Caesar Salad with Bacon, Seed, Nut & Panko Crumble

Step 1

Looking back at all the times I ate out in London with chef friends, the thing to do in those days (if you worked in the culinary scene and it was lunchtime), was to sample their chicken Caesar salad. If that was great then the entire menu has a chance. I cannot tell you how many I’ve eaten over the years.

Step 2

This recipe has a short cut to make it more home-friendly, so we’re using a mayonnaise base rather than make the entire dressing from scratch. 

Lets start by draining the washed salad leaves very well in a colander. Using your hands rip the leaves into preferred size. If you cut the leaves this will accelerate the browning process, some herbs are the same and should be ripped instead of chopped. Basil for instance. 

 Step 3

In a large frying pan over a medium to high heat, add oil and butter, heat for 1min, and then add the panko crumbs. Season a little with salt and pepper, and toss or stir until they start to brown. 

After 2mins or when the crumbs start browning, add all the seeds & nuts and cook for another 2mins or until the nuts and seeds start to lightly colour. 

Drain the crumb mixture onto a paper towel and return the pan to the stove. Increase the heat to high, add the bacon and cook for 5mins until it’s brown and lightly crispy. Remove from heat and drain off the excess fat. Pour the seed and crumb mixture into a bowl and add the bacon, stir through. 

 Step 4

To make the dressing it’s easy. In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Mince the garlic using a little salt and add this to the mayonnaise along with the anchovy, Dijon, spring onion, Worcester sauce, parmesan and chopped parsley. Stir through to evenly mix the ingredients and then add milk to make it a dressing consistency. 

Season to taste. Add more garlic and anchovy if you prefer stronger flavours.