It feels like summer is still hanging on here in Knoxville, and we’re not complaining. These last hot days are the perfect excuse to keep things fresh and crisp in the kitchen, and for us, that means pulling out our very favorite Caesar salad.
This isn’t just any Caesar, though it’s Date Nite worthy. We start with homemade croutons (because once you’ve had them, the bagged kind just don’t compare), toss it all with our from-scratch dressing, and then top it off with golden, crispy chicken cutlets. The result is refreshing, satisfying, and hearty enough to hold its own as the star of the night.
And since it’s still margarita month, we couldn’t resist adding a little kick. This week’s cocktail is our Spicy Cucumber Margarita, the third in our margarita lineup this month. It’s cool and refreshing with just the right touch of heat, making it the perfect match for this crunchy, zesty Caesar.
We hope this one brings you as much joy at your table as it does at ours.
Kevin & Kate
Spicy Cucumber Margarita
Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
notes from the kitchen
Just a few kitchen tips to make the most of this week's ingredients and flavors.
1. Crispy, Grilled, or Sautéed
We went with crispy chicken cutlets this week, coated in panko for that golden crunch. If you’d like a lighter take, you can absolutely grill or sauté your chicken instead—it will still be delicious and pair beautifully with the Caesar.
2. Vegetarian Option
This salad holds its own even without the chicken. Add extra croutons to bulk it up, or toss in a can of garbanzo beans for extra protein and heartiness..
3. Anchovy Paste vs. Fillets
We prefer anchovy paste for Caesar dressing because it gives a smooth, slightly lighter flavor. You’ll usually find it in the grocery aisle near the olives, tuna, or sardines. If you’d rather use fillets, swap in one or two, just mash them well with a fork before adding them to the dressing.
4. Bread for Croutons
We like using an Italian or French loaf. A demi-baguette is the perfect size if you can find it. If you buy a larger loaf, freeze the extra or toast it up for snacking over the weekend.
5. Fresh Parmesan Is Best
Freshly shaved or grated Parmesan makes a world of difference compared to pre-grated. We love using our peeler for shaving big curls and our zester for fine, fluffy grating.
6. The Power of Fresh black Pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper is a must for Caesar salad. We use and love our OXO salt and pepper grinders, a great little upgrade if you’re still using pre-ground.
7.Romaine: Heads vs. Hearts
We usually go for a full head of romaine because it’s leafier and greener, but if you prefer the extra crunch of the hearts, feel free to use those instead.
8. Make-Ahead & Multitasking
You can make the croutons or dressing in advance if you’d like. That said, this meal comes together really easily in the moment. You can toast the croutons while the chicken cooks, making it a natural multitasker’s dream.
Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.
we hope you enjoy this week. and as always,
Keep the Plates Full and the Spark Alive
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