If you’re looking to whip up a dish that never goes out of style, this Caesar Salad Recipe is the answer every time. Imagine crisp, refreshing romaine lettuce kissed with creamy, tangy dressing, crowned with golden croutons and nutty Parmesan—all coming together in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or elevating your weekday lunch, this classic Caesar Salad Recipe delivers flavor, texture, and a hint of luxury with almost no fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Caesar Salad Recipe plays a starring role, from the vibrant lettuce to the savory dressing accents. The magic happens when these simple elements join forces, creating harmony in every bite. Think of this as a masterclass in how every component, big or small, enhances the final flavor, texture, and color.
- Romaine lettuce: The backbone of the salad, its crunch and freshness form the perfect base for all the other flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds salty, savory depth and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Croutons (1 cup): Provide an irresistible crunch—store-bought or homemade, just make sure they’re golden and flavorful.
- Caesar dressing (1/3 cup): The signature creamy element; homemade makes it extra special, but store-bought works when you’re short on time.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the whole salad with fresh, tangy notes.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle spice and complexity to the dressing.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just enough to infuse the salad with aromatic warmth.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Brings silky richness and blends the dressing beautifully.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Delivers that classic umami and depth, tying everything together.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the freshness.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a little heat, rounding out the taste with a hint of spice.
- Optional egg yolk (soft-boiled or coddled): Lends extra creaminess and authenticity to the dressing if you’re feeling a little fancy.
- Optional protein (grilled chicken breast or shrimp): For turning your Caesar Salad Recipe into a heartier, protein-packed meal.
How to Make Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Lettuce
Start by thoroughly washing and drying your romaine lettuce. For maximum crunch, try chilling the lettuce in a bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes. After drying, chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in your largest salad bowl—more room makes tossing so much easier!
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and that optional egg yolk if you want extra creaminess. Take a whisk and mix everything until you get a silky, emulsified dressing. Don’t forget—a homemade dressing really elevates this Caesar Salad Recipe, but your favorite store-bought version will still taste amazing.
Step 3: Dress the Lettuce
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over your chopped romaine. Use tongs or your hands to gently toss the lettuce, ensuring each leaf gets evenly coated. This step is key—no soggy patches, just glistening green freshness in every bite.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Croutons
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons generously over the salad. Give the bowl one last light toss, just enough to distribute the toppings without letting the croutons get soggy. You’ll start to see—and smell!—the Caesar Salad Recipe come together.
Step 5: Serve & (Optional) Add Protein
Spoon the finished salad onto plates or a large platter. If you want to turn this into a more substantial dish, top with sliced grilled chicken breast or shrimp. The contrast between warm, savory protein and cold, crisp salad is simply irresistible!
How to Serve Caesar Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Dust the finished salad with a little extra Parmesan and grind a bit more black pepper over the top. If you’re using homemade croutons, add a few more for crunch just before serving. A wedge of lemon alongside each plate lets your guests add a fresh burst of citrus if they wish.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Caesar Salad Recipe with side dishes depends on the occasion. Classic choices include a bowl of piping hot soup, a slice of crusty bread, or even roasted veggies. If you’re serving this as a starter, keep the sides light to let the salad shine!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in wide, shallow bowls for restaurant flair. Or for a fun twist at parties, pile the Caesar Salad Recipe onto crisp endive leaves or tuck it into pita halves for easy grab-and-go bites that never fail to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours since the croutons and lettuce can lose their texture over time. Keep any undressed lettuce and toppings separate, and add dressing just before serving for the freshest results.
Freezing
While the Caesar Salad Recipe isn’t a great candidate for freezing (the lettuce and dressing simply don’t hold up), you can freeze extra croutons in a resealable bag. The dressing—especially if homemade—should stay in the fridge, ready for the next salad craving!
Reheating
This salad shines when served crisp and cold, so reheating really isn’t necessary. However, if you’re adding grilled chicken or shrimp from the fridge, give them a quick warm-up in a skillet before topping your salad for the best taste and temperature contrast.
FAQs
Can I use a different lettuce in this Caesar Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Romaine is classic for its crunch, but you can swap in kale, little gem, or even spinach for a flavorful twist. Just choose something sturdy that holds up well to the creamy dressing.
Do I have to use raw egg yolk in the dressing?
Not at all! The traditional version calls for it, but if you prefer to skip it, your Caesar Salad Recipe will still be irresistibly creamy with just olive oil and Dijon. You could also use pasteurized eggs for peace of mind.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply leave out the anchovies or Worcestershire sauce, and double-check your Parmesan for vegetarian-friendly labeling. The salad will still deliver that famous umami punch and richness!
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Absolutely—just whisk it together and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to three days. It’s a great way to save time and makes this Caesar Salad Recipe even more weeknight-friendly.
What’s the best way to keep croutons crispy?
Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve. Add them to the salad at the very last minute to preserve their crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Caesar Salad Recipe remains a beloved favorite—each bite is a perfect marriage of crisp, creamy, and savory. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own with little tweaks along the way. Trust me, once you taste that first forkful, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen too!
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Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Caesar salad recipe that is easy to make at home with homemade dressing, fresh romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. This salad is a perfect side dish or a light meal when topped with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce:
1 large head, chopped
Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup, grated
Croutons:
1 cup
Caesar Dressing:
1/3 cup (homemade or store-bought)
Lemon Juice:
1 tablespoon
Dijon Mustard:
1 teaspoon
Garlic:
1 clove, minced
Olive Oil:
1/4 cup
Worcestershire Sauce:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Optional:
1 soft-boiled or coddled egg yolk, grilled chicken breast or shrimp for topping.
Instructions
- Prepare Lettuce: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and egg yolk if using until creamy and emulsified.
- Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the lettuce, toss until coated. Add croutons and Parmesan cheese, toss lightly again.
- Serve: Optionally top with grilled chicken or shrimp before serving.
Notes
- For a shortcut, high-quality store-bought Caesar dressing can be used.
- To make the salad extra crisp, chill the lettuce in ice water for 10 minutes before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
