Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad

This Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad is a vibrant and fresh twist on the classic dish, pairing charred asparagus spears with crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy homemade croutons, all tossed in a tangy yogurt Caesar dressing.

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This recipe is straightforward and efficient, taking only 35 minutes to prepare. By roasting the asparagus and the homemade croutons simultaneously, you can create a sophisticated and healthy salad with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed; 2 large romaine hearts, chopped; 1 small garlic clove, minced.
• Croutons: 2 cups (about 100 g) day-old baguette or bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• Caesar Yogurt Dressing: 1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 egg yolk (optional).
• Garnish: 1/4 cup (20 g) shaved Parmesan cheese; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste.

Ideal for slow-simmered sauces, braised vegetables, baked dips, and cozy one-pot meals with even heat.

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

Toss bread cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on one baking sheet.

Step 3

Arrange asparagus on the second sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Roast asparagus for 10–12 minutes until just tender and lightly charred. Roast croutons for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, Worcestershire, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and egg yolk (if using) until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6

In a large salad bowl, toss chopped romaine with half the dressing.

Step 7

Arrange roasted asparagus over the salad. Top with croutons and shaved Parmesan. Drizzle with remaining dressing and finish with extra black pepper.

Step 8

Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, you can grill the asparagus instead of roasting it to achieve beautiful char marks. Always ensure the asparagus is properly trimmed to remove any woody ends before cooking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To add more protein, top the salad with sliced grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs. For dietary needs, substitute gluten-free bread for the croutons. You can also add 1/2 tsp of anchovy paste for a traditional Caesar flavor or omit the egg yolk for a fully cooked dressing version.

Serviervorschläge

This salad is best served immediately after assembly to enjoy the contrast of the warm roasted elements against the cold, crisp romaine.

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Enjoy this Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad as a light main course or a sophisticated side dish that is sure to impress with its fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I grill the asparagus instead of roasting?

Yes, grilling is an excellent alternative. Heat your grill to medium-high, lightly oil the asparagus spears, and grill for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender. This method adds even deeper smoky flavor.

→ How do I make the dressing egg-free?

Simply omit the egg yolk from the dressing. The Greek yogurt provides plenty of creaminess on its own. The salad will still be delicious and completely safe for those avoiding raw eggs.

→ Can I make the croutons in advance?

Absolutely. Store homemade croutons in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best crunch, add them to the salad just before serving. You can reheat them in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes if they soften.

→ What protein options pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or crispy tofu all work wonderfully. Add them on top or toss them throughout. Aim for about 4-5 ounces per serving to keep the salad balanced.

→ How do I adapt this for gluten-free diners?

Use gluten-free bread for the croutons and verify that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (many brands are). All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Check yogurt and cheese labels to ensure no hidden gluten.

→ Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate in a covered container. Stir well before using, as the ingredients may separate. Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving.