Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (2024)

· by Valentina · 56 Comments

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Fried Lemon Caesar Salad is full of beautiful fried lemon slices and makes for a delicious Caesar Salad with a unique, fun twist. It's a lovely appetizer salad, and you can add chicken and turn it into a hearty main course.

Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (1)

It might be a stretch to call my Fried Lemon Caesar Salad a twist on the classic, but that's what I'm doing. I took most of the lemon out of the dressing and added that lovely flavor with fried lemon slices in the salad itself.

Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (2)

Fried lemon slices are delicious. The lemons caramelize, making them sweeter and less pungent, but still quite lemon-y.

Fried Lemons

Frying citrus almost doesn't seem like a natural thing to do, but it's actually quite remarkable.

Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (3)

They have an added layer of flavor, and it's sweet. When they're fried, the sour, tart lemons caramelize, bringing all of the natural sugars to the surface. They'll still be sour and tart, of course, but the sweetness rounds the flavor out a bit.

How to Fry Lemons

  • Choose the right lemon. Ideally, you want a thin-skinned, seedless lemon. While you can use any lemons for this recipe, Meyers are preferable because their skin is thinner than most other lemons. Fried lemons are better with a thin skin because too much of the pith (the white part between the skin and the fruit), won't taste as good, and doesn't look as appealing. Most lemons have at least a few seeds -- the fewer the better so the slices stay more intact.
  • Season with salt, pepper and sugar. The pepper will add flavor, while both the salt and sugar will help brighten the natural flavor of the lemon.
  • The pan should be very hot. Treat the lemon slices like ahi tuna you want to sear. The hotter the pan is when the lemon hits it, the more likely it is to get a beautiful, golden caramelization on the surface.
  • This is a quick process. We only want to quickly brown the lemons -- if they're in the hot pan for too long, they'll become mushy. We're not actually cooking them, just browning them. Again, think of the seared ahi tuna.
Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (4)

My cousin laughed the other day when I asked her if she'd like any "citrus." I could have been more specific I suppose, but in my mind, citrus may as well be its own food group!

Satsumas, Pixies, limes and lemons are constantly inspiring me. I love them and I'm always working these fantastic and delicious fruits into my recipes.

Lemon-Garlic Croutons are also part of what make this Fried Lemon Caesar Salad so good.

Fried Lemon Caesar Salad is one of my favorite citrus creations.

I hope you love it!

Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (6)

Fried Meyer Lemon Ceasar Salad Recipe

Valentina K. Wein

Fried Lemon Caesar Salad is full of beautiful fried lemon slices and makes for a delicious Caesar salad with a unique, fun twist. It's a lovely appetizer salad, and you can add chicken and turn it into a hearty main course.

*Please note that the "prep time" does not include making the croutons -- click croutons in the ingredient list for those instructions.

5 from 15 votes

Print

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 289 kcal

Ingredients

For the fried lemons

  • 2 lemons (preferably Meyer lemons)
  • salt, granulated sugar and freshly ground black pepper
  • olive oil

For the dressing

  • 5 anchovies, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

  • 3 heads Romaine lettuce, washed and dried, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups Lemon-Garlic Croutons (click here for the recipe)
  • 1 cup Parmesan, shaved

Instructions

For the fried lemons

  • Wash, dry, and thinly slice the lemons -- placing them on a large plate as you go. You should get about 8 slices per lemon, and they should be about ⅛-inch thick.

  • Coat the bottom of a large sauté pan with olive oil, place it over medium-high heat. While the pan is preheating, sprinkle both sides of the lemon slices with salt, pepper and sugar. This should be a light sprinkling, but enough to season each slice well.

  • Once the pan is very hot, add the lemon slices and sauté until the bottoms are golden brown, about 1 minute. Use a tiny spatula to gently flip the slices, and brown the other side, about 30 seconds. Place the sautéed lemons slices on a plate to cool. Set aside.

  • Once cooled, cut each sautéd lemon slice into fourths -- you can stack a few at a time to do this. Set aside.

For the dressing

  • In a small bowl, combine the anchovies, garlic, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, and honey. Mix to blend. Gradually, pour in the oil, whisking all the while to blend it evenly. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside. (Here's How to Season to Taste.)

For the salad

  • In a large salad bowl, mix the lettuce with the Lemon-Garlic Croutons, Parmesan and the fried lemons.

  • Just before you're ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing.

NUTRITION

Calories: 289kcal

Keywords pretty salads, unique salad recipes

Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

More Salad Recipes

  • Satsuma Mandarin Recipe
  • Spicy Asian Slaw with Basil
  • Apple Cranberry Salad with Chicken
  • Creamy Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Colette from JFF!

    Shut
    the
    door!

    I'm so making this!

    Reply

    • valentina

      😀

      Reply

  2. sippitysup

    I love fried lemon. It seems odd (at first) but don't knock it til you try it. GREG

    Reply

  3. Kelsey

    Haha! I love you. This is gorgeous.

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thanks, Kelsey! xoxo

      Reply

  4. Kristen @ The Endless Meal

    This is such a great idea! I made a kale caesar the other day that would have been even more delicious with these lemons. Will have to make it again and try frying up some lemons. 🙂

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thanks so much, Kristen. Sounds delicious with the kale! 🙂

      Reply

  5. Cassie

    Hi!

    How horrible would the dressing be without the anchovies?

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Not horrible at all! Just different. 🙂

      Reply

  6. Chocolate Lady

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (11)
    Thank you for sharing this salad recipe featuring fried lemon slices! What a marvelous idea! I just discovered you ~ and so happy I did!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thank you! I hope you try the salad -- I just love cooking with lemons. So happy you found my site, too. 🙂

      Reply

  7. 2pots2cook

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (12)
    This is what I call perfect office lunch !

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thank you! 😀

      Reply

  8. Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (13)
    What a great recipe, I will make your salad this week especially since I have a Meyer lemon tree in my garden. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply

    • valentina

      So great to have a Meyer lemon tree! The best. Thanks, Gerlinde. 🙂

      Reply

  9. Luci

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (14)
    I never would have thought of frying a lemon. That has to bring out the flavor of the lemon.

    Reply

    • valentina

      It does! 😀

      Reply

  10. Pina

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (15)
    Fried. Lemon. This just blew my mind! Can't wait to make this 🙂

    Reply

    • valentina

      Yay! I hope you love it!

      Reply

    • valentina

      Thanks, Natalie!

      Reply

  11. Tilly

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (17)
    You've just blown my mind, I've never seen fried lemons let alone in a salad. Genius!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thank you!!!

      Reply

  12. Bhawana

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (18)
    you successfully tempted me with those roasted lemon wedges. Looking so mouthwatering and drooling over n over.

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thanks so much!

      Reply

  13. Jeff the Chef

    I have fried lemon slices before. They're gorgeous and intense. I'll bet they're delicious in this salad! Nicely done!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thanks, Jeff! 😀

      Reply

  14. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (19)
    I love caesar salad, especially those made at home - the best! I've never fried lemons before, but I do love 'em and another way to enjoy is never a bad thing 😉 Bet they add such brightness and flavours to this salad. Can't wait to give this a go! You're totally making me crave this for breakfast right now 🙂

    Reply

    • valentina

      Well if you're craving salad for breakfast, I know I've done my job well. She says while she sips her coffee and eats cookies. 😀 Have a great day, Dawn, and thanks!

      Reply

  15. John / Kitchen Riffs

    Why have I never fried lemons?!! LOVE the idea. I'm so doing this -- thanks.

    Reply

    • valentina

      I hope you like it as much as we do! Enjoy!

      Reply

  16. nancy

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (20)
    This salad SO HAS MY name written all over it! I adore citrus and caramelized citrus? Oh my! I am adding this to my dinner rotation ASAP - definitely a winner in our house!!

    Reply

    • valentina

      So happy you like it, Nancy. Thank you! 😀

      Reply

  17. Ron

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (21)
    Who doesn't love a good salad and Caeser? It's likely my favorite salad. Carmalized lemon slices in a Caeser sounds wonderful as well as being a brilliant idea. Your dressing recipe looks divine. What's a Ceaser without anchovies? Not a Ceaser in my book. Can't wait to give this a try.

    Reply

    • valentina

      I'm with you about the anchovies, Ron. Love them! Thanks so much and enjoy. 🙂

      Reply

  18. David @ Spiced

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (22)
    Frying up those lemons totally counts as a twist on the classic recipe, Valentina! I don't think I've ever seen that done before. I love tossing citrus on the grill, so it makes sense that I would like 'em fried up, too. This sounds like a wonderful flavor, and I'll have to keep it in mind for sure. Also, that salad looks awesome!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Grilling citrus sounds awesome, David, and with so many things. Thanks and enjoy!

      Reply

  19. Deb|EastofEdenCooking

    A lemon lovers fantasy salad! What a fabulous way to celebrate the season of citrus.

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thanks so much, Deb! I do love citrus!!

      Reply

  20. Coco in the Kitchen

    What a delicious idea!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thank you, Colette! 🙂

      Reply

  21. Kathryn

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (23)
    What a great idea Valentina. I have crystallised but never fried lemons. As I have a lovely Myer Lemon Tree I will enjoy venturing out and adding a few 'fried lemons' to my dishes. Very innovative!

    Reply

    • valentina

      I love crystalized lemon, too. Lucky you to have a Meyer lemon tree. 🙂

      Reply

  22. Kelly | Foodtasia

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (24)
    Valentina, how inspiring! I never heard, thought of, or even imagined fried lemon. It looks and sounds amazing! Brilliant!

    Reply

    • valentina

      I hope you try it, Kelly. They're a tasty treat. 🙂 Thanks for checking it out.

      Reply

  23. David

    The fried lemons sound amazing, Valentina! I will definitely try this - and I love Caesar salad (sans garlic, natch!). Did you know the original Caesar had no garlic in the dressing? Only the bowl was rubbed with garlic. I was rather astonished to learn that!

    Reply

    • valentina

      I do think I've heard that -- I like it! Enjoy frying lemons and I hope you're having a lovely weekend.

      Reply

  24. Karen (Back Road Journal)

    What a terrific and different take on Caesar salad. I love all things lemon and can't wait to give your recipe a try.

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thank you, Karen! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply

  25. Christina Conte

    Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (25)
    LOVE this idea! I mean, why not? It's just one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments! Thanks, Valentina!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Right!? I hope you try it, and I bet you have lemons in your beautiful garden. 🙂

      Reply

  26. Leona Barnett

    Just wondering if you can fry the lemons ahead of time. Looking forward to having a new way to use my Meyer lemon crop

    Reply

    • valentina

      Hi Leona, I wouldn't do this too far ahead because the lemons will become soggy. I think 30 min. ahead is all I'd do. Though, if you don't mind a soggy appearance, they will still taste great! Thanks for visiting and checking out the recipe. Cheers!

      Reply

  27. Inn

    Wow Valentina.. you came up with such a fantastic idea! I would never have thought to fry lemons. I can't wait to try it. This recipe looks absolutely amazing!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy the recipe! 🙂

      Reply

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Fried Lemon Caesar Salad Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (2024)

FAQs

How to make Caesar salad Gordon Ramsay? ›

How to cook:
  1. separate the whites from the yolks;
  2. whisk the yolks and add Dijon mustard and wine vinegar;
  3. carefully whisk everything until the mass thickens;
  4. gradually introduce olive oil and whisk;
  5. add anchovies, garlic and grated Parmesan to the sauce;
  6. cut the chicken fillet into slices;
  7. sprinkle with salt and pepper;
Apr 21, 2020

Is Caesar salad lunch or dinner? ›

Absolutely! A Caesar salad can make for a delicious and satisfying dinner. It often includes romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a Caesar dressing, sometimes complemented with grilled chicken or other proteins.

What were the ingredients of the Caesar salad? ›

We all know what it is: chopped romaine lettuce and garlicky croutons, tossed in a creamy dressing made with eggs, olive oil, lemon, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovies. Even when mass-produced, this combination of savory, creamy, tangy, and crunchy ingredients is tasty stuff.

How do you keep a Caesar salad crispy? ›

5 genius ways to keep your salads from getting soggy
  1. Avoid adding salt too soon. ...
  2. Leave it undressed. ...
  3. Remove excess moisture from high-water-content fruits and vegetables. ...
  4. Let your hot ingredients cool completely before adding them to the mix. ...
  5. The order in which you build a salad is key.
Apr 19, 2023

Is Caesar salad healthy or unhealthy? ›

The bottom line. A classic Caesar salad can fit into any healthy eating plan, but modifications to make it more nutritious may be a good idea if you eat them often. Choose a salad dressing that's low in saturated fat and sodium and consider using a 1-tablespoon (14-gram) serving.

Is it OK to eat Caesar salad at night? ›

Eating a large salad at night may lead to discomfort and bloating, disrupting the body's natural winding down process. The high fibre content in salads, while beneficial for digestion, can also cause gas and bloating in some individuals.

Is Caesar salad healthier than regular salad? ›

When you're choosing your bowl of greens this summer, you should know that three types contain more calories, sodium and fat than you may want, one dietitian says. So, if you want to eat the healthiest salads possible, steer clear of taco salads, chef salads and Caesar salads.

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