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Flavorful Keto Caesar Salad in Crispy Parmesan Bowl

keto Caesar salad - featured image

A quick and satisfying keto Caesar salad served in an edible crispy parmesan bowl, featuring a homemade anchovy dressing that bursts with umami flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (for bowls)
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 45 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • Light pinch of sea salt
  • Optional: handful of toasted pine nuts or keto-friendly croutons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Parmesan Bowls (15 minutes): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle ¼ cup (about 25g) of finely grated parmesan into 4 even circles, roughly 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown but not burnt. Remove from oven and quickly drape each cheese circle over the back of a small bowl or cup to shape into a bowl. Let cool and harden.
  2. Make the Anchovy Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, mash anchovy fillets with minced garlic using a fork until almost smooth. Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise. Slowly whisk in olive oil until dressing is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Prepare the Salad (5 minutes): Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Toss in toasted pine nuts or keto-friendly croutons if desired.
  4. Assemble the Salad (5 minutes): Pour dressing over lettuce and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Serve: Carefully place dressed salad into crispy parmesan bowls. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crunchy bowl and crisp greens.

Notes

Use finely grated parmesan for even melting and crisping. Watch oven closely to avoid burning cheese. Shape bowls while cheese is pliable but not fully hardened. Whisk dressing slowly to prevent separation. Prepare dressing a day ahead if desired. Parmesan bowls can be reheated in oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving bowls.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto, Caesar salad, parmesan bowl, low-carb, anchovy dressing, keto salad, crispy parmesan, homemade dressing