There’s just something irresistible about a Classic Caesar Salad Recipe—the kind that tempts you with crisp romaine, tangy, creamy dressing, savory Parmesan, and crunchy croutons, all finished with a shower of black pepper. It’s a salad that manages to feel fancy and comforting at once, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant dinner party. Whether you serve it as a main event or a supporting player, this timeless dish truly brings big flavor with minimal fuss.

Classic Caesar Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a Classic Caesar Salad Recipe is how a handful of humble, high-quality ingredients come together to create something crave-worthy. Each element plays a role—texture, richness, zing, and crunch—all keeping the salad perfectly balanced and totally addictive.

Romaine Lettuce: Go for a large, fresh head, chopped—its crisp leaves are the classic base and hold up beautifully under the dressing.
Caesar Dressing: Use 1/2 cup, homemade or store-bought; fresh, tangy dressing is the soul of this dish and coats every bite.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup adds a salty, nutty layer—always grate fresh for the best melting and flavor.
Croutons: 1 cup delivers the essential crunch; try to use rustic, homemade croutons for extra wow-factor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste; it perks up all the flavors and gives that signature Caesar bite at the finish.
Optional Homemade Dressing Ingredients: 1 egg yolk, 2 minced anchovy fillets, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and salt and pepper—these combine for that classic, restaurant-style creaminess and depth.

How to Make Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Optional Homemade Dressing

If you want to go all out, start by whisking together a luscious homemade Caesar dressing. In a bowl, combine the egg yolk, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir briskly until the mixture turns creamy. Then, while whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until it emulsifies into a thick, dreamy dressing. Finish by stirring in Parmesan and seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste—this makes all the difference for a Classic Caesar Salad Recipe with authentic flavor.

Step 2: Chop and Dry the Romaine

Wash and chop your romaine lettuce, making sure it’s super dry—this will help the dressing cling rather than slide off. A salad spinner is your best friend here, but even blotting with towels works. Slice the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and maximum crunch in every forkful.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the bed of crisp romaine with your chunky golden croutons and half of the freshly grated Parmesan. This mixture is already looking pretty irresistible, but we’re just getting started!

Step 4: Toss with Caesar Dressing

Drizzle the Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought) over your salad base. Use tongs to gently toss everything, making sure the leaves get evenly coated without bruising. You want every piece of lettuce to glisten with creamy dressing—this technique really makes the Classic Caesar Salad Recipe so satisfying.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Scatter the remaining Parmesan over the top, then hit everything with a few cracks of fresh black pepper. Serve your creation immediately so the croutons stay crisp and the greens retain their snap. That’s it—the Classic Caesar Salad Recipe delivered in all its glory!

How to Serve Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, I love to add extra shaved Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. For a pop of color and zip, subtle ribbons of lemon zest or a scattering of microgreens can take this Classic Caesar Salad Recipe from simple to showstopper.

Side Dishes

This salad is classic alongside hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even pasta. If you’re serving it as a starter, pair with warm crusty bread or a bowl of robust soup to create a comforting, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Classic Caesar Salad Recipe in individual bowls or on chilled plates for an upscale touch. For a twist, pile the salad onto crisp romaine leaves for handheld “boats,” or top the salad with grilled shrimp or chicken slices to transform it into a full main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salad (it happens rarely in my house!), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The greens may wilt a bit, but it will stay tasty for up to one day. For best texture, store croutons separately if possible and add just before eating.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for any Classic Caesar Salad Recipe—the lettuce will turn limp and watery after thawing, and the Parmesan loses its lovely texture. The homemade dressing, however, can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating

Caesar salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve stored extra croutons, toast them briefly in the oven to crisp them back up before tossing into your next serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad without anchovies?

Yes, you can skip the anchovies in the homemade dressing, though they add classic depth and savory punch. Amp up the Dijon mustard or add a dash of Worcestershire for complexity if you’re omitting them.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolk in Caesar dressing?

Traditionally, yes, but for a safer option, use pasteurized eggs or substitute with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise for a similar creamy texture without the risk.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Leave out the anchovies and ensure your Parmesan is rennet-free. A sprinkle of capers or a splash of extra lemon can add some of the salty, tangy notes you might miss.

What proteins work well as add-ins?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon are all fantastic additions that turn this salad into a satisfying meal. For a vegetarian option, try roasted chickpeas or crispy tofu.

Can I prepare the Classic Caesar Salad Recipe in advance?

You can prep the dressing and chop the lettuce ahead of time, but wait to toss the salad with dressing and croutons just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a well-made Classic Caesar Salad Recipe to win over friends and family. Whether you whip it up for a speedy lunch or a gorgeous dinner party appetizer, this timeless dish always delivers. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic Caesar salad recipe featuring crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons. This timeless dish is perfect as a refreshing side or add protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Optional Homemade Dressing:

1 egg yolk
2 anchovy fillets (minced)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

If making the dressing: Whisk together egg yolk, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large bowl: Combine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan. Add dressing, toss gently to coat. Top with extra Parmesan and pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

To make it a full meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
For a safer option, use pasteurized egg yolk or substitute with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian-American