Crisp, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant, the Caesar Salad is a timeless classic that continues to be a favorite on menus and home tables worldwide. Featuring crunchy romaine lettuce, garlicky croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a creamy anchovy-based Caesar dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of freshness, umami, and tang. Whether served as a light appetizer, a healthy lunch, or a side dish to a main course, Caesar Salad delivers both nutrition and gourmet appeal.
Ingredients
For the Homemade Croutons:
| Day-old rustic bread (e.g., baguette, sourdough, ciabatta), cubed | 3 cups (approx. 180-200 grams) |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ⅛ teaspoon |
For the Classic Caesar Dressing:
| Large egg yolk (raw) | 1 |
|---|---|
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove (small) |
| Anchovy fillets, oil-packed, drained | 2-3 (or ½ teaspoon anchovy paste) |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | ½ teaspoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
For the Salad Assembly:
| Romaine lettuce hearts | 2 medium (about 8 cups chopped) |
|---|---|
| Shaved or grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ - ½ cup |
Cooking Steps
Make the Homemade Croutons
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder (or minced garlic), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
Prepare the Caesar Dressing
- In a small bowl, finely mince the garlic and anchovy fillets together. Using the side of your knife blade, mash them into a smooth paste. This ensures no chunks.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the garlic-anchovy paste to the bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Emulsify the dressing: While continuously whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil in a thin, steady stream. Continue whisking until the dressing is thick, creamy, and completely emulsified (it won't separate).
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Taste the dressing and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Be generous with the pepper!
Assemble the Caesar Salad
- Wash the romaine lettuce hearts thoroughly. Dry them very well using a salad spinner or by patting them dry with paper towels. Excess water will dilute the dressing.
- Chop or tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large serving bowl.
- Add about half of the cooled homemade croutons and a generous amount of the shaved or grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Pour about two-thirds of the prepared Caesar dressing over the lettuce, croutons, and cheese.
- Using tongs, gently toss the salad until all the lettuce leaves are evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid over-tossing, which can bruise the lettuce.
- Divide the salad among serving plates.
- Garnish each serving with the remaining croutons, more shaved or grated Parmesan cheese, and an extra crack of freshly ground black pepper.
Serve
- Serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the croutons are fresh.
Extra Tips for a Perfect Caesar Salad
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest romaine lettuce, and ideally, grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block of Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Dry Lettuce: This cannot be stressed enough. Wet lettuce will water down your dressing.
- Anchovies: If you're hesitant about anchovies, trust the process! They dissolve into the dressing, providing a crucial savory, umami depth without tasting "fishy."
- Raw Egg Safety: If concerned about raw egg, use pasteurized egg yolk from a carton, or omit the egg yolk and use a tablespoon of mayonnaise for creaminess, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- Customization: Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a more substantial meal.
Nutritional Value
| Calories | 150-250 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2-4 grams |
| Fat | 8-15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20-30 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ Rich in Fiber: Romaine lettuce aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
- ✅ Source of Protein: When topped with grilled chicken or shrimp, it becomes a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
- ✅ Calcium-Rich: Parmesan cheese adds a boost of calcium for bone health.
- ✅ Healthy Fats: Olive oil in the dressing provides heart-friendly monounsaturated fats.
- ✅ Customizable: Easily adapted to suit various dietary needs (gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, etc.).
The Caesar Salad stands out as a versatile, nourishing dish that combines simplicity with sophistication. Whether you prepare it with a traditional anchovy-based dressing or opt for a modern twist, this salad is guaranteed to please every palate. It’s the perfect addition to any meal and can be enjoyed year-round for its crisp texture and bold flavors.
Discover more healthy salad recipes, homemade dressings, and quick lunch ideas right here on our website. Bookmark your favorite versions, try creative variations, and bring restaurant-quality salads to your home table with ease!