This is one of my most favorite summer salads, so many versions and possibilities! Be creative and have fun!
Salad
- 2 to 3 Romaine hearts lettuce, rinsed and dried
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2 ears of fresh corn
- 2 - 3tablespoons olive oil
- *1 tablespoon Tajin
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
- French Bread
- ½ cup Gruyere Cheese
- Fresh Parmesan, shaved
- Optional chicken or salmon
Caesar Dressing
- 4 anchovies or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Two garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
Directions
You can either broil or grill the romaine hearts, asparagus and corn. Brush oil on each half of Romaine and asparagus spears. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Place Romaine and asparagus on separate baking tray with the cut side up. Broil or grill until Romaine hearts and asparagus spears are slightly wilted and lightly brown. The Romaine hearts should take about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes and the asparagus 4- 5 minutes.
Lightly brush the corn with olive oil and generously sprinkle with Tajin spices. You can either grill or broil the ears of corn. If you broil or grill the corn please turn them after five minutes they will take about 15 minutes to cook
In a medium sized mixing bowl combine all the Caesar dressing ingredients except the olive oil. Whisk until the egg is thoroughly blended. Slowly drizzle in olive oil and whisk until the dressing is completely emulsified. Can refrigerate and set aside.
Once the corn is cooled off you can slice the kernels off.
For the Crostini’s, slice the French baguette on the bias about 1 inch thick. Brush each side with olive oil and broil one side until golden. Turn each slice over and generously apply grated gruyere to each slice. Broil until each slice is melted and golden.
If you would like additional protein on your deconstructed salad you can grill or sauté chicken breast or thighs or salmon with a bit of olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper the dressing will make everything pop!
Plating
You can either serve this fabulous salad on a huge platter and group the Romaine in one area, drape over the asparagus and sprinkle corn kernels around. Add the crostini’s and your protein, drizzle dressing allover and shaved Parmesan. Or you can individually plate as well it’s entirely up to you!
Just delicious with or without the protein so many choices.
*Tajin is a fabulous Mexican spice blend. If you cannot find it or choose not to use it, all will still be delicious!
Recipes complementary from Chef Jodi Abel, cookbook author, chef and owner of LaJollaCooks4U.
Lajollacooks4u is a unique cooking event company and specializes in team building cooking programs and special events cooking parties. Chef Jodi has California Cuisine recently released virtual cooking programs and
Chef Jodi specializes in California cuisine and likes to use what is fresh and in season seasons and grown locally. She is a big fan of our farm boxes. For more information on her California Cuisine Cookbook, cooking programs and recipes please visit her website www.lajollacooks4u.com.