Classic Low-Carb Caesar Salad (2024)

How Many Carbs Are in Caesar Salad?

There are 2.7 carbs in this Caesar salad. In a classic Caesar salad you are looking at about 40 carbs per serving.

Why Choose a Low-Carb Caesar Salad?

The Caesar salad is a classic dish known for its rich, creamy dressing. By making a few adjustments, such as eliminating croutons and using a low-carb dressing, you can enjoy a damn good Caesar salad without the extra carbs.

Plus, it's easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

This makes it an excellent option for those following gluten-free, keto, other low-carb diets.

How Many Carbs Are in Caesar Dressing?

With only 3 net carbs per serving, the creamy Parmesan dressing makes this salad an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

To maintain creaminess without extra carbs, focus on high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese. These contribute richness and flavor without significantly increasing carb levels.

About Olive Oil

Let's talk about the highlight of the salad—the olive oil! The exceptional quality of olive oil is so exquisite that you might be tempted to enjoy it directly from the bottle.

Many of the superior oils are imported from the Mediterranean. When selecting olive oil, look for the term "monovarietal," which indicates that it is processed with a single variety of olives.

You can learn a lot about olive oil by its placement in the grocery store. The more expensive, better-tasting, and healthier options are typically on the top shelf, while less expensive brands that may not offer the same taste experience are at eye level.

Caesar Salad Ingredients

• Anchovies
• Garlic
• Salt
• Egg yolks
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Romaine lettuce hearts
• Parmesan cheese

Why Are Anchovies in Caesar Salad?

Anchovies are a key ingredient in Caesar salad dressing, contributing to its distinctive flavor.

While some variations of the Caesar salad dressing or recipes may omit anchovies or use anchovy paste, I love the taste of anchovies and use them in my Caesar dressing. The use of anchovies is a defining characteristic of the classic Caesar salad.

According to The Spruce Eats, Caesar salad, the traditional recipe made by Caesar Cardini, the salad's creator, includes anchovies as a primary ingredient.

The remaining cheese should be grated using the small (teardrop-shaped) holes of a box grater. You need 2 tablespoons for the dressing, and the rest can be passed at the table.

How to Make Caesar Dressing

1. Drop anchovies, salt, and garlic into your food processor, and pulse on low for a few seconds until the garlic is finely minced. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
2. Add eggs, lemon juice, and mustard. Pulse until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
3. Replace the cover and with the machine running on low, slowly add the olive oil through the feeding tube on the top, processing until it is emulsified.
4. Mix two tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese into the dressing. Add a little freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate in a covered jar until ready to use.

How to Cut Romaine for Caesar Salads

Cutting romaine lettuce becomes effortless when you do horizontal cuts instead of tearing the leaves individually.

For this, you can either use two heads of chopped romaine lettuce with the dark outer leaves removed or three heads of romaine hearts.

Begin by placing the lettuce on a cutting board. Remove and discard the stem. Then, slice the lettuce horizontally into 1-inch pieces for your Caesar salads.

Place all the lettuce in a salad spinner. Remove the inner perforated bowl, rinse the lettuce with cold running water, and then place it back in the spinner.

Spin a few times until the excess water is removed. If you don't have a spinner, you can swish the lettuce in a large bowl of water, and lift it out, leaving debris behind. Then, place it on a clean dish towel and pat it dry.

Assembly of The Caesar Salad

Considering individual preferences for dressing, place the lettuce in a large mixing bowl. Toss the lettuce with half of the dressing, adding more to achieve your desired creaminess level. You can serve extra dressing at the table along with a pepper mill.

Top each serving with shaved Parmesan.

Can I Make the Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! The Caesar dressing can be made one day ahead of time. Pour it into a small covered glass jar and refrigerate until needed.

For the lettuce, it's best to prep it when you are assembling your meal. If you are preparing the salad a few hours ahead, wash the lettuce, spin it, and place a few wet paper towels over it in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

Serving Suggestions

I topped this salad with Pan Seared Chicken Breasts. You can make the chicken before preparing the salad in a cast-iron grill pan and serve it hot or cold with the salad.

More Creamy Salads

• Tuna Salad
• Veggie Tuna
• Creamy Shrimp Salad
• Gotham Salad from BG Restaurant

The Best Gift Store in Islamorada, Florida

Is Caesar dressing gluten-free?

Traditional Caesar dressing typically contains ingredients like anchovies, garlic, mustard, egg yolk, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, which are generally gluten-free. When purchasing bottled Caesar dressing, be sure to check for any fillers that may contain gluten.

Is Caesar dressing low carb?

Yes, Caesar dressing contains fewer than three carbs per serving. While homemade Caesar salad dressing is naturally low in carbs, adding croutons increases the carb content significantly so consider alternatives if you want to keep the overall carb count low.

Is parmesan dairy-free?

Parmesan is a dairy product. It is a hard, aged cheese made from cow's milk. If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative, there are vegan Parmesan substitutes available made from plant-based ingredients like nuts, seeds, or nutritional yeast.

How long does grated Parmesan cheese last?

Freshly grated Parmesan should be refrigerated, and it is at its best when consumed within a week or two. Storing it in an airtight container or sealed bag in the refrigerator will help maintain its quality for a short period. Always be sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold, and discard if spoiled.

Low Carb Caesar Salad

Felice Kaufman

This classic Low-Carb Caesar Salad recipe, with just three net carbs, features an anchovy dressing perfectly paired with crispy Romaine lettuce. The Caesar dressing can be made one day ahead of time. Prepare it and store it in the refrigerator in a covered container.

Nutrition

Calories: 449.4kcalCarbohydrates: 3.2gProtein: 18.2gTotal Fat: 40.8gSaturated Fat: 11.7gCholesterol: 130.2mgSodium: 853.8mgPotassium: 136.5mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.8gNet Carbohydrates: 2.7g

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below & tag @cookinginthekeys on social!