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Light Caesar Salad Makeover: A Healthy Recipe With Creamy Low-Cal Dressing - A Fresh, Lighter Take on a Classic

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • For the dressing: 1/2 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
  • 1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, mashed (or 1–1.5 teaspoons anchovy paste)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 tablespoons water to thin, as needed
  • For the salad: 2 large heads romaine hearts, chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus extra shavings for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • For the lighter croutons (optional but recommended): 2 cups whole-grain or sourdough bread cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Optional protein add-ins: Grilled chicken breast, seared shrimp, crispy chickpeas, or baked tofu

Instructions
 

  • Toast the croutons: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a sheet pan and bake 8–12 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Cool slightly.
  • Make the dressing base: In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic, anchovy, and Parmesan until smooth.
  • Season and adjust: Add salt and pepper. If it’s too thick, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of water until it coats a spoon but still clings to leaves. Taste and tweak with extra lemon, pepper, or a pinch more Parmesan.
  • Prep the greens: Wash and thoroughly dry romaine. Dry leaves grab the dressing better, so spin or pat them very well.
  • Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine, grated Parmesan, and just enough dressing to lightly coat. Toss gently with tongs until every leaf is glossy.
  • Add crunch and serve: Fold in croutons right before serving so they stay crisp. Finish with extra Parmesan shavings and a squeeze of lemon.
  • Protein boost (optional): Top with warm grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a meal.