Let’s add a little spice to our salad bowl, shall we?
Do you have a bad boyfriend restaurant? One to which you keep returning, even though it never treats (or feeds) you right?
There is a restaurant near where we live. It’s right on the Hudson River, with views of the New York City skyline in the distance. There is an outdoor bar in the warm months, and the bartenders mix a killer Manhattan. But the food is…eh.
Yet we keep going back. We want it to be amazing. Maybe they will have a new chef, we say. This time it will be different. But without fail, the single thing on the menu that I want to order is this: a chipotle Caesar salad.
I figured it was high time I learned how to make it myself, if for no other reason than to finally “break up” with the restaurant. If I can make a delicious version at home, there really is no reason to go to the restaurant.
Let’s talk about this dressing ↑↑↑. It’s creamy, spicy, and…healthy? Yes! The not-so-secret ingredient, given the title of this post, is Greek yogurt. It adds the same rich, thick texture that mayonnaise would, for only a fraction of the calories. Other flavor agents include Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, and the sauce from a can of chipotle chilis. Just whirl everything in a food processor and stash it in the fridge. It will keep for about a week.
Since my dressing is kind of daring (um, can salad dressing be daring? Maybe not so much), I stuck with traditional ingredients for the actual salad: crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy French bread croutons, and big shreds of Parmesan cheese. But feel free to experiment! Mix in some kale or spinach, or try cornbread or muti-grain croutons. It should go without saying that to make this salad a meal, top it with grilled chicken or shrimp.
I promise this salad will love you the way you deserve to be loved. ?
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise (light or regular)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from can of chipotle chilis
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons (preferably homemade, see note)
- To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- To make the salad, put the romaine in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and croutons. Drizzle with half the dressing. Taste, and add more dressing as needed.
- 1) Here is how I make croutons: Cut a few pieces of leftover French bread into large dice. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. I toast them in a toaster oven, but you can also toast them in a 350°F oven until golden.
- 2) Nutrition facts are for salad with 1/4 of the dressing.
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
Totally in love with this dressing—I have some leftover salad and may make up this dressing today to serve with it! YUM!!
Kylee @ Kylee Cooks says
“I promise this salad will love you the way you deserve to be loved.”
I love how this post was written. I felt like I had to read it ALL. Great writing – drew me in. Recipe – kept me here.
Pinning, and following you now because I like ya
Jessica - The Novice Chef says
Caesar Salad is one of my all time favorites. Can’t wait to try it with this chipotle greek yogurt!!
Alison says
Oh, this is a must try! I’m always looking for new ways to liven up my salads and this sounds like a zesty one!
Claira says
I love Cesar salad! The chipotle dressing sounds amazing and love that it doesn’t just have mayo in it.
Blair says
Okay…I’m drooling! This salad looks absolutely delicious. I love your unique take on the traditional Caesar. I’m drooling over the croutons, too. Yum! Thank you for sharing.
Aarika says
I love this, and I am always on the lookout for delicious Caesar dressing. Your pictures are gorgeous. Yum!
Marija says
I totally get you. There is a cool coffee shop/bistro near my place. They have amazing brunch food, great coffee, interior is amazing it’s just the guys who work there are so rude and impolite. But we keep coming back there over and over again 😀
Amanda says
I love Caesar salads– the chipotle in this dressing sounds amazing. I am definitely going to have to make this one. Thanks so much for sharing!