Introduction

The Caesar salad is a timeless culinary classic that originated in Tijuana, Mexico, in the 1920s, credited to the inventive chef Caesar Cardini. This salad has stood the test of time because of its perfect balance of crisp romaine lettuce, rich and creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and the savory sharpness of Parmesan cheese. Making it at home elevates the dish to a whole new level: fresh ingredients, customizable flavors, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.

This recipe focuses on making a homemade Caesar dressing using traditional ingredients like anchovies, garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of lemon, ensuring a salad that’s bold, bright, and bursting with flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Caesar salad because it’s a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The crisp romaine provides freshness, the croutons add a satisfying crunch, and the dressing ties everything together with a creamy, tangy punch.

Homemade dressing makes all the difference—it’s robust and flavorful in a way that store-bought versions can’t match. This salad is versatile enough to serve as a side dish for weeknight dinners or as a centerpiece for a more elegant meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Freshness: The crisp, garden-fresh romaine leaves are unmatched in texture and flavor.
• Homemade Dressing: The combination of anchovies, garlic, and Parmesan makes the dressing rich and savory.
• Versatility: It can be a side dish, a starter, or even a full meal with added protein.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Caesar salad is universally loved and perfect for gatherings.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for croutons)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
• Course: Salad / Starter
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 heads of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• 1 cup of homemade or store-bought croutons
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for added protein

For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:

• 2-3 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or ½ cup mayonnaise + ½ cup Greek yogurt for lighter version)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1-2 tbsp grated Parmesan for extra richness

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare Croutons:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Toss cubed bread with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Spread on a baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Dressing:
   • In a medium bowl, mash the anchovies and garlic into a paste using a fork.
   • Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
   • Gradually whisk in mayonnaise, then olive oil until smooth and creamy.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • Place chopped romaine in a large salad bowl.
   • Add croutons and Parmesan cheese.
   • Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Wash and Chop Lettuce: Rinse romaine thoroughly, pat dry, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare Croutons: Cube bread, toss with oil, season, and bake until crispy.
3. Make Dressing: Mash anchovies and garlic, then whisk in mustard, lemon, Worcestershire, mayonnaise, and olive oil. Adjust seasoning.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss romaine, croutons, and Parmesan with dressing.
5. Serve Immediately: Ensure salad is served fresh to maintain crunch and flavor.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve as a side salad with grilled meats, seafood, or pasta.
• For a full meal, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings and freshly cracked black pepper.

Recipe Tips

• Lettuce: Use fresh, crisp romaine for the best texture. Wilted leaves ruin the salad.
• Anchovies: Essential for authentic flavor, but can be omitted or replaced with capers for a milder taste.
• Croutons: Homemade croutons are best; store-bought are convenient but slightly less flavorful.
• Dressing: Make dressing in advance but toss with lettuce just before serving to keep leaves crisp.

Variations

1. Protein Caesar: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or tofu to make it a main dish.
2. Kale Caesar: Substitute half or all romaine with kale for a heartier, nutrient-rich salad.
3. Avocado Caesar: Add sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
4. Vegan Caesar: Replace anchovies with capers, and mayonnaise with vegan mayo.

Freezing and Storage

• Lettuce: Do not freeze; it will become soggy.
• Dressing: Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Croutons: Can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 1 month.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet for croutons
• Salad tongs

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Prepare the dressing and croutons ahead, but toss with lettuce just before serving to maintain crispness.

Q2: Can I skip anchovies?
A2: Yes, you can omit or replace with capers for a vegetarian version, though it changes the flavor profile.

Q3: How long will the salad last?
A3: Once dressed, it’s best eaten immediately. The dressing alone can last 5 days in the fridge.

Q4: Can I use bottled Caesar dressing?
A4: Yes, but homemade dressing gives the most authentic flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is more than a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the joy of creating something from scratch. Perfectly crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, garlicky dressing make it a must-try dish for any occasion. Whether as a starter, side, or main course with added protein, this Caesar salad is guaranteed to impress. Once you make your own dressing at home, you’ll never want store-bought again.