Caesar Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caesar Salad is a timeless classic featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a bold, creamy dressing made with garlic, Parmesan, and anchovies. This flavorful and satisfying salad can be served as a light lunch, side dish, or topped with grilled chicken for a full meal. It’s simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettucecroutonsParmesan cheesegarlic clovesDijon mustardlemon juiceanchovy fillets or anchovy pasteworcestershire sauceegg yolk or mayonnaiseolive oilsaltblack pepper

directions

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry and place in a large bowl.

In a food processor or bowl, mash together garlic and anchovy until smooth.

Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolk or mayonnaise. Whisk until well combined.

Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously to create a thick, creamy emulsion.

Stir in finely grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.

Add croutons and more shaved or grated Parmesan on top.

Serve immediately for the best texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a heartier version.

Use kale instead of romaine for a twist.

Make it vegetarian by omitting anchovies and using extra Dijon and Parmesan.

Try a Caesar wrap by stuffing the salad into a tortilla with chicken.

Add sliced cherry tomatoes or avocado for color and flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salad undressed in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Store dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 5 days.Toss just before serving to maintain crispness.Do not freeze or reheat; serve chilled.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes, but homemade offers fresher, richer flavor.

Do I have to use anchovies?

They add the signature umami taste, but you can omit or substitute with Worcestershire sauce.

Is it safe to use raw egg?

Use pasteurized eggs or substitute with mayonnaise for safety and convenience.

Can I make it ahead?

Prep all ingredients separately and combine just before serving.

What’s the best lettuce for Caesar Salad?

Crisp romaine hearts are traditional and hold up well to dressing.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or omit cheese.

Are croutons necessary?

They add texture but can be replaced with roasted chickpeas or nuts.

Can I use a blender for the dressing?

Yes, it helps create a smooth, emulsified dressing.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, use vegan mayo, omit anchovies, and substitute Parmesan with a vegan alternative.

What kind of cheese is best?

Freshly grated or shaved Parmesan gives the most authentic flavor.

Conclusion

Caesar Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish with a rich, garlicky dressing and crisp textures. It’s easy to customize and pairs well with nearly any meal, making it a go-to favorite for casual lunches or elegant dinners alike. Once you master the dressing, you’ll never go back to bottled again.

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