Warm Broccoli Caesar Salad

Warm Broccoli Caesar Salad

This warm broccoli Caesar salad is the ideal hearty salad for colder months. Bacon and Parmesan cheese add a nice salty element while toasted breadcrumbs emulate the croutons normally used in a Caesar salad. The dressing, quickly blended using hard-cooked eggs, is creamy, delicious, and surprisingly light.

Ingredients :

• 8 cups bite-sized fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese, divided
• 3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 4 bacon slices, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/3 cup panko (japanese-style breadcrumbs)

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Spread out broccoli on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toss with 2 tablespoons of the canola oil, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Roast in the preheated oven until broccoli is bright green and browned in spots, 18 to 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a blender; process until smooth, about 2 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Add bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in skillet and do not wipe clean; discard remaining drippings.
6. Add panko and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to skillet over low heat; cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
7. Transfer broccoli to a large serving bowl. Top with panko, bacon, and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Drizzle with desired amount of Caesar dressing. Refrigerate remaining Caesar dressing for up to 4 days.