Save Charred asparagus spears are paired with crisp romaine, tossed in a tangy yogurt Caesar dressing, and topped with crunchy homemade croutons for a fresh twist on the classic salad. This vibrant dish balances the smokiness of roasted vegetables with a bright, creamy dressing that makes for a satisfying light meal or a sophisticated side.
Pin it Using simple pantry staples like day-old bread and Greek yogurt, you can transform seasonal asparagus into a restaurant-quality meal. The process is straightforward, requiring just a few baking sheets and a whisk to bring all the bold flavors together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 large romaine hearts, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (for vegetables)
- 2 cups (about 100 g) day-old baguette or bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt (for croutons)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for croutons)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (for dressing)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for dressing)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for dressing)
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
- 1/4 cup (20 g) shaved Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Toss bread cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on one baking sheet.
- Step 3
- Arrange asparagus on the second sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4
- Roast asparagus for 10–12 minutes until just tender and lightly charred. Roast croutons for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Step 5
- In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, Worcestershire, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and egg yolk (if using) until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 6
- In a large salad bowl, toss chopped romaine with half the dressing.
- Step 7
- Arrange roasted asparagus over the salad. Top with croutons and shaved Parmesan. Drizzle with remaining dressing and finish with extra black pepper.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your asparagus spears are dried thoroughly after washing to help them char properly in the oven. Using a high-quality chef's knife for the romaine and garlic ensures even textures throughout the salad.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the baguette with your favorite gluten-free bread cubes. For those who prefer a traditional Caesar punch, add 1/2 teaspoon of anchovy paste to the yogurt mixture. You can also omit the egg yolk for a fully cooked dressing version.
Serviervorschläge
While this salad is excellent as a vegetarian dish, you can easily add sliced grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. For a deeper flavor profile during the summer months, consider grilling the asparagus on an outdoor barbecue instead of roasting.
Pin it This Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad contains approximately 285 calories per serving and is rich in nutrients from the fresh greens and asparagus. It provides 13g of protein and 13g of fat, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the yogurt Caesar dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Whisk it again before serving, and add a splash of lemon juice or water if it thickens.
- → How do I make crispy croutons at home?
Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes, toss with olive oil and seasonings, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crisp. They'll continue to harden as they cool.
- → Can I grill the asparagus instead of roasting?
Absolutely. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, brush asparagus lightly with oil, and grill for 3–4 minutes per side until charred and tender. This adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the Caesar dressing.
- → Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it's naturally vegetarian. However, it contains dairy (yogurt and Parmesan) and eggs (in the dressing). Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies, so check the label if you need a strict vegetarian version.
- → How can I add protein to this salad?
Grilled chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, or crispy bacon work wonderfully. Add about 4–6 ounces of protein per serving for a heartier, more filling main course.
- → What if I don't have Greek yogurt?
Regular plain yogurt works as a substitute, though it's thinner and tangier. Use about 3/4 cup and consider reducing other liquids slightly to achieve the right consistency. For a richer dressing, use part mayonnaise with the yogurt.