Thai Caesar Salad Recipe

Romaine lettuce: A crisp and refreshing base for the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.

Croutons: Provides a crunchy texture.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.

Lime juice: Adds a tangy and fresh flavor to the dressing.

Fish sauce: Brings a savory, umami depth to the dressing.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor.

Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.

Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to the dressing.

When making the dressing, ensure that the mayonnaise is at room temperature. This helps it blend more smoothly with the lime juice, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Additionally, finely mince the garlic to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the dressing, providing a consistent flavor in every bite. For an extra kick, adjust the amount of sriracha to your taste preference.

• romaine lettuce - Substitute with napa cabbage: Napa cabbage has a similar crunch and can hold up well to the dressing.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and texture.

• croutons - Substitute with toasted pita chips: Toasted pita chips provide a similar crunch and can add a unique flavor.

• parmesan cheese - Substitute with asiago cheese: Asiago cheese has a similar sharpness and can be grated easily.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and adds a bit of tanginess.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and brightness.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor but is less pungent.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative with a similar flavor profile.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder but still flavorful alternative to garlic.

• sriracha - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce offers a similar heat and garlic flavor.

• To store the Thai Caesar Salad, first ensure that the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes are completely dry. Excess moisture can make the salad soggy.

• Place the chopped romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes in an airtight container. Keep the croutons and grated parmesan cheese in separate containers to maintain their texture.

• Store the dressing in a small, airtight jar. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from soaking into the lettuce prematurely.

• When ready to serve, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top just before serving.

• For freezing, note that lettuce and tomatoes do not freeze well due to their high water content. However, you can freeze the dressing separately.

• Pour the dressing into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dressing cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.

• When ready to use, thaw the dressing cubes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Whisk the dressing to restore its smooth consistency before using.

• Always use fresh lettuce and tomatoes when preparing the salad after freezing the dressing. This ensures the best texture and flavor.

• Separate the romaine lettuce from the other ingredients to prevent it from wilting during reheating.
• Place the croutons on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until they regain their crunchiness.
• For the dressing, gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overheat as it may cause the mayonnaise to separate.
• If you prefer, you can microwave the dressing in a microwave-safe bowl for 10-15 seconds, stirring halfway through.
• Reassemble the salad by tossing the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and reheated croutons together.
• Drizzle the warmed dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle with fresh grated parmesan cheese before serving.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients to a smooth consistency.

• Large bowl: Combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and croutons in this bowl.

• Salad tongs: Helpful for tossing the salad to ensure the dressing coats everything evenly.

• Garlic press: Makes mincing the garlic quick and easy.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the mayonnaise, lime juice, fish sauce, and soy sauce accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Perfect for measuring out the sriracha and other small quantities of ingredients.

• Chef's knife: Ideal for chopping the romaine lettuce and halving the cherry tomatoes.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables.

• Grater: Use this to grate the parmesan cheese finely.

• Serving bowl: Present the salad in this bowl for a beautiful presentation.

Prepare the dressing ahead: Whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and sriracha the night before and store in the fridge.

Pre-wash and chop lettuce: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use pre-made croutons: Save time by using store-bought croutons instead of making your own.

Grate cheese in bulk: Grate a larger quantity of parmesan cheese and store it in the fridge for future use.

Cherry tomatoes prep: Halve the cherry tomatoes in advance and keep them in an airtight container.