Big Man Caesar Salad Recipe
This Big Man Caesar Salad recipe combines crisp romaine lettuce, smoky bacon, shaved Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons with a rich, creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Featured on License to Grill with host Rob Rainford, this bold and satisfying salad brings classic steakhouse flavours to your table, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled steaks, barbecue ribs, and family dinners.
The Inspiration
Caesar salad is one of the most recognizable salads in the world, celebrated for its creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, savoury Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons. Its distinctive combination of fresh vegetables and rich, tangy flavours makes it a favourite in restaurants, steakhouses, and home kitchens.
On License to Grill, host Rob Rainford celebrates outdoor cooking through bold flavours, satisfying recipes, and dishes designed for sharing. While juicy steaks and slow-grilled meats are often the centrepieces of a barbecue, a fresh and flavourful salad is just as important for creating a balanced meal.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, preparing a steakhouse-inspired dinner, or looking for a satisfying salad to accompany your favourite grilled dishes, this Big Man Caesar Salad offers a delicious combination of freshness, richness, and classic flavour.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 cloves of crushed garlic
- Salt and cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of Dijon or dry mustard – (10ml)
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 teaspoons of anchovy paste – (20ml)
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce – (30ml)
- 1 cup of olive oil – (250ml)
- 5 slices of bacon, cooked to crispy
- ¼ cup of shaved parmesan cheese (62ml)
- 1 cup of Croutons (250ml)
Lettuce
- 2 romaine lettuce heads
Method
- For salad dressing crush the garlic cloves in a wooden bowl and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the cracked pepper, mustard, egg yolks, anchovy paste and lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Stir vigorously.
- Add the olive oil in a steady and stir until emulsified. Add salt to taste.
- Shred cleaned romaine lettuce leaves and add to salad bowl. Mix until salad is well coded with the dressing.
- Serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
For a classic steakhouse dinner, serve this Caesar salad alongside juicy grilled porterhouse steaks, ribeye steaks, tenderloin, or prime rib roast. The fresh romaine lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavour of grilled beef, while the crispy bacon and Parmesan cheese complement the savoury notes of the meat. Add roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus for a complete restaurant-inspired meal.
For a casual lunch, enjoy a generous portion of Big Man Caesar Salad with warm crusty bread or a side of grilled polenta. The fresh romaine provides a refreshing foundation, while the bacon, Parmesan cheese, and homemade dressing make the salad more substantial.
This recipe is especially suitable for summer cookouts and family-style entertaining. Arrange the Caesar salad in a large serving bowl and place it alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, potatoes, and other barbecue favourites.
Final Thoughts
This Big Man Caesar Salad recipe is a delicious celebration of classic Caesar salad flavours with a hearty barbecue-inspired twist. Combining crisp romaine lettuce, smoky bacon, shaved Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons with a rich homemade dressing creates a satisfying salad that’s perfect for a variety of occasions.
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