Warm Broccoli Caesar Salad
This warm broccoli Caesar salad is the ideal hearty salad for colder months. Bacon and Parmesan cheese add a nice salty element while toasted breadcrumbs emulate the croutons normally used in a Caesar salad. The dressing, quickly blended using hard-cooked eggs, is creamy, delicious, and surprisingly light.
Ingredients
-
8 cups bite-sized fresh broccoli florets
-
2 tablespoons canola oil
-
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
-
1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
-
1/2 cup canola oil
-
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, divided
-
3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled
-
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 garlic clove, peeled
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
4 bacon slices, cut into 1-inch pieces
-
1/3 cup panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
Description
- Gather all ingredients. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
-
Spread out broccoli on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toss with 2 tablespoons of the canola oil, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper until evenly coated.
-
Roast in the preheated oven until broccoli is bright green and browned in spots, 18 to 20 minutes.
-
Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a blender; process until smooth, about 2 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
-
Add bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in skillet and do not wipe clean; discard remaining drippings.
-
Add panko and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to skillet over low heat; cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
-
Transfer broccoli to a large serving bowl. Top with panko, bacon, and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Drizzle with desired amount of Caesar dressing. Refrigerate remaining Caesar dressing for up to 4 days.