Caesar Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping salad that brings bold flavors and delightful crunch in every bite, this Caesar Salad Recipe is your new secret weapon. With crisp romaine, golden homemade croutons, and a truly irresistible garlicky dressing (anchovies included for richness!), this classic becomes anything but ordinary. Whether you’re serving it for a quick lunch or as the highlight of dinner, the attention to detail and simple techniques make each bite memorable. Prepare to fall in love with Caesar salad all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real charm of a Caesar Salad Recipe is in its simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Every piece, from creamy yolks to zesty lemon juice and those iconic croutons, plays a role in building textures and flavors that sing together in harmony.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing, and sturdy enough to hold up the bold, creamy dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds wonderful sharpness and a nutty, salty finish – grate fresh for best results!
- Garlic: Offers that unmistakable punch and depth – mince well to infuse the dressing evenly.
- Anchovy Paste: The secret ingredient for a rich, savory backbone; don’t be afraid of its boldness!
- Egg Yolks: Give the dressing its signature creaminess and add luxurious texture.
- Lemon Juice: Brings brightness that wakes up the whole salad – fresh-squeezed is a must.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a gentle tang and helps make the dressing extra velvety.
- Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral base, blending smoothly for the perfect emulsion.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Infuses depth and a fruity Mediterranean note into the croutons and dressing.
- French Bread: The base for crunchy, golden croutons that soak up dressing beautifully.
- Sea Salt: Enhances flavor, sprinkled generously on the croutons for that gourmet touch.
- Italian Seasoning: Elevates the croutons with herby aromas and a bit of color.
How to Make Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Homemade Croutons
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss the cubed French bread with extra-virgin olive oil, a big pinch of sea salt, and Italian seasoning until each piece is silky and fragrant. Spread the bread out evenly and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until you have irresistibly crisp, golden nuggets. Let them cool while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Caesar Dressing
In a tall vessel or bowl perfect for blending, gather your minced garlic, anchovy paste, a light pinch of salt, egg yolks, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Grab your immersion blender and whiz everything together on high speed until unified. Then, with a steady hand, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil (adding those extra tablespoons if needed) as you continue blending. You’ll watch as your dressing transforms from separate ingredients into a decadent, creamy emulsion that’s worlds away from store-bought.
Step 3: Prepare the Romaine Lettuce
Wash the romaine hearts thoroughly, making sure to dry them well so the dressing sticks beautifully. Slice the lettuce into crisp, bite-sized ribbons and tumble them into your biggest salad bowl — extra surface area means every leaf gets its fair share of that dreamy Caesar Salad Recipe dressing.
Step 4: Toss the Salad Together
Pour the luscious dressing over the romaine and toss gently but thoroughly until each leaf is gorgeously coated. Add your homemade croutons and finish with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan. Don’t forget a flurry of cracked black pepper and an extra pinch of salt if needed — now’s your moment!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate up your Caesar Salad Recipe immediately for maximum crunch and flavor. Serve it as a show-stopping starter, a crave-worthy side, or transform it into a meal by topping with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a perfectly soft-boiled egg.
How to Serve Caesar Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Classic garnishes breathe life into a Caesar Salad Recipe: big shavings of Parmesan, a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning, lemon wedges on the side, or even more fresh cracked pepper. For a little color, add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a scatter of capers.
Side Dishes
Pairing options are endless! This salad shines next to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a cozy soup. Think garlic bread, tomato basil soup, or even a glass of chilled white wine. The Caesar Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile, complementing everything from weeknight pasta to backyard barbecues.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern touch, serve your Caesar Salad Recipe layered in individual jars or glasses for picnics and parties. Try anchovy fillets artistically curled on top, or pile everything onto a big wooden board for family-style serving. You can even tuck the salad into lettuce cups for an appetizer twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Caesar Salad Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the croutons separate so they don’t lose their crunch, and only add the dressing to what you’ll consume right away.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for any part of Caesar Salad Recipe; the lettuce will wilt, and the dressing may separate. However, you can freeze extra croutons — just cool completely, bag them up, and re-crisp in the oven as needed!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat the salad itself, but to revive stored croutons, pop them in a hot oven for a few minutes. This’ll bring back their satisfying crunch, making your leftovers almost as good as fresh.
FAQs
Is it safe to eat raw egg yolks in the dressing?
Yes! Using fresh, high-quality eggs is key, but if you’re concerned, opt for pasteurized eggs. The creamy texture just isn’t the same without them, but there are egg-free alternatives if necessary.
Can I make the Caesar Salad Recipe with store-bought dressing?
Absolutely, though homemade dressing brings an unbeatable depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, a quality bottled Caesar can work, but give the homemade version a try when you can — it’s surprisingly easy!
What protein can I add to make it a meal?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, steak, or even chickpeas for a protein boost. These options pair wonderfully with the bold flavors and turn the humble Caesar Salad Recipe into a full, satisfying meal.
How do I keep the lettuce extra crisp?
Make sure your romaine is thoroughly dried after washing. A salad spinner works wonders, or pat dry with towels. Cold lettuce and tossing right before serving also ensures maximum crunch.
Can I skip the anchovies?
If anchovies aren’t your thing, you can leave them out — but they truly give the Caesar Salad Recipe its distinct savory punch. Alternatively, use just a small amount or anchovy powder for a subtler flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and your guests, this Caesar Salad Recipe is the one to make! It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and destined to become a favorite. Give it a try, have fun with the toppings, and watch it disappear at your table!
Print
Caesar Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Caesar Salad recipe featuring crisp romaine lettuce, homemade garlic croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy anchovy dressing. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a timeless favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce:
- 3 hearts romaine lettuce (about 6–8 cups sliced)
Croutons:
- 4 cups thick slices French bread (cubed)
- Sea salt
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons anchovy paste
- Pinch salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (+2 tablespoons if needed)
Additional:
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- For the croutons: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Toss cubed bread with olive oil, sea salt, and Italian seasoning. Bake for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- For the Dressing: Blend garlic, anchovy paste, salt, egg yolks, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Slowly add vegetable oil until creamy.
- Assemble: Slice romaine lettuce, toss with dressing, and top with Parmesan and croutons. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a complete meal.
- Ensure the lettuce is thoroughly dried to prevent a watery salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Caesar Salad, Salad Recipe, Homemade Croutons, Anchovy Dressing
