🍴 Thanksgiving Caesar Salad Twist: Fresh & Festive Recipe Idea

Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Caesar Salad

Thanksgiving Caesar Salad

Looking for a show-stopping side dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare? This Thanksgiving Caesar Salad is the perfect way to elevate your holiday table. With crispy prosciutto, a bold umami-rich dressing, and a crunchy Parmesan-panko topping, this salad is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or a cozy family dinner, this holiday Caesar salad brings a gourmet touch to your meal without the fuss.

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Introduction: Thanksgiving Caesar Salad

There’s something undeniably special about a well-made Caesar salad—its creamy, garlicky dressing, crisp romaine, and savory Parmesan create a timeless flavor combination. But for Thanksgiving, why not give this classic a festive upgrade? Our Thanksgiving Caesar Salad recipe keeps the traditional elements while adding a few holiday-inspired twists.

The addition of radicchio brings a beautiful pop of color and a slightly bitter contrast to balance the richness of the dressing. Prosciutto strips add a salty, crispy bite, while the Parmesan-panko cracker topping gives an irresistible crunch. The dressing—made with Kewpie mayonnaise, anchovies, and lime juice—is bold, tangy, and perfectly balanced.

This holiday Caesar salad is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion where you want a side dish that’s both impressive and easy to prepare. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and all your favorite Thanksgiving sides. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option—just prep the components separately and assemble right before serving.

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Alternate Names & Variations

If you’re searching for similar recipes, you might also know this dish as:
– Holiday Caesar Salad
– Festive Caesar Salad with Prosciutto
– Thanksgiving Salad with Parmesan Crunch

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with roasted mushrooms.

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Ingredients: Thanksgiving Caesar Salad

For the Salad:

• – 1 head of romaine lettuce, leaves torn from stem, kept whole
• – 1 head of radicchio lettuce, leaves torn from stem, kept whole
• – 6 prosciutto strips, crisped in a pan

For the Dressing:

• – 1/3 cup Kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayo)
• – 3 brown anchovies, minced
• – 3 cloves garlic, grated
• – 1 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
• – 1 heaping tsp Dijon mustard
• – 1/2 tsp soy sauce
• – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (the crumbly kind)
• – Big pinch of salt and cracked black pepper

For the Parmesan-Panko Cracker Topping:

• – 1 cup grated Parmesan (the crumbly kind)
• – 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Prosciutto Crisps

– Heat a skillet over medium heat.
– Add prosciutto strips in a single layer and cook until crispy (about 2–3 minutes per side).
– Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.

Chef’s Tip: Prosciutto can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it!

2. Make the Parmesan-Panko Cracker

– Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Mix 1 cup grated Parmesan and 1 cup panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet.
– Spread in an even layer and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
– Let cool before breaking into clusters.

3. Whisk the Dressing

– In a bowl, combine Kewpie mayo, minced anchovies, grated garlic, lime juice, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and Parmesan.
– Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chef’s Tip: If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a splash of water or extra lime juice.

4. Assemble the Salad

– In a large bowl, toss romaine and radicchio with the dressing.
– Top with crispy prosciutto, Parmesan-panko cracker, and extra Parmesan.
– Serve immediately for maximum crunch!

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Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~320 per serving

This Thanksgiving Caesar Salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side dish for your holiday feast.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

– The dressing is bold yet balanced—anchovies add umami depth, lime juice brightens it up, and soy sauce enhances savoriness.
– Radicchio adds a festive color and slight bitterness, balancing the creamy dressing.
– The Parmesan-panko cracker topping ensures every bite has a satisfying crunch.

Make-Ahead Tip:
– Prep the dressing up to 3 days in advance.
– Store lettuce separately in the fridge with a damp paper towel to keep it crisp.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

– Leftovers? Store undressed salad in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
– Dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
– Parmesan-panko cracker can be stored in a sealed container at room temp for 3 days.

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People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Caesar Salad

How do you make a Thanksgiving twist on classic Caesar salad?

Our Thanksgiving Caesar Salad includes radicchio for color, crispy prosciutto for saltiness, and a Parmesan-panko cracker for crunch. The dressing is enhanced with Kewpie mayo, anchovies, and lime juice for extra depth.

What toppings go best on a Thanksgiving Caesar salad?

Beyond the classic croutons, crispy prosciutto, roasted nuts, or even pomegranate seeds add festive flair. Our Parmesan-panko cracker is a must-try for extra texture.

Can you prepare Caesar salad dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be made 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.

How do you keep Caesar salad fresh before serving?

Keep lettuce dry and chilled, store dressing separately, and add toppings just before serving to prevent sogginess.

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Conclusion: Thanksgiving Caesar Salad

This Thanksgiving Caesar Salad is the perfect way to add a gourmet touch to your holiday spread. With its bold flavors, festive colors, and irresistible crunch, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your results in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to see your creations!

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Happy cooking, and enjoy your Thanksgiving feast! 🍽️

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