There is no salad more ubiquitous than the caesar, a go-to classic found on menus everywhere from diners to golf clubs to the pricey steakhouse you’ve been dying to try. But if you’re a bit bored with the traditional version, you’re in luck. There are tons of potential ways to tweak or upgrade your greens while still keeping the creamy, tangy taste of your favorite salad. Read ahead for some easy upgrades.
Put It on Pizza
Pizza has long been the final destination for some weird toppings, but trust us, this one is a winner. The garlicky salad dressing replaces tomato sauce on top of dough, and then greens are thrown on after baking for a veggie-heavy take on your typical slice.
Wrap It Up
If you’re looking for something heartier than a salad, putting your caesar into a wrap can make for a more satisfying meal. A wrap is also a great answer to a better brown bag lunch. You’ll be glad that you don’t have to eat yet another boring sandwich during your lunch break.
Grill Your Produce
If you just want to tweak the classic recipe, you can grill your romaine briefly for a smoky flavor. Adding charred tomatoes into your bowl can also also provide a departure from the norm.
Swap Out Your Greens
This move may be slightly controversial, but if you have an experimental streak, why not swap out romaine lettuce for something else green? Recipes abound for kale caesar salads, which is a great alternative (so long as you massage your kale to soften it and cut down on the bitterness). You can also reach for brussels sprouts or spinach as a base.
Rethink Your Croutons
Forget those stale box croutons you bought at the supermarket ages ago. Try your hand at making your own with your preferred spices and herbs and never look back. Searching for other options to add crunch to your meal? You can include nuts or roasted chickpeas instead of croutons.
Add in Some Avocado
For those hunting for a more waistline friendly version of this meal, you can substitute an avocado-based dressing for the original. You won’t lose any of the creaminess with the paleo versions, trust us!
Photo: McCormick
Want to give one of these upgrades a whirl? Here are some more unique recipes.
Skinny Lemon Garlic Shrimp Caesar Salad
Your caesar salad doesn’t need to be topped with a sad, dry chicken breast. This version features citrusy shrimp and hard boiled eggs for enough protein to keep you full for hours. Get the recipe.
Plant Protein Kale Caesar Salad Tacos
Tacos and caesar salad? It might sound like an odd food combination, but you’ll change your tune after trying this twist, which also counts quinoa, chickpeas, and avocados as additions, all in a crunchy shell. Get the recipe.
Brussels sprouts make for a unique base for this lemony caesar salad. After shredding them and topping them with dressing, you won’t have to force anyone to finish their vegetables. Get our Brussels Sprouts Caeasar Salad recipe.
Your favorite trendy green and your favorite salad are pretty much a match made in heaven. Throw in some lime instead of lemon for a slightly offbeat flavor addition. Get the recipe.
If you’re a bacon fan, you’ve probably already been adding it to your salads for eons. Why not pair it with tomato for a take on the BLT? Bet you won’t even miss the bread. Get the recipe.
Mustard Greens Salad with Anchovy Dressing
This mustard greens salad is like the older, mature, and better-traveled cousin of the sad diner caesar salad. An anchovy-based dressing calls to mind similar flavors, but crisp pear and gruyere cheese give it a fancier flair. Get our Mustard Greens Salad with Anchovy Dressing recipe.
There’s no reason to keep your salad and main course separate when merging the two is this delicious. With easy-to-find, fresh ingredients, this is definitely a crowd-pleaser to bring along to a potluck or dinner party. Get the recipe.
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