Name: Caesar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup croutons; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin if needed

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Caesar Salad is one of those timeless recipes everyone should have in their back pocket. Crisp romaine lettuce, salty Parmesan, crunchy croutons, and a boldly tangy homemade dressing come together in a dish that’s both simple and spectacular. Whether you’re crafting a quick weekday lunch or sharing a meal with friends, this Caesar Salad always impresses with its freshness and big flavor. Let’s dive into all the reasons why this salad has earned its spot as a classic favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients, each with its own unique role, can combine to deliver such unforgettable flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to build the perfect bowl of Caesar Salad.

Romaine Lettuce: The backbone of Caesar Salad, offering cool crunch and a fresh flavor that’s never overpowering.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth; always grate fresh for maximum flavor and the best texture.
Croutons: Crunchy, golden bites that give each forkful its irresistible texture—homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat and brings out the flavors of every ingredient.

Mayonnaise (for the dressing): Serves as a creamy base, keeping the dressing rich, smooth, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Garlic: One small clove packs an aromatic punch; mincing it finely ensures the flavor weaves through every bite.
Dijon Mustard: This touch of sharpness adds backbone and rounds out the dressing’s bold personality.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory, almost mysterious depth that makes the Caesar Salad dressing truly memorable.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing, balancing its richness and giving the whole salad that signature zing.
Freshly Grated Parmesan (for the dressing): Melts beautifully into the mixture, boosting the umami factor.
Salt & Black Pepper (for the dressing): Balances all the other seasonings—taste as you go!
Water: This helps loosen up your dressing so it clings just right to every leaf.

How to Make Caesar Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese until everything is smooth and well blended. Season with a bit of salt and black pepper, and if your dressing is a little thick, go ahead and add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your favorite creamy consistency. This step is where all the signature Caesar Salad flavor is born!

Step 2: Toss the Lettuce with Dressing

Fill a large mixing bowl with your chopped romaine lettuce, making sure it’s thoroughly washed and dried (nobody likes a watery salad!). Pour your fresh-made dressing over the greens, then gently toss until every leaf is lusciously coated. This step makes all the difference for even flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Add Croutons and More Parmesan

With your greens perfectly dressed, scatter a generous cup of croutons over the top and toss gently to combine. Don’t forget to finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan—this is where that cheesy magic happens.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Finally, give your Caesar Salad a vigorous grinding of black pepper, taste for seasoning, and adjust as needed. Serve the salad right away to preserve all that glorious crunch and freshness.

How to Serve Caesar Salad

Garnishes

The right garnish makes your Caesar Salad look and taste extra special. Aside from a final snow of Parmesan cheese and a few extra croutons, shower the top with a bit more cracked black pepper and, if you’re feeling fancy, scatter a little lemon zest for added fragrance and flair.

Side Dishes

Caesar Salad makes a fantastic starter, but it’s also a reliable sidekick. Pair it with a bowl of hearty soup, fresh baked bread, or even your favorite pasta for a comforting Italian-American meal. Looking to round out the meal with some protein? Top your salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a simple upgrade.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, you can serve Caesar Salad in individual bowls or on chilled plates for an upscale touch. For parties, try piling the dressed greens on a platter and garnishing it tableside. You could even assemble mini Caesar Salad bites on skewers for a fun (and totally adorable) appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Caesar Salad, pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. The croutons may soften over time, but the flavor will remain delicious for up to a day. For best results, store leftover dressing separately and toss right before serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Caesar Salad, as lettuce loses its crispness and the creamy dressing can separate after thawing. Enjoy this dish fresh for the best texture and taste!

Reheating

Caesar Salad is most delicious cold and crisp, so there’s no need to reheat leftovers. If you’ve topped your salad with grilled or roasted proteins, simply rewarm those separately before adding to your chilled salad.

FAQs

Can I make the Caesar Salad dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Whip up the dressing up to three days in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors mellow and deepen. Just give it a quick whisk before tossing with your greens.

Do I have to use anchovies in the dressing?

Not at all. While traditional Caesar Salad includes anchovies for rich, savory depth, this recipe skips them to keep things vegetarian (and weeknight friendly). If you love the classic taste, go ahead and mash in one or two fillets to the dressing!

Can I use bagged romaine instead of a whole head?

Definitely! Bagged romaine is a great shortcut, especially when you’re pressed for time. Just be sure to choose fresh, crisp leaves and give them a good rinse.

What’s the best way to make homemade croutons?

Cut stale bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, a little garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then bake at 375°F until golden and crisp. Homemade croutons are easy and add a personal, flavorful touch to any Caesar Salad.

Is Caesar Salad gluten-free?

The dressing and salad ingredients themselves are gluten-free, but the croutons typically are not. Swap in your favorite gluten-free croutons or toasted seeds to keep this recipe celiac-friendly!

Final Thoughts

With its bright, bold flavors and satisfying crunch, Caesar Salad is a classic for a reason. Whether you keep it simple or pile on your favorite add-ins, I promise this homemade version will win you over. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it on repeat!

Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic flavors of a Caesar Salad with this easy-to-follow recipe. Crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade dressing come together for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Romaine Salad:

1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2–3 tablespoons water, to thin if needed

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Instructions

Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with water if needed.
Assembly: In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with dressing until coated. Add croutons and toss gently. Top with Parmesan and black pepper. Serve immediately.