Caesar Salad

There’s something about a classic Caesar Salad that feels both fresh and comforting at the same time and I love how it brings together crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and that rich, creamy dressing in perfect harmony. Whenever I want something that feels like a restaurant favorite without leaving my kitchen, this salad is my go-to choice.

I’m a big fan of recipes that deliver bold flavors with minimal effort and Caesar Salad does exactly that because the homemade dressing takes just minutes to whisk together yet completely transforms the dish. I use ingredients like garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a touch of Parmesan to give that tangy and savory punch we all crave.

And while many people think Caesar Salad has to be complicated, I promise it’s simple enough for even the busiest weeknight. The beauty lies in balancing textures: crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons. Once you master this at home, you’ll never go back to bottled dressing again.

Let’s dive right in and make this timeless classic together.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Romaine lettuce – The crisp and refreshing base that gives the salad its signature crunch.
• Croutons – Add that irresistible crunch and texture contrast.
• Parmesan cheese – Brings a salty, nutty flavor that ties the salad together.
• Egg yolk – Helps emulsify the dressing for that creamy consistency.
• Garlic – Adds a robust punch of flavor.
• Lemon juice – Brings brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
• Dijon mustard – Helps blend the dressing smoothly while adding subtle tang.
• Worcestershire sauce – Gives the classic umami depth.
• Olive oil – The silky foundation that holds everything together.
• Salt and pepper – To season the dressing perfectly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Whisk – To combine and emulsify the dressing ingredients.
• Mixing bowls – For preparing both the dressing and tossing the salad.
• Salad spinner – Helps keep the lettuce crisp by removing excess water.
• Tongs – For gently mixing the lettuce with the dressing without bruising the leaves.
• Grater or microplane – Perfect for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

I start by whisking together egg yolk, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl. I slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing thickens into a smooth, creamy texture. Then I season it with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Croutons

I preheat the oven to 375°F and toss cubed bread with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until golden and crispy. I let them cool before adding them to the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce

I wash and dry the romaine lettuce using a salad spinner. Then I tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

I drizzle the homemade dressing over the romaine lettuce, then toss everything gently with tongs to ensure even coating.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

I finish the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the crunchy croutons. A final sprinkle of black pepper makes it perfect.

Tips

If you want to make your Caesar Salad extra special, I recommend adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon for a protein boost. I also sometimes toss in a few cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. And if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought croutons, but making them at home adds so much more flavor and texture.

Ways to Serve

I love serving Caesar Salad as a main course with grilled meats or as a side dish for pasta or pizza nights. It’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings because it holds up well and pleases everyone at the table. You can even turn it into a wrap for a quick lunch idea by tucking the salad into a tortilla with extra Parmesan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Caesar Salad ahead of time?

Yes, but I recommend keeping the dressing separate until serving time to maintain the lettuce’s crispness.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

You can, but homemade Caesar dressing is what makes this recipe shine it’s fresher and more flavorful.

Is Caesar Salad safe for kids if it contains raw egg yolk?

If you’re concerned, you can use pasteurized eggs or substitute with mayonnaise for a similar texture.

Can I make Caesar Salad without anchovies?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes use anchovies for umami, Worcestershire sauce gives a similar flavor without them.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this homemade Caesar Salad a try! It’s one of those dishes that tastes luxurious yet is so easy to make from scratch. I can’t wait for you to see how fresh and flavorful it turns out. Let me know how yours comes together or share your creative variations with me!

Happy Cooking!

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