Shelly's Recipe

SOUTHWESTERN CAESAR SALAD

Category: Salad

1 cup olive oil
2 tsp minced chipotle chilies in adobo plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 slices hearty white sandwich bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tbsp lime juice
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Dijon mustard
3 romaine hearts, torn into bite-sized pieces (about 12 cups)

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk 1/4 cup oil, adobo sauce, and half of garlic in large bowl. Toss in bread cubes and season with salt and pepper. Spread bread cubes on rimmed baking sheet and bake, shaking pan occasionally, until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely.

Whisk 1/4 cup Parmesan, sour cream, lime juice, Worcestershire, mustard, chili, and remaining garlic in bowl until smooth. Whisk in remaining oil in steady stream and season with salt and pepper.

Toss romaine, remaining Parmesan, and dressing in large bowl. Toss in croutons and serve.

Make Ahead: The croutons and dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store the croutons at room temperature; the dressing should be refrigerated.

Serves 6 to 8