Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4)

Salad base:

2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped (you love crisp greens!)
½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)

Creamy Caesar dressing (no anchovies, high-protein!):

½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (you love high-protein!)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (you love citrus!)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (use GF/low-sugar—you love clean labels!)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Salt & black pepper to taste (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
Optional: 1–2 drops fish sauce (for depth—you love umami!)

Garlic croutons (GF option!):

2 cups cubed gluten-free bread or regular sourdough (you love GF!)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make croutons:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with oil/butter, garlic, and salt. Spread on baking sheet; bake 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool.

2. Make dressing:

Whisk Greek yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, Worcestershire, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add fish sauce if using.

3. Assemble salad:

In a large bowl, toss romaine with dressing until evenly coated. Add croutons and shaved Parmesan; toss gently.

4. Serve:

Plate immediately for maximum crunch!

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Use cold romaine—crisper texture and better dressing cling.
✅ Make dressing ahead—flavors meld beautifully after 30+ min.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use reduced-sodium cheese + skip added salt
→ Boost umami with extra garlic, lemon zest, and Dijon
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally zero-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Net carbs: 6g per serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Swap croutons for roasted chickpeas or pork rind “croutons”
→ Net carbs drop to 4g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Dressing keeps 5 days refrigerated
→ Croutons keep 3 days airtight
→ Assemble just before serving

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Best served fresh | Not ideal for leftovers (greens wilt)
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a starter for grilled chicken or salmon
→ With a soft-boiled egg for extra protein
→ For lunch with iced tea or sparkling water

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):