This is a twist on a Caesar salad which really packs a punch – none of your flimsy lettuce leaves or overcooked chicken to be seen here. The dressing is similar to a Caesar dressing, hence the name, but I packed it full of garlic, mustard and anchovies to give it as much of a wow factor as possible.
I topped the salad with a poached egg, and this works well with the Caesar dressing too. Then there are all of the different textures – al dente veg, crunchy croutons and silky egg – please give it a go!
This recipe makes more dressing than you’ll need, but it’s great to have in the fridge in case you want something to dip carrot batons (or crisps…) in.
This is one of those recipes that tastes restaurant quality, without needing loads of effort. A true gem!
This’ll make enough for 2.
Ingredients, Substitutions and Variations
- Mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic, anchovy fillets – these are your dressing ingredients. Together, they work beautifully. You COULD make this salad vegetarian by omitting the anchovy and Parmesan.
- Eggs – we will poach these eggs to top the salad. You could fry your eggs rather than poaching, if you like.
- Asparagus and green beans – these vegetables provide your crunch and greenery. You could also add some tender stem broccoli.
- Croutons – buy them or make your own by toasting small chunks of bread in the oven, tossed in olive oil. I used bought this time, because I was low on time.
- Parmesan – gives that delicious salty flavour reminiscent of a traditional Caesar salad.
Top Tips
- Poaching your eggs
The trickiest part of this recipe is poaching your eggs, but you don’t need to worry. There are lots of tips and tricks floating around for poaching eggs, but just keep it simple. Boil your water, crack your eggs in then turn off the heat. They’ll be cooked in five minutes. To get them out, use a slotted spoon to ease them into a colander. They’re ready!
- Griddling your vegetables
You can use either a griddle pan or a barbecue for your vegetables.
- Make ahead
The dressing can be made ahead. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Get the cook books:
Asparagus and Green Bean Caesar Salad
May 20, 2024Ingredients
- 2 tbsps mayonnaise
- 2 tsps wholegrain mustard
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 large clove garlic
- 4 anchovy fillets
- 2 eggs
- 200 g asparagus spears
- 200 g green beans
- 50 g croutons
- Parmesan shavings to serve
Instructions
- Mix together the mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar in bowl. Finely chop your garlic and anchovies and mix in.
- Put your eggs on to poach – heat a pan of water until it’s boiling rapidly. Crack the eggs in, then turn off the heat and leave for 4-5 minutes.
- Put a griddle pan on a high heat (you could use a barbecue if you wanted) and add the asparagus and green beans. Heat, turning regularly, until slightly softened and just beginning to colour.
- To serve, pile the veg into a bowl and sprinkle over the croutons. Top with your egg, dollop over the sauce and then add your parmesan shavings. Enjoy!
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