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–+ servings
A close-up of a delicious Thanksgiving salad recipe, featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Perfect Thanksgiving Salad

This recipe offers a delicious and vibrant salad perfect for your Thanksgiving table. It features homemade croutons and a creamy Caesar-inspired dressing, providing a fresh counterpoint to traditional holiday dishes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Cooling Croutons 10 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Croutons
  • 4 cups crusty bread, cubed
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Sea salt, for sprinkling
Caesar Salad Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Salad
  • 1 pound romaine lettuce, chopped or torn into bite-size pieces about 2 medium heads
  • 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cup
  • Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bread cubes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and several grinds of pepper until smooth. Stir in the cheese and season to taste. If the dressing is too thick, stir in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  3. Place the lettuce in a large bowl. Add half the dressing, half the croutons, and half the cheese and toss to coat. Add more dressing as desired, tossing until the salad is coated to your liking. Season to taste and top with the remaining croutons, remaining cheese, and several grinds of pepper.

Notes

If you are vegetarian, use Parmesan cheese made with vegetarian enzymes and vegan Worcestershire sauce. BelGioioso vegetarian Parmesan and Annie's or 365 Brand Worcestershire are good options.

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