The Roasted Garlic Caesar from Milestone's features crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy roasted garlic Caesar dressing, topped with crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan, delivering a savory and satisfying salad experience.
Equipments
- Salad spinner
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic roaster or aluminum foil
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad tongs
- Cheese grater or vegetable peeler
- Baking sheet
- Oven (for roasting garlic and making croutons)
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1 bulb garlic
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 slices day-old bread
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
Romaine lettuce should be fresh and crisp to ensure a crunchy texture in your salad. Use a whole bulb of garlic for roasting to achieve a rich, mellow garlic flavor that enhances the Caesar dressing. It's best to use day-old bread for the croutons so they become perfectly crunchy when baked. When measuring ingredients like Parmesan cheese and olive oil, precise amounts help maintain the balance of creaminess and tanginess in the dressing. Your Roasted Garlic Caesar from Milestone's copycat menu will deliver a savory, satisfying salad experience with these careful ingredient choices.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft.
- Allow garlic to cool, then squeeze roasted cloves from the skins.
- Cut day-old bread into cubes.
- Toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once.
- Wash and dry romaine lettuce using a salad spinner.
- Chop lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, mash roasted garlic cloves.
- Add mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to mashed garlic.
- Whisk well to blend.
- Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking until dressing is creamy.
- Place chopped romaine in a large mixing bowl.
- Add creamy roasted garlic Caesar dressing and toss to coat.
- Add crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan.
- Toss salad gently with salad tongs.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Roasted Garlic Caesar from Milestone's copycat menu uses roasted garlic to create a rich, flavorful dressing that can be adjusted to your taste by swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten the texture. If you lack a garlic roaster or aluminum foil, wrap the garlic head in parchment paper before roasting to achieve similar results. Day-old bread is ideal for croutons to maximize crunch, but fresh bread can be dried out in the oven before baking. When grating Parmesan cheese, using a vegetable peeler can create delicate shavings that enhance presentation. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce to balance acidity and umami based on your preference.
Tips
Ensure the garlic is completely cool before squeezing to avoid burns and to get a smooth, creamy texture for your dressing. Use day-old bread for croutons to achieve optimal crunch and prevent sogginess in your salad. When whisking olive oil into the dressing, add it slowly to allow proper emulsification and a silky consistency. Always rinse and thoroughly dry your romaine lettuce using a salad spinner to keep the leaves crisp and fresh for your Roasted Garlic Caesar.
Nutritions
The Roasted Garlic Caesar from Milestone's provides a nutrient-rich blend of romaine lettuce, which is high in vitamins A and K, essential for vision and bone health. The creamy roasted garlic Caesar dressing delivers healthy fats from olive oil and mayonnaise, along with protein and calcium from Parmesan cheese, supporting muscle function and bone strength. Roasted garlic adds antioxidants and compounds that may boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Your salad offers a balanced combination of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal choice.
Storage
Store leftover Roasted Garlic Caesar salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness; keep the romaine leaves crisp in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel. Preserve the roasted garlic Caesar dressing in a sealed jar refrigerated for up to 3 days to retain its creamy texture and flavor. Croutons stay crunchy when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, ready to add crunch to your next salad serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a lighter, tangier roasted garlic Caesar dressing, boosting probiotics or healthy fats. Try using kale or baby spinach in place of romaine to add different textures and antioxidant benefits. For a gluten-free option, substitute bread cubes with roasted chickpeas or seasoned nuts to keep the crunch without gluten. To intensify garlic flavor, roast extra garlic cloves and blend them into the dressing for a robust, savory punch.
Allergies
This Roasted Garlic Caesar contains common allergens such as dairy from Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise, as well as gluten from the croutons made with day-old bread. Garlic and Worcestershire sauce may also trigger sensitivities or allergies in some individuals. Your best option is to double-check ingredient labels and inform the restaurant about any allergies before ordering.
Why this recipe?
The Roasted Garlic Caesar at Milestone's restaurant is popular for its rich, smoky flavor profile enhanced by caramelized garlic, which adds depth to the classic Caesar dressing. You'll appreciate the perfect balance of creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons that create a satisfying texture contrast. Making a copycat version lets you recreate this gourmet experience at home, saving money while customizing the ingredients to your taste. This dish's combination of bold flavors and fresh elements makes it a must-try for any Caesar salad enthusiast.