Smoked Trout Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Smoked Trout Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is a fresh twist on a classic dish. One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is take a recipe that we are all familiar with and shake things up a bit. The addition to of smoked trout to a beautifully simple, classic caesar salad breathes fresh life into a classic dish.

If you are wondering if it is worth it to make your own dressing, I say "absolutely." You can't best the homemade taste and we all know that the more fresh ingredients we incorporate into our kitchens, the better.

A few months back, my wife and I visited one of our favorite local restaurants in my city, Knoxville, TN called JC Holdway which is one of our favorite restaurants here where we live. 

I remember back years ago I learned how to make a really good basic Caesar Salad Dressing from one of my food hero's, Emeril Lagasse and I have made it too many times to count. We visited this restaurant, and my wife ordered the Caesar Salad and heard the server mention the salad, but it wasn't until we both tasted the salad that were we very impressed by the flavor of the dressing as well as the toppings. 

Needless to say, I had to figure out what it was the Chef made, and it was a Smoked Trout Caesar Dressing so here is my best shot at making Caesar Smoked Trout Dressing.

I really do think that so many people who see this will learn to absolutely love this dressing if you love Caesar dressing because it doesn't have anchovies, and I actually smoked the Trout and then it gets shredded into the dressing and adds an amazing smokey flavor that I hope you will love.

(My wife gave me a huge thumbs up, by the way.)

The History of Caesar Salad

One of the cool fun facts about Smoked Trout Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing or the dressing or the salad not entirely sure but it was first made in Mexico by an Italian Immigrant. At least it's what the internet said haha. There was a gentleman names Caesar Cardini, well I guess that's the Caesar Part who migrated to Mexico and came up with his amazing creation in 1924 but of course he later moved to Los Angeles to promote his amazing product. 

VERY Important ingredient!! In my opinion I do think if you use Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, it will give you an amazing tasting salad. This kind of Cheese will add amazing flavor to this amazing salad dressing.

Customizable?

100%! Leave the trout out completely if you aren't a fish fan. You can top it with chicken, steak, or any protein you love. Looking for just an appetizer salad? Leave out the protein completely! Let me know what changes you make and how loved it in the comments!

The BEST tip...

You HAVE to use fresh ingredients for Smoked Trout Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing. Use a real lemon, don't grab the container of lemon juice. Use FRESH parmesan and not pre-shredded. The fresh ground black pepper just puts it over the top!

Let's get to the full recipe starting with the ingredients

• 2 small garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ oz portion of smoked trout 
• 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (normally one whole lemon)
• 2 ½  teaspoon Dijon Mustard 
• ¼  teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 Egg Yolks
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Kitchen Items and Equipment:

• Here is the exact pot that I used to cook this dish --> Link
• If you are interested in a full set and looking at more Hexclad products be sure to click this link to receive 10% off anything by clicking here
• Air Fryer

Detailed Instructions for Smoked Trout Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing:

First thing is to gather all your ingredients and lay them out on your prep station or cutting board on your counter.

Step 1 :  In a large salad bowl, sprinkle a generous pinch of salt. Add garlic and mash to make a paste using a fork. You can do this unless you already have diced or pureed your garlic.

Step 2 : Add piece of Smoked Trout and mash to incorporate with a fork. 

Step 3 : Stir in mustard and add egg yolks, continuing to stir until well combined.

Step 4: Slowly drizzle in olive oil, stirring until emulsified.

Step 5: Add Worcestershire, and lemon juice and stir to combine.

Step 6: Last step is to add in pepper and parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Step 7: Now, you simply build your salad with your Romaine Lettuce and mix the lettuce and dressing first to incorporate very well and top with fresh grated cheese and some tasty crutons if you like them.

Recipe

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