Classic Caesar Salad is a timeless, restaurant-quality dish featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a rich, tangy homemade Caesar dressing. With Parmesan cheese and a perfect balance of flavors, this salad is easy to make, fresh, and utterly delicious.
Let’s make this classic and creamy Caesar salad from scratch!
1. Why You’ll Love This Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Creamy, Tangy, and Packed with Flavor
- Crunchy romaine lettuce coated in a rich, garlicky dressing.
- Homemade croutons for extra crispiness.
A Restaurant Classic at Home
- Easier than you think with fresh, simple ingredients.
- Perfect as a side dish or a main course with added protein.
Customizable and Versatile
- Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a full meal.
- Adjust the dressing for a lighter or richer version.
2. Best Ingredients for Classic Caesar Salad
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup homemade croutons (recipe below)
For the Croutons:
- 2 cups cubed baguette or sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1 large egg yolk (or 1 tbsp mayonnaise for a no-egg version)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 anchovy fillets, mashed (or ½ tsp anchovy paste, optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
3. Step-by-Step Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Croutons
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolk (or mayo), Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, and lemon juice.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is thick and emulsified.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with dressing, ensuring even coating.
- Add homemade croutons and shaved Parmesan.
- Toss lightly and serve immediately.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the salad and top with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges for extra freshness.
4. Tips for the Best Classic Caesar Salad
How to Make It Extra Creamy
- Add 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or more olive oil to the dressing.
- Use mayo instead of egg yolk for a foolproof version.
How to Get the Best Croutons
- Use day-old bread for a better crunch.
- Bake until golden brown and crisp, stirring halfway.
How to Make a Lighter Version
- Use half the olive oil in the dressing.
- Substitute low-fat Greek yogurt for part of the mayo or egg yolk.
5. Delicious Variations to Try
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
- Add sliced grilled chicken breast for extra protein.
Kale Caesar Salad
- Substitute romaine with chopped kale for a hearty twist.
Spicy Caesar Salad
- Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the dressing for heat.
6. Serving Suggestions
Pair Classic Caesar Salad with:
- Grilled steak, salmon, or shrimp.
- A side of garlic bread or soup.
- A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
7. Storing and Making Ahead
How to Store Leftovers
- Keep dressing in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Store croutons separately to keep them crispy.
Can You Make Caesar Salad in Advance?
- Yes! Prep the dressing and croutons ahead, then assemble before serving.
8. Fun Facts About Caesar Salad
- Invented in 1924 by Caesar Cardini, an Italian chef in Tijuana, Mexico.
- Anchovies weren’t originally in the recipe, but later became a classic addition.
- The egg yolk emulsifies the dressing, creating its signature creamy texture.
9. Conclusion
This Classic Caesar Salad is creamy, crisp, and full of rich flavors, making it a timeless favorite. Whether served as a side dish or a main course with protein, this restaurant-quality recipe is easy to make at home.
Try this delicious Caesar salad today and enjoy a fresh, flavorful classic! 🥗✨
Classic Caesar Salad – Crisp, Creamy & Restaurant-Quality at Home
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup homemade croutons (recipe below)
For the Croutons:
- 2 cups cubed baguette or sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1 large egg yolk (or 1 tbsp mayonnaise for a no-egg version)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 anchovy fillets, mashed (or ½ tsp anchovy paste, optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Croutons
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolk (or mayo), Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, and lemon juice.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is thick and emulsified.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with dressing, ensuring even coating.
- Add homemade croutons and shaved Parmesan.
- Toss lightly and serve immediately.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the salad and top with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges for extra freshness.
4. Tips for the Best Classic Caesar Salad
How to Make It Extra Creamy
- Add 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or more olive oil to the dressing.
- Use mayo instead of egg yolk for a foolproof version.
How to Get the Best Croutons
- Use day-old bread for a better crunch.
- Bake until golden brown and crisp, stirring halfway.
How to Make a Lighter Version
- Use half the olive oil in the dressing.
- Substitute low-fat Greek yogurt for part of the mayo or egg yolk.
FAQs About Classic Caesar Salad
1. Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?
Yes! You can omit the anchovies or replace them with ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, which provides a similar umami flavor.
2. What’s the best lettuce for Caesar salad?
Romaine lettuce is the best choice because it’s crisp, sturdy, and holds up well to the creamy dressing. Avoid softer lettuces like butter or iceberg, as they can become soggy.
3. Can I use store-bought croutons instead of homemade?
Yes! Store-bought croutons work fine, but homemade croutons have better flavor and crunch. You can also season them to your preference.
4. How do I make Caesar salad healthier?
To make it lighter:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo or egg yolks in the dressing.
- Reduce the amount of olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free croutons for added fiber.
5. What proteins pair well with Caesar salad?
Caesar salad is delicious with:
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Seared shrimp or salmon
- Grilled steak or tofu for a plant-based option
6. Can I use bagged romaine lettuce for this recipe?
Yes! Pre-washed and chopped romaine lettuce is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s fresh and crisp for the best texture.
7. How do I prevent my croutons from getting soggy?
Keep them stored separately and only add them to the salad just before serving. This keeps them crispy and fresh.
8. How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?
Homemade Caesar dressing lasts up to 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. If using raw egg yolks, consume it within 1-2 days.
9. Can I make Caesar salad dairy-free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free:
- Use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of regular Parmesan.
- Substitute coconut yogurt or dairy-free mayo in the dressing.
10. What wine pairs best with Caesar salad?
A light, crisp white wine pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy dressing. Try:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Chardonnay
Enjoy your Classic Caesar Salad—a creamy, crunchy, and delicious favorite that pairs well with any meal! 🥗✨