Fall

Make Your Own Avocado Caesar

October  4, 2022
4
4 Ratings
Photo by James Ransom
  • Prep time 30 minutes
  • Cook time 10 minutes
  • Serves 2 for dinner or 4 as a side
Author Notes

We love Caesar Salad around here and make it frequently, especially during the Summer, either as a side or boosted with a little something extra as a complete meal. This one can be either. I like to put some of the ingredients in separate bowls so that we can actually make our own for our individual tastes. This version pairs creamy avocado with briny anchovies, Parmesan, crispy croutons and of course, romaine lettuce! —inpatskitchen

Test Kitchen Notes

We really loved this salad. When it comes down to it, it has entirely the same character as your standard caesar salad, the same sturdy crunch to the greens and the tangy bite of the dressing -- everything that makes caesar's hail-worthy. But then there's avocado. And everything is better with avocado. It's a simple truth. Here, it makes the dressing as silky as all get out; it's a heavy dressing, and more delicate lettuces wouldn't be able to stand up to it, but romaine has no problem. And, I'm usually not much of a crouton girl, but in this particular salad, I felt like the croutons really made the dish. This one is definitely going into the regular salad rotation. —fiveandspice

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • For the dressing
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspon Dijon mustard
  • 1 medium avocado
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup of homemade or great quality commercial mayo
  • 1 2 oz tin anchovies (use the oil in the dressing and the fillets in the salad)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the salad
  • 1 large head of Romaine lettuce, torn into bite size pieces
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 1 twelve inch baguette, cut into one inch cubes, place on a baking sheet, drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper and then baked in a 350F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crispy
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • dressing
Directions
  1. For the dressing
  2. Place the anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and Dijon mustard in the bowl of a mini food processor and process for a few seconds to break down the garlic. Add the meat from the avocado and squeeze the lemon juice over and process until relatively smooth. Add the olive oil, mayo, oil from the anchovy tin, and salt and continue to process until smooth. If the dressing seems too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water just prior to serving. Place the dressing into a bowl covered with plastic wrap actually pressed onto the dressing and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  1. For the salad
  2. When ready to serve, toss the lettuce with the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan and place in a serving bowl. Have individual salad bowls or plates ready for each person to plate their own salad with the lettuce mixture, a few croutons, the dressing, anchovies, diced avocado and the extra Parmesan cheese.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • EmilyC
    EmilyC
  • ECMotherwell
    ECMotherwell
  • foxeslovelemons
    foxeslovelemons
  • lapadia
    lapadia
  • inpatskitchen
    inpatskitchen
inpatskitchen

Recipe by: inpatskitchen

I think I get my love for food and cooking from my mom, who was an amazing cook. She would start baking and freezing a month before Christmas in order to host our huge open house on Christmas afternoon. I watched and I learned...to this day I try not to procrastinate when it comes to entertaining. My cooking style is pretty much all over the place, although I'm definitely partial to Greek and Italian cuisine. Oh yes, throw a little Cajun in there too!

35 Reviews

CFebus February 20, 2019
This salad sounds and looks amazing. Our family does not like anchovies. What can I use to substitute?
 
inpatskitchen February 20, 2019
I've heard that adding extra worcestershire works and I also found this article that may be of help: https://tastessence.com/substitutes-for-anchovy-paste
Thanks so much for considering making this salad...certainly hope you enjoy!
 
inpatskitchen February 20, 2019
Hi CFebus! Thanks for your interest in the salad. I've heard that a little extra worcestershire works or take a look at this article. It may be of help:https://tastessence.com/substitutes-for-anchovy-paste
 
DJean July 6, 2018
Does anyone have an idea of how long this dressing could be kept in the refrigerator?
 
inpatskitchen July 7, 2018
Hi DJean! I think if you keep it covered with plastic wrap lying right on the surface of the dressing it will last for a few days.
 
EmilyC August 14, 2014
Tried this and loved it! The dressing is fantastic and kept well for several days in the fridge.
 
inpatskitchen August 14, 2014
Thanks so much Emily! I'm so happy you enjoyed!
 
Michele E. July 11, 2014
Made this for dinner last night (served over grilled romaine). This dressing is absolutely amazing!!! So creamy and full of flavor. Definitely my new go-to Caesar dressing! Thank you.
 
inpatskitchen July 11, 2014
So happy you enjoyed! We make it frequently....Thanks so much!
 
George April 26, 2014
What can I substitute for anchovies paste?
 
inpatskitchen April 26, 2014
Hi George! Are you using anchovies in the salad? If so just add one fillet to the dressing. If you're not using anchovies at all you might try a few capers for a little briny kick.
 
Curteslee March 11, 2014
Caesar Salad, Caesar Salad, Caesar Salad-Avocados, Avocados,Avocados WOW...
 
inpatskitchen March 11, 2014
So happy you're so happy!!
 
BadCat September 12, 2013
Holy Cow, I can't wait to give this a shot! I'll be adding grilled chicken and make this a main dish. Too bad it's too late to go to the market!
 
inpatskitchen September 13, 2013
Thanks! I think grilled chicken will be awesome!
 
ECMotherwell September 11, 2013
This recipe RULES. So, so delicious. Thank you inpatskitchen!
 
inpatskitchen September 12, 2013
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks!
 
Chaffja99 May 4, 2013
I'm a vegetarian. Can I omit the anchovies?
 
inpatskitchen May 5, 2013
You can but you'll not get that "kick" that anchovies bring to the table. Here's a hotline question link that may be of help
http://food52.com/hotline/11308-vegan-substitute-for-anchovies
 
shells May 4, 2013
I love Caesar salad and I love avocados. Can't wait to try-especially not messing with the egg!
 
inpatskitchen May 4, 2013
Thank you shells! I so hope you enjoy it...please let me know.
 
foxeslovelemons April 3, 2013
Oh my gosh, just discovered this, and I cannot wait to try it! Add an avocado to my grocery list for next week!
 
inpatskitchen April 3, 2013
If you love Caesar salad you'll be very happy! My brother is in town from Baton Rouge this week and this is always on the menu when he comes. And please let me know how you like it...
 
sl(i)m October 2, 2012
This was an AWESOME salad. A mixture for 8 was scarfed down by 4 in its entirety!
 
inpatskitchen October 2, 2012
Thanks so much! I'm sooo glad you enjoyed it!
 
busylady September 30, 2012
I simply cannot wait to try this version of Caesar Salad. I love avocados and wouldn't you know they are sale this week!
 
inpatskitchen September 30, 2012
Oh please let me know what you think if you try this. My brother is coming in from Baton Rouge next week and he loves Caesar salad. I'm making it for him with a big steak. I'm hoping he loves it!
 
Markop September 30, 2012
Sounds delish. But I never make a Caesar salad dressing with mayo, ever.
 
inpatskitchen September 30, 2012
I know...not traditional but very good and when you think about it, eggs, oil, lemon,garlic and a little mustard turn into mayo and also show up in Caesar dressing.....and no egg issues! Hopefully you'll give it a try. And thanks for the "sounds delish"!
 
Susige September 30, 2012
Love, love, love! Simply delicious!
 
inpatskitchen September 30, 2012
Thanks so much Susige!
 
Raphael K. September 30, 2012
Caesar salad has always been a wonderful one, but with avocado and this nice drssing, its just too crazy.
 
inpatskitchen September 30, 2012
Thanks! It is crazy isn't it? But sooo good!!
 
lapadia June 14, 2012
Seriously delicious!!
 
inpatskitchen June 14, 2012
Yes! Avocado on avocado!! Thanks!