Caesar Salad Recipe | Classic, Creamy, Homemade
1. Introduction
Caesar Salad is a timeless favorite for a reason. With crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, tangy Parmesan cheese, and a rich, garlicky dressing, it’s more than a side — it’s a star. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a light main, a well-made Caesar delivers texture, flavor, and a touch of indulgence without being heavy.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make everything from scratch: how to whip up a creamy, homemade Caesar dressing, how to bake your own croutons for maximum crunch, and how to build the salad so each bite is perfectly balanced. It’s straightforward, but the details matter — and that’s where this recipe shines.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Romaine Lettuce
Use fresh romaine hearts for crisp, sturdy leaves that hold up to dressing.
Croutons
Homemade croutons are simple — cubed bread, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. They make all the difference.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan (or Parmigiano-Reggiano) gives that classic salty, nutty bite.
Caesar Dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Anchovy paste (optional, but traditional)
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Optional Add-Ons
- Grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal
- Hard-boiled or poached egg for extra richness
- Bacon bits or pancetta
- Extra Parmesan shavings
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Croutons
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cube a few slices of day-old bread.
- Toss the cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and a little Parmesan (optional).
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
2. Prepare the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Add anchovy paste if using; whisk until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
- Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice as needed.
3. Prepare the Lettuce
- Wash and dry romaine hearts thoroughly.
- Tear or chop into bite-sized pieces. Drying is essential — water dilutes the dressing.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, lightly toss the romaine with a few tablespoons of dressing.
- Add most of the croutons and toss again gently.
5. Finish with Parmesan
- Top with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan.
- Add remaining croutons on top for crunch.
6. Serve
- Serve immediately so croutons stay crispy.
- If serving later, keep croutons and dressing separate until just before serving.
4. Tips and Variations
- Anchovy Paste: If you don’t like anchovies, omit the paste; you’ll still get a great, creamy flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo and a nutrient yeast + garlic blend in place of Parmesan.
- Grilled Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to turn this into a hearty salad meal.
- Creamier or Lighter: Adjust the mayo-to-oil ratio depending on how rich you want the dressing.
- Extra Garlic Kick: Roast garlic before adding to the dressing for a mellow, deep garlic flavor.
5. Serving Suggestions
Ideal Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Tomato soup or vegetable soup
- Pasta salad or antipasto platter
Drink Pairings:
- Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Light lager or pilsner
Presentation:
- Serve in a large chilled bowl.
- Use a Parmesan shaving tool for elegant cheese ribbons.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Dressing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk before using.
- Croutons: Keep in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refresh in the oven for a few minutes if they soften.
- Salad: Once dressed, eat immediately. Lettuce wilts and croutons soften if left too long.
7. Recipe Notes
- Dry lettuce very well — water ruins the texture.
- Add dressing a little at a time so the salad doesn’t become soggy.
- For large gatherings, double the crouton recipe; they store well.
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for better flavor in dressing.
- For a classic restaurant effect, serve with extra dressing on the side.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 kcal |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on amounts and ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian / American
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce hearts
- Bread (for croutons)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Lemon juice
- Anchovy paste (optional)
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Make croutons by baking bread cubes with garlic and olive oil.
- Whisk dressing ingredients and slowly add olive oil.
- Chop and dry romaine lettuce.
- Toss lettuce with dressing and most croutons.
- Top with Parmesan and remaining croutons.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Dry the lettuce well and add dressing gradually.
Nutrition
See table above.
Diet Tags
- Vegetarian (unless adding anchovy paste)
- Gluten-friendly (if using gluten-free bread)
- High-calorie / indulgent
- Party Appetizer
Health Benefits
- Romaine lettuce is rich in vitamins A and K.
- Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Garlic adds immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Parmesan gives a boost of calcium and protein.
FAQs
1. Do I need anchovy paste for Caesar salad?
No, but it adds the authentic salty, umami flavor. You can omit it.
2. Can I make the croutons ahead?
Yes — bake them and store in a sealed bag. Refresh in the oven before using.
3. How do I store extra dressing?
Keep in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk before use.
4. Can I make the dressing vegan?
Yes — use vegan mayo, no-anchovy paste, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan flavor.
5. Will the lettuce wilt if I toss it too early?
Yes — add the dressing just before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
A well-made Caesar salad is a simple masterpiece: creamy, salty, crunchy, and fresh all at once. With homemade dressing and croutons, this version brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen without complicated steps.
Whether you serve it as a starter, a side, or a light main, this classic Caesar salad never disappoints. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a grilled chicken dish for a truly satisfying meal.
Enjoy making it, and let me know how your version turns out!