Little Gem Caesar Salad with Panko Breadcrumbs

Looking for a fresh twist on a classic favorite? This Little Gem Caesar Salad with Panko Breadcrumbs brings a delightful crunch to your table while keeping all the creamy, savory flavors you love. The toasted panko gives this salad an incredible texture that my family absolutely adores.

I’ve always loved Caesar salad, but sometimes those big, heavy croutons can overwhelm the delicate lettuce leaves.

That’s when I started experimenting with panko as a lighter alternative. My kids actually prefer this version now – they love how the crispy breadcrumbs coat each bite! Check out my garlic butter chicken recipe for another family favorite that pairs perfectly with this salad.

Why You’ll Love This Little Gem Caesar Salad

Easy to Make – Ready in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Family-Friendly – The crispy panko breadcrumbs make this salad a hit with kids who might normally push salad aside.

Make-Ahead Option – Prepare the dressing and breadcrumbs separately up to 3 days in advance for quick assembly when needed.

Ingredients for Little Gem Caesar Salad

For The Breadcrumbs

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

For The Salad

• 3 to 4 little gems, or 1 large head of romaine
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, grated on a microplane or finely minced
• 1/4 cup mayo
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon shredded parmesan
• 1 tablespoon Calabrian chile paste (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

About the Ingredients for Caesar Salad

Little Gem Lettuce – These mini romaine heads have tender leaves with great crunch. If you can’t find them, regular romaine works perfectly fine.

Panko Breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, creating the perfect texture for our salad.

Calabrian Chile Paste – This is totally optional but adds a wonderful kick. If you have little ones who don’t like heat, you can serve it on the side for adults.

Mayo – Creates the creamy base for our dressing. I prefer using real mayonnaise for the richest flavor.

How to Make Little Gem Caesar Salad with Panko Breadcrumbs

Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. On a sheet pan lined with parchment, spread out your panko breadcrumbs and toss with salt, pepper and olive oil.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown.
4. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Prepare the Salad Components

1. Wash and prepare your lettuce. For little gems, I like to cut off the ends, and tear the leaves with my hands to keep them whole.
2. Shred some extra parmesan for topping.

Make the Caesar Dressing

1. In a mixing bowl or blender, combine garlic, mayo, lemon juice, dijon, Worcestershire, parmesan, Calabrian chile paste (if using), salt and pepper.
2. Mix well until combined.
3. Slowly drizzle in your olive oil while mixing to create an emulsion – you want everything nicely incorporated.

Assemble Your Caesar Salad

1. In a large bowl, add your greens.
2. Sprinkle with your desired amount of cooled panko breadcrumbs.
3. Top with shredded parmesan and freshly cracked pepper.
4. Drizzle on your homemade Caesar dressing.
5. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Little Gem Caesar Salad

Breadcrumb Tip: Make extra toasted panko and store in an airtight container. It stays crispy for weeks and makes quick salad assembly a breeze.

Dressing Storage: The homemade Caesar dressing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good shake before using.

Lettuce Prep: Make sure your lettuce is completely dry after washing. I use a salad spinner, but you can also gently pat with kitchen towels.

Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor dimension, add a tiny bit of anchovy paste to your dressing – start with just 1/2 teaspoon.

Variations for Your Little Gem Caesar Salad

Add Protein – Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas for a complete meal. This is how I transform it from side dish to main course for my family.

Grilled Version – Try grilling your little gem halves for 1-2 minutes per side before assembly for a smoky flavor.

Herb Infusion – Add fresh herbs like chives, basil or dill to your breadcrumb mixture before toasting.

Cheese Options – Try using pecorino romano instead of parmesan for a sharper flavor profile.

Common Questions About Caesar Salad

Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Yes! This recipe specifically calls for panko breadcrumbs which create a lighter, crispier texture than traditional breadcrumbs. They distribute more evenly throughout the salad and provide the perfect amount of crunch in every bite.

What can I have instead of croutons?

The toasted panko breadcrumbs in this recipe are the perfect alternative to traditional croutons. They provide that satisfying crunch but with a lighter texture that coats the leaves beautifully.

You could also try toasted nuts, seeds, or even crispy bacon bits for different flavor profiles.

How do you keep a Caesar salad crispy?

For maximum crispness:

• Wash and thoroughly dry your lettuce leaves before assembling
• Toast the panko breadcrumbs until golden brown and let cool completely
• Keep all components separate until ready to serve
• Only add dressing right before serving to prevent soggy leaves

If taking to a potluck, transport the dressing in a separate container and dress the salad just before serving.

What is in Mexican Caesar dressing?

While this isn’t a Mexican Caesar, traditional Mexican Caesar dressings typically include lime juice instead of lemon, and additional spices like ancho chile.

This recipe includes a flavorful twist with optional Calabrian chile paste for heat, which gives a similar spicy kick to Mexican-inspired versions.

What to Serve With Little Gem Caesar Salad

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with so many dishes! Try it alongside:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken – The garlic flavors complement each other perfectly
• Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice – A complete meal with minimal effort
• Air Fryer Steak – For a restaurant-quality dinner at home

Try This Little Gem Caesar Salad Today!

This Little Gem Caesar Salad with Panko Breadcrumbs has become a staple in our home. David and the kids request it at least once a week, and I love how quickly it comes together.

The crunchy panko breadcrumbs take it to another level that traditional croutons just can’t match.

I hope your family enjoys this refreshing twist on the classic Caesar as much as mine does! If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know what you think, or tag me in your creation on social media. I always love seeing your kitchen successes!

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