Crispy Tater Caesar Salad
Description
This crispy tater Caesar salad is for you if you love fries in a salad. Crispy smashed tater tot croutons, a doctored-up bottled Caesar dressing, and crispy chicken cutlets join Romaine lettuce and Parmesan in this meal in a bowl.
Ingredients
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2 (4 ounce) prepared crispy chicken cutlets, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
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Cooking spray
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2 1/2 cups frozen tater tots
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2 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated with a Microplane, divided, plus more for garnish (about 1 cup)
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1 cup Caesar dressing
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1 teaspoon fresh lemon zests (from 1 small lemon)
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1 teaspoon Anchovy paste
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1 teaspoon grated garlic clove (from 1 large clove)
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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4 cups finely chopped Romaine lettuce (2 heads [8 oz.] heads)
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1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
Directions
1
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Set 2 shelves near the center of the oven. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray; place frozen chicken filets on the pan.
2
Bake in the preheated oven on the lower-center shelf until hot and crisp, about 20 minutes, turning filets over halfway through heating time. When cool enough to handle, cut filets into bite-sized pieces.
3
Meanwhile, line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and add tater tots in an even layer.
4
Bake on upper-center shelf in the preheated oven until tots are soft and slightly baked, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Spray cooking spray on the bottom of a cup. Smash each tater tot into a flat disk with cup.
5
Return to the oven; bake until golden brown and crispy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven again, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
6
Bake again until cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Set aside to cool, about 5 minutes.
7
Meanwhile, whisk Caesar dressing, lemon juice, anchovy paste, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and salt together in a bowl until smooth.
8
Toss together lettuce, chicken, remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined. Pour half the dressing into salad mix and toss until evenly coated. Add cooled tater tots and toss until well combined.
9
Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with white balsamic vinegar, and garnish with more Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. Recipe developed by Amanda Stanfield