Indulge in the timeless flavors of a Caesar salad with a heart-healthy twist in this Low Sodium Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons and Dressing. Crisp Romaine lettuce serves as the foundation of this dish, topped with golden-brown, oven-baked croutons made from whole-grain baguette and a creamy, zesty dressing that skips the heavy sodium without sacrificing flavor. Featuring ingredients like low-sodium Parmesan, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of anchovy, the homemade dressing is a standout element that ties everything together. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, this quick and satisfying salad is perfect as a light meal or a crowd-pleasing side. Make it fresh and enjoy a healthier take on the classic Caesar salad!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the baguette into 1-inch cubes to make the croutons.
In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 minced garlic clove until evenly coated.
Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, chop the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
For the dressing, combine the remaining garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy fillets in a small blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil and Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture. Blend again until creamy. Add ground black pepper to taste.
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce with the homemade croutons.
Drizzle the freshly made Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until the lettuce and croutons are evenly coated.
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Calories |
1791 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 115.2 g | 148% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.9 g | 174% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 121 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 3603 mg | 157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 111.6 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.7 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.2 g | ||
| Protein | 89.3 g | 179% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.2 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 1992 mg | 153% | |
| Iron | 17.7 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 2976 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.