Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A classic Caesar salad is already a beloved dish, with its rich, creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons. But this “With a Twist” version takes everything you love about the traditional Caesar and adds some exciting, flavorful upgrades. The twist in this recipe includes the addition of unexpected ingredients like roasted vegetables, avocado, or even a hint of smoky beef, giving the salad a modern and unique flair. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or even a hearty meal with the addition of grilled chicken or shrimp.

Classic Caesar Salad With a Twist Recipe

Ingredients

1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/2 cup roasted vegetables (such as roasted beets, carrots, or bell peppers)
2 strips of crispy beef (optional, for a smoky flavor)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dry thoroughly with a salad spinner or paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss your choice of vegetables (like carrots, bell peppers, or beets) in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Allow them to cool before adding them to the salad.
Prepare the Baeef (optional): If using beef, cook the strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, roasted vegetables, and diced avocado. Toss gently to combine.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again to combine.
Add Crunch: Top the salad with croutons, crumbled beef, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick.
Serve: Serve immediately as a side dish or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even steak for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes (for roasting vegetables)
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Add slices of grilled chicken breast for a more substantial meal.
Shrimp Caesar Salad: Top with grilled shrimp for a light and protein-packed alternative.
Vegan Caesar Salad: Use a plant-based Caesar dressing, and replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
Crunchy Chickpea Caesar Salad: Swap croutons for roasted chickpeas for a crunchy, healthy twist.
Sweet and Savory Twist: Add sliced pears or apples and candied walnuts for a sweet contrast to the savory dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the lettuce and roasted vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing, croutons, and beef separate to avoid sogginess.
Reheating: If you have leftover roasted vegetables, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components (like the roasted vegetables and beef) ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Can I use store-bought dressing for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing if you’re short on time. However, making your own dressing can elevate the flavor and add a personal touch.

How do I make homemade Caesar dressing?

To make homemade Caesar dressing, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove of garlic (minced), 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to thin it out as needed.

Can I make this salad without roasted vegetables?

Yes! If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler salad, you can skip the roasted vegetables and stick with just the avocado, lettuce, croutons, and dressing.

What type of cheese works best for this salad?

The traditional choice is Parmesan, but you can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper, tangier flavor. Freshly grated cheese will give the best flavor.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can substitute romaine with other types of lettuce, such as butter lettuce or arugula, but romaine’s crisp texture is ideal for this classic salad.

Can I add more protein to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or even tofu for an added protein boost to make it a more filling meal.

What can I use instead of croutons?

If you’re avoiding croutons, try using roasted chickpeas, seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin), or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a similar crunch.

Can I skip the avocado?

You can absolutely skip the avocado if you’re not a fan, but it adds a creamy, rich texture to the salad. You could substitute with a hard-boiled egg for a different texture and extra protein.

Conclusion

This Classic Caesar Salad with a Twist takes a timeless favorite and adds a modern spin, making it even more exciting and flavorful. With the addition of roasted vegetables, creamy avocado, and optional crispy beef on, it’s a delightful and versatile salad that works as a side dish or a light main course. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer day or as a comforting winter salad, this updated Caesar will impress with its balance of textures, flavors, and freshness. Perfect for any occasion!

Chef MARTHA