Caesar Salad with Mushrooms and Crispy Breadcrumbs
When I’m at a restaurant, I generally choose the caesar when offered a side. Of the three usual options, caesar is my go-to. It’s not as filling as the soup and the side salad is, well, boring. Now, a good caesar salad in my opinion has to have fresh crunchy greens, a garlicky dressing, bacon and loads of parmesan, Caesar Salad with Mushrooms and Crispy Breadcrumbs takes my favourite salad, one step further. The addition of fresh mushrooms is incredible. I also like to top the whole thing with crispy salt and pepper breadcrumbs for extra crunch in every bite.
Caesar salad is one of those classics, that everyone has a recipe for, or at least their favourite version of. So, what makes this one worth the try? Well, the homemade dressing is creamy and garlicky and made with items you probably already have. The addition of fresh mushrooms adds an earthiness to this salad, that you didn’t realize you were missing. After one bite, you’ll never eat another caesar salad without them. Finish it off with extra crispy pan fried salt and pepper breadcrumbs and you’ve hit the side dish jackpot.
You’d think, I just appointed myself an authority on salads, but hear me out. I do think everyone needs a great caesar salad recipe. One they can whip together easily, tastes delicious and varies from the norm. That’s where mushrooms come in. I’ve only ever come across one caesar salad that was served with mushrooms. I don’t know why mushrooms aren’t a staple with this salad. Trust me when I tell you this, mushrooms were designed for caesar salads. Move over pb and j, there’s a new couple in town.
The next nice surprise with this salad is the crispy salt and pepper breadcrumbs. Now, these guys impress! I love a good crouton, but I always want more of them. Breadcrumbs solves that problem. A healthy sprinkling of these, hits every crunchy leaf and you’ve got that crispy bite each and every time. They’re so good!
How to Make Caesar Salad with Mushrooms and Crispy Breadcrumbs
I always start with the breadcrumbs, so they can cool off before adding them to salads. The recipe is so simple, yet adds the nicest crunch to every bite. Here’s how to make these breadcrumbs. In a food processor, add two slices of sourdough bread, or any soft, white bread. Pulse the bread until crumbs form. Add in the salt, pepper and oil and pulse until combined. Then I add this mixture to a pan and fry them over medium heat until they’re nice and crispy and golden brown. Stir these frequently so they don’t burn.
I first came across this recipe for caesar dressing on Once Upon a Chef, we had run out of bottled dressing and I needed a quick fix. This version of caesar dressing is perfect! I like to make the dressing first so it has extra time to just mellow out. I start by whisking together the Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, lemon juice and garlic cloves. Mix in the mayo and sour cream and season with salt and pepper, then, finish it off with a good helping of parmesan cheese.
Next, clean and dry your romaine lettuce. I hate this part, but with a good salad spinner, it makes this step a bit easier. You can usually find cooked bacon in my fridge, but if you need to cook a few slices for this salad, just fry them until they’re nice and crisp. I slice my mushrooms and shave off some parmesan and then toss everything together. Give the works a really good dash of freshly ground pepper and then top with as much dressing and crispy breadcrumbs, as you want.
This is my favourite version of caesar salad and I’m sure it’ll rank near the top for you too. The mushrooms add such an unexpected flavour, it’s so good! And the crispy breadcrumbs, what can I say! I love the extra crunch they pack with every bite. Pure salad love!
Loved Caesar Salad with Mushrooms and Crispy Breadcrumbs? Check out these other delicious recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:
- Cauliflower, Broccoli & Bacon Salad
- Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Roasted Vegetable Pita Sandwiches
If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!
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Caesar Salad with Mushrooms and Crispy Breadcrumbs
With the addition of mushrooms and crispy breadcrumbs, the classic caesar salad gets a new look. Caesar Salad with Mushrooms and Crispy Breadcrumbs is my favourite version of this salad and I'm sure after one bite, you'll agree.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 heads romaine lettuce
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 4 button mushrooms, sliced thin
Crispy Salt & Pepper Breadcrumbs
- 2 slices sourdough bread, torn into small chunks
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Homemade Caesar Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (I use Hellmans)
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- salt & peppe to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
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Start by making the Crispy Salt & Pepper Breadcrumbs, so they have time to cool down. In a food processor pulse the torn sourdough bread until it turns into crumbs. Add the salt, pepper and olive oil, and pulse a couple more times, until everything is well combined. Then fry this mixture in a medium pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the crumbs turn golden brown. About 10 minutes. This makes enough for about two salads. Store leftovers in an airtight container for a couple days.
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Next, make the Homemade Caesar Dressing by whisking together the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic and lemon. Mix in the mayonnaise and and sour cream. Add salt and pepper to taste and then finish by mixing in the parmesan cheese. Set this aside to marry. this makes enough for about two salads as well. Store in the fridge for a couple days.
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To make the salad, wash and dry the romaine lettuce and then cut it into bite size pieces. Toss in the crumbled bacon, parmesan and thinly sliced mushrooms. Finish with your desired amount of breadcrumbs and dressing. I always recommend a good dash of freshly ground pepper to any caesar salad.
RECIPE NOTES
Salad dressing recipe adapted from Once Upon A Chef
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