Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad

Is this a salad? I mean, kind of. This is like a beautiful, harmonious blend of my favorite Steakhouse Style Caesar Dressing and Mark’s favorite vegetable side dish. I roast asparagus until it’s soft on the outside but still crunchy on the inside. It’s then drizzled with a homemade creamy Caesar dressing, and then topped with freshly grated Parmesan and toasted Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

This recipe makes two servings, but it can easily be multiplied as needed. The recipe for the Steakhouse Style Caesar Dressing is a small batch recipe, but it will make more than you need for this particular recipe. I recommend saving some and tossing it with crunchy romaine for a quick and easy lunch or dinner later in the week!

Ingredients for Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad

• 10-12 thick Asparagus Spears
• 2 tsp. Avocado Oil
• a pinch each of Flaky Salt (such as Maldon) & freshly cracked Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Steakhouse Style Caesar Dressing* (recipe follows)
• 1 tbsp. grated or finely shredded Parmesan**
• another pinch of cracked black pepper

Ingredients for the Caesar Dressing

• 1 Egg Yolk
• 1 tsp. Anchovy Paste*
• 2 cloves Garlic (pressed)
• 1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
• Salt & freshly cracked Black Pepper

Ingredients for the Toasted Breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp. Olive Oil
• ½ tsp. Italian Seasoning

*I LOVE this style of Caesar dressing, and have easily made it over a dozen times so far this year alone. It only takes a few minutes to whip together, but it benefits a LOT if you let it hang out in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving it. The flavors have a chance to blend together, and it tastes REALLY good after that!

*Alternatively, I have a Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing recipe that’s a bit lighter and doesn’t contain raw egg! OR This Roasted Garlic Caesar Dressing is also phenomenal, but takes a little bit more planning because roasting the garlic takes about 45 minutes.

**I say this a lot, but the quality of Parmesan does matter. I never recommend buying a canister of Parmesan “cheese” (it’s barely cheese), but buy a little wedge of real Parmesan from the specialty cheese section at the store. It does cost a little more, but you’re not going to use it all at once. When you taste the Caesar dressing and this roasted asparagus Caesar recipe, you’ll be so happy that you used the good stuff!

How to Make Roasted Asparagus Caesar

• Make the Caesar dressing so the flavors have a chance to blend for a while before serving it. If you have time, let the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

• Preheat the oven to 425 F.
• Trim the tough ends off of the asparagus spears.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the asparagus out over the parchment paper, drizzle with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss to coat all of the asparagus spears evenly.

• Roast the asparagus for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is softened on the outside but still crunchy inside. (or to your preferred texture).

• While the asparagus roasts, heat 1 tsp. olive oil in a small pan over medium-low heat. Toss in panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
• Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter. Drizzle with Caesar dressing, then sprinkle on grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the tops of the asparagus, and serve immediately.

The extra grated parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and toasted breadcrumbs add another layer of flavor and texture at the end!

This is a perfect side dish for so many entrees! We love to eat it with grilled steak, pork chops, chicken, or mushrooms. It’s could totally just be a meal on its own, too!

Here are some other small batch side dishes (side dishes for two people) that you might enjoy:

• Small Batch Creamy Chopped Brussels Sprouts
• Buttery Small Batch Mashed Potatoes
• Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes for Two
• small batch roasted brussels sprouts with parmesan
• Small Batch Roasted Garlic Cheese Bread
• Extra Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes for Two

If you make this Asparagus Caesar Salad and love it, I would love it if you commented and gave a rating below! If you post it to Instagram, be sure to tag me so I can re-share it! If you have any questions at all and want to ask me directly, just send me an email so I can help!

xx Sara