan into the dressing for deeper, richer flavor.
Conclusion: Caesar Salad Spears for Every Occasion
This easy, impressive Caesar Salad Spears recipe combines all the beloved flavors of a classic Caesar in a format that’s fun, stylish, and perfect for sharing. Enjoy these at your next gathering or anytime you crave the satisfaction of Caesar salad in a whole new way.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY4Cz9DZx4k
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43580200/caesar-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35823712/caesar-salad-spears-recipe/
- https://cooked.wiki/saved/dc83786c-1aef-4779-81e6-54a31aeb8b6d
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g64793644/caesar-inspired-recipes/
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