Creamy Caesar Salad with Spicy Croutons

Health score
54%
Creamy Caesar Salad with Spicy Croutons
45 min.
6
110kcal

Suggestions

If you’re craving a classic Caesar salad with a flavorful twist, this Creamy Caesar Salad with Spicy Croutons is the perfect dish to elevate your greens. Combining the rich, tangy dressing with the satisfying crunch of homemade Cajun-spiced croutons, this recipe transforms a simple salad into an irresistible starter or side dish. The dressing is silky and creamy, made with nonfat mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, and a hint of garlic, delivering that traditional Caesar flavor with a lighter touch.

The real showstopper here is the spicy croutons. Instead of plain bread cubes, these are tossed in olive oil, minced garlic, and a zesty Cajun seasoning before being oven-toasted to golden perfection. This adds a delightful kick and crunchy texture that complements the crisp romaine lettuce beautifully. Topped with fresh grated Parmesan cheese, every bite balances creaminess, spice, and umami in a refreshingly vibrant way.

With just 110 calories per serving and a moderate health score, this salad is a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can serve it as a light lunch, an elegant starter for dinner, or a tasty snack when you need a quick and satisfying bite. Plus, the homemade dressing can be prepared in advance, making assembly a breeze. If you love bold flavors and crave a salad that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare, this Creamy Caesar Salad with Spicy Croutons should definitely be on your menu rotation.

Ingredients

  • teaspoon anchovy paste 
  • cups sourdough bread cubes ()
  • 0.8 teaspoon cajun spice 
  • teaspoons dijon mustard 
  •  garlic clove halved
  •  garlic clove minced
  • 0.5 cup nonfat mayonnaise 
  • teaspoons olive oil 
  • 1.3 ounces parmesan cheese fresh grated
  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper 
  • tablespoons red wine vinegar 
  • 18 cups torn romaine lettuce 
  • teaspoons white wine worcestershire sauce 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • baking sheet
  • oven
  • blender
  • microwave

Directions

  1. Drop the garlic halves through the opening in blender lid with blender on; process until minced.
  2. Add mayonnaise and the next 5 ingredients (mayonnaise through pepper); process until well-blended. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
  3. Combine oil, Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at high for 20 seconds.
  4. Add bread cubes; toss gently to coat.
  5. Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet; bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Place lettuce in a large bowl.
  7. Add dressing; toss gently to coat.
  8. Sprinkle with cheese, and top with croutons.

Nutrition Facts

Calories110kcal
Protein19.04%
Fat33.65%
Carbs47.31%

Properties

Glycemic Index
41.08
Glycemic Load
3.9
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
17.616086977979%

Flavonoids

Luteolin
0.07mg
Kaempferol
0.03mg
Myricetin
0.02mg
Quercetin
3.12mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:110.02kcal
5.5%
Fat:4.32g
6.65%
Saturated Fat:1.47g
9.2%
Carbohydrates:13.67g
4.56%
Net Carbohydrates:9.94g
3.62%
Sugar:4.4g
4.89%
Cholesterol:6.87mg
2.29%
Sodium:401.9mg
17.47%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:5.5g
11%
Vitamin A:12457.15IU
249.14%
Vitamin K:150.77µg
143.6%
Folate:204.25µg
51.06%
Manganese:0.31mg
15.73%
Fiber:3.73g
14.93%
Calcium:135.7mg
13.57%
Vitamin B1:0.18mg
11.9%
Potassium:411.14mg
11.75%
Iron:2.09mg
11.63%
Phosphorus:105.15mg
10.52%
Vitamin B2:0.17mg
9.98%
Selenium:6.13µg
8.75%
Vitamin C:6.25mg
7.57%
Magnesium:28.67mg
7.17%
Vitamin B6:0.14mg
7.06%
Vitamin B3:1.16mg
5.82%
Copper:0.1mg
5.14%
Zinc:0.67mg
4.45%
Vitamin E:0.53mg
3.54%
Vitamin B5:0.29mg
2.87%
Vitamin B12:0.08µg
1.41%
Source:My Recipes