Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the lettuce: Start by carefully washing your romaine lettuce. It's important that it's very clean! Then, dry it meticulously. Well-dried lettuce is the key to a salad that doesn't get soggy. Cut it into medium-sized pieces, neither too small nor too large, for a good bite. Set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the chicken: Take your chicken fillets and cut them into nice strips. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. When it's hot, place your chicken strips in it. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let them brown on all sides until they are well cooked and have a beautiful golden color. Once ready, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. This helps the chicken stay tender.
- Step 3: Prepare the light Caesar sauce: This is where the magic happens! In a bowl, pour the fromage blanc, add the mustard, the finely minced garlic (the finer, the better!), the juice of half a fresh lemon, the anchovy fillets that you have also finely minced (they should almost melt into the sauce), the grated Parmesan, and the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix all these ingredients well until you get a homogeneous and creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. I advise you not to salt too much before tasting, as the anchovies and Parmesan are already quite salty!
- Step 4: Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, the one you will use at the table if you wish, combine the freshly cut lettuce, the cooled chicken, and the crispy croutons. Now, generously pour your delicious light Caesar sauce. Gently mix everything, making sure to coat each lettuce leaf and each piece of chicken with the sauce. Preferably use salad servers to avoid damaging the lettuce.
- Step 5: Finish and serve: For a presentation worthy of the name, serve the salad in pretty deep plates or individual bowls. Before tasting, don't forget the final touch: garnish with a few fresh Parmesan shavings. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the croutons and the freshness of the lettuce. It's a treat!
Notes
Ensure lettuce is well-dried for optimal crispness. To keep croutons crunchy and lettuce fresh, prepare ingredients separately and assemble the salad just before serving. You can make the sauce and cook the chicken 2-3 days in advance. Customize with different proteins like shrimp, tofu, or salmon, add vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or avocado, or vary the cheese with feta or goat cheese. Homemade croutons are highly recommended for extra flavor and texture.