Pesto Caesar Salad

Name: Pesto Caesar Salad
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 ounces French bread baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 ½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; Cooking spray; 2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; ¼ cup organic canola mayonnaise (such as Spectrum); 3 tablespoons refrigerated pesto; 4 teaspoons water; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon anchovy paste; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ⅛ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco); 1 garlic clove, minced; 12 cups torn romaine lettuce

15 Ratings
12 Reviews

Dress up traditional Caesar salad dressing by adding storebought pesto for a delicious side salad.

By David Bonom

Recipe by Cooking Light September 2009

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Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Recipe Summary

Yield:

6 servings

Nutrition Info

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°.

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Step 2
Place bread in a large bowl; drizzle with oil. Toss to coat. Arrange bread in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until golden, turning once.
Step 3
Grate 2 tablespoons cheese; shave remaining cheese to equal about 6 tablespoons. Set shaved cheese aside.
Step 4
Combine grated cheese, mayonnaise, and next 8 ingredients (through garlic) in a medium bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Combine croutons and lettuce in a large bowl. Drizzle mayonnaise mixture over lettuce mixture; toss to coat.
Step 5
Place 1 1/3 cups salad on each of 6 plates; top each serving with 1 tablespoon shaved cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

202 calories; fat 14.3g; saturated fat 2.3g; mono fat 6.2g; poly fat 5.4g; protein 6.2g; carbohydrates 13.6g; fiber 2.9g; cholesterol 15mg; iron 1.9mg; sodium 331mg; calcium 131mg.

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MyRecipes Member

02/28/2021

Delicious. I made this exactly as directed except I used regular mayonnaise and I added some grilled chicken. Loved the addition of the pesto.

daneanp

09/08/2015

Super easy. But don't count on leftovers unless you keep the dressing separate. Will make again.

Kairuh30

06/15/2012

Hands down the best Caesar dressing I've ever had. I recommend including the anchovy, even though I actually don't like anchovies personally. It adds depth to the flavor, but there is no distinct fishy taste -- there are so many other flavors that stand out (hot sauce, pesto, etc).

MyRecipesFan

03/15/2011

I made this for dinner last night - this salad is restaurant quality! I couldn't believe it! Very easy to make! The only thing I did different is I omitted the anchovy paste (I don't like anchovies). I'll definately make this again!

SheriofTetonV

05/26/2010

Delicious and easy. My kids loved it too(I omitted the anchovy paste). I served it with a meatless noodle main dish, but it can be served with any meal or is a meal in itself.

DenverJulieB

02/18/2010

My husband and I LOVE this recipe. Throw some seasoned grilled chicken on top and it makes a great main course! I added a little EVOO to my dressing.

carolfitz

02/05/2010

Assembled to recipe with a bit more Tabasco due to sloppiness on my part. Assertive flavors, creamy dressing, definitely would make for guests or potlucks. Served as first course to CL's steak tips with peppered mushroom gravy.

Wildflower5150

10/11/2009

This was terrific, easy to make. I forgot to add the extra clove of garlic, but didn't miss it at all. A nice change of pace from regular ceasar dressing!

nolansmom

09/30/2009

I usually avoid caesar salad because it is so high in calories and fat, but not since I've tried this recipe. I used homemade pesto (classic basil pesto recipe from CL Aug 2005) and low fat mayo. I didn't use anchovies only because I had none in the house...I served it to guests who raved about it. Definitely a new favorite at our house.

CharleneA

09/15/2009

I have always considered my homemade caesar salad worth the trouble. After making this easy recipe I am reconsidering. Why take an hour to make homemade croutons and dressing when you can make this recipe in less than ten minutes. This is a great recipe.

Trishia64

09/05/2009

This was an awesome Caesar salad! I used the last of my homemade pesto and left out the anchovy paste (personal preferences). Caesar salad will be on our regular rotation - finally! Way better than any bottled dressing I've tried!

Jessie123

08/27/2009

Very good ceasar and easy to make. Followed the recipe as directed.

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Pesto Caesar Salad

Gallery

Recipe Summary

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

Reviews (12)

All Reviews for Pesto Caesar Salad

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Pesto Caesar Salad

Gallery

Recipe Summary

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

Reviews (12)

All Reviews for Pesto Caesar Salad