I love a good variation on a classic salad.  The Caesar Salad, created somewhere in the early 1920′s by Italian born chef, Caesar  Cardini,  consists of a Romaine type lettuce, croutons, parmesan Cheese and a dressing made with egg yolks, lemon juice, olive oil, etc. Today, most restaurants do stray from the original recipe, however, this usually consists of adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make the salad heartier and more protein rich. The salad we make in my family, however, is really nothing like the original Caesar, but does borrow some key elements. The ingredient list might sound funky, but trust me, this salad is amazing!

Great Caesar’s Ghost! Salad

Mesclun Salad

Blueberries

Dried Cranberries

Roughly diced Avocado

Chopped (Salad Bar) Olives (We use green olives that are marinated in minced garlic. Make sure to get good olives, it really makes the salad)

Bolthouse Farms Caesar Parmigiano Yogurt Dressing (You can use any dressing, but I HIGHLY recommend this one. The tangyness of the yogurt mixed with the sweetness from the cranberries really works well together)

Optional: Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese and/or  SnackSalad Snapea Crisps

Mix together and enjoy!

Variations on a Variation

The best part of this salad is how many other variations there are!

Tropical Caesar: Lettuce, Avocado, Diced Mango, Grilled Shrimp, Dressing

South-of-the-border Caesar: Lettuce, Black Beans, Corn, Avocado, Cubed Pepper Jack Cheese, Dressing

A Greener Caesar: Lettuce, Broccoli, Cucumbers, Avocado, Dressing

The possibilities are endless. Happy experimenting!