Save Last spring my neighbor brought over an armful of asparagus from her garden, and I ended up roasting way more than we could eat as a side dish. The next day I tossed those charred spears into whatever salad fixings I had on hand, and something magical happened when they hit that Caesar dressing.
My partner actually asked me to make this three nights in a row, which never happens with salad. The way the warm asparagus slightly wilts the underneath lettuce while the croutons stay aggressively crunchy creates this perfect texture situation.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus: Thin to medium spears work best here since they roast quickly and get nicely charred without going mushy
- 2 large romaine hearts: I go for hearts instead of full heads because the inner leaves are sweeter and more tender
- 2 cups day-old baguette: Stale bread is actually ideal because it crisps up better without absorbing too much oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: Full fat yogurt makes the dressing luxurious while still keeping things lighter than traditional mayo based versions
- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan: Use the good stuff and grate it yourself because pre grated cheese just does not melt into the dressing the same way
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh squeezed is non negotiable here since bottled juice can taste harsh and artificial
- 1 egg yolk: This makes the dressing silky and restaurant style but you can absolutely skip it for a safer version
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Get your oven going:
- Preheat to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is minimal
- Make the croutons:
- Toss your bread cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper then spread them out on one baking sheet in a single layer
- Prep the asparagus:
- Arrange the trimmed spears on your second baking sheet and give them a light drizzle of olive oil with some salt and pepper
- Roast everything:
- The asparagus needs about 10 to 12 minutes until it has these gorgeous charred spots while the croutons go for 12 to 15 minutes and should get tossed halfway through for even golden color
- Whisk up the dressing:
- Combine the Greek yogurt, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, Worcestershire, minced garlic, salt, pepper and egg yolk if you are using it until everything is smooth and creamy
- Assemble the salad:
- Toss your chopped romaine with about half the dressing in a large bowl then arrange those roasted asparagus spears on top
- Finish with the good stuff:
- Scatter your golden croutons and shaved Parmesan over everything then drizzle with the remaining dressing and add plenty of cracked black pepper
Save This salad has become my go to for potlucks because it travels well and people get genuinely excited about asparagus in their Caesar. Last time I made it for a dinner party, someone asked if I could bottle the dressing.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Making It Your Own
I have taken to grilling the asparagus instead of roasting when we already have the grill going for something else. The smoke flavor is incredible and it keeps the kitchen cool in summer.
Protein Additions
Slice some grilled chicken breast on top or add hard boiled eggs if you want to turn this into a main course. I have even used leftover salmon and it was surprisingly delicious.
Make Ahead Strategy
The dressing keeps in the fridge for about four days and actually gets better as the flavors meld together. You can roast the asparagus and croutons a few hours ahead but do not assemble the whole thing until you are ready to eat.
- Keep the croutons in a paper bag once they cool so they stay crisp
- Store the dressing in a glass jar with a tight lid
- Never dress the salad until right before serving or it will get soggy
Save This is the salad that finally converted my asparagus hating friends, and I think it might just work its magic on you too.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I grill the asparagus instead of roasting?
Yes, grilling adds wonderful smoky flavor. Grill asparagus over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until tender with nice char marks.
- → How long will the dressing stay fresh?
The yogurt Caesar dressing keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good whisk before using.
- → What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce mixed with a dash of balsamic vinegar works well. For traditional flavor, add ½ teaspoon anchovy paste if you enjoy that depth.
- → Is the egg yolk necessary in the dressing?
No, the egg yolk is optional. It adds traditional creaminess, but the Greek yogurt creates plenty of richness without it for a fully cooked version.
- → Can I make the croutons ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They'll stay perfectly crisp.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread for croutons and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
