Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (for the tater tots)
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag (about 28 oz) frozen tater tots (or homemade crispy potatoes)
- 4 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling over tater tots)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon anchovy paste or 2-3 anchovy fillets (optional, but adds that classic Caesar flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Tater Tots:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat them evenly.
- Bake according to package instructions, typically about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even crisping.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Prepare the Caesar Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, grated Parmesan, anchovy paste (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a tablespoon of water or extra lemon juice.
- Set the dressing aside.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with a couple of tablespoons of the Caesar dressing until lightly coated.
- Gently fold in the crispy tater tots, being careful not to break them apart.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and add croutons for extra crunch, if desired.
- Drizzle more Caesar dressing over the top, and season with freshly ground black pepper.
4. Serve:
- Serve the Golden Crispy Tater Caesar Salad immediately while the tater tots are still warm and crispy.
- For a fun twist, you can also add a protein like grilled chicken or bacon bits for a heartier meal!
Notes:
- Customization: Add extra ingredients to make the salad your own! Try adding cherry tomatoes, red onions, or bacon bits for more flavor.
- Vegan Option: To make this salad vegan, use vegan mayo, omit the anchovy paste, and substitute the Parmesan with vegan cheese.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Caesar dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure to add the tater tots and lettuce just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Golden Crispy Tater Caesar Salad:
Customizable: You can easily add or remove ingredients to make this salad your own—add grilled chicken, bacon, or make it vegetarian!
Crispy & Comforting: The warm, crispy tater tots add an irresistible crunch to the creamy Caesar dressing and fresh lettuce.
Simple and Quick: Ready in under 40 minutes, this is a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy.