If you love a salad that feels both fresh and indulgent at the same time, then you’re in for a real treat with this Classic Caesar Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and nutty Parmesan cheese that comes together effortlessly in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a starter that impresses, this salad brings that iconic Caesar flavor to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is what makes this Classic Caesar Salad Recipe so accessible and delicious. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the crisp lettuce to the creamy dressing.
- Romaine Lettuce: Choose fresh, crisp leaves for the perfect crunchy base.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that sharp, salty bite that lifts the salad.
- Croutons: Homemade or store-bought, these add an irresistible crunch.
- Caesar Dressing: Made with mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, and lemon juice to nail that classic tangy, savory flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the creamy dressing perfectly.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for a subtle spice that wakes up the palate.
How to Make Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Romaine Lettuce
Start by washing and thoroughly drying your romaine lettuce. Getting the leaves nice and crisp is key to keeping the salad fresh and crunchy once tossed. Tear into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Step 2: Make the Croutons
Cut bread into cubes and toss with a little olive oil. Bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. Homemade croutons bring a warm, toasty flavor that beats store-bought every time.
Step 3: Whisk the Caesar Dressing
Combine mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, and lemon juice in a bowl, whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This is the heart of your Classic Caesar Salad Recipe and brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the crisp romaine lettuce with the creamy Caesar dressing. Make sure every leaf is coated to maximize flavor with each bite.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Croutons
Top the dressed lettuce with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and your homemade croutons. These final touches add texture and that signature savory finish.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
For the best crunch and freshness, serve this Classic Caesar Salad Recipe right after assembly. Waiting too long can make the croutons soggy and the lettuce wilt.
How to Serve Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad, consider adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving. A few anchovy fillets on top can also deliver a punch of authentic flavor for the adventurous.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a light but satisfying meal. Serve alongside garlic bread or a bowl of tomato soup for a well-rounded dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Classic Caesar Salad Recipe in individual glass bowls or stack it in a parfait glass layering lettuce, dressing, Parmesan, and croutons. It looks stunning and feels special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover salad, keep the dressing separate and store the lettuce in an airtight container in the fridge. Toss just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Classic Caesar Salad Recipe ingredients don’t freeze well as a finished salad, especially the lettuce and croutons. However, you can freeze the dressing separately in an airtight container for up to one month.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served fresh, so reheating is not recommended. If you have cooked protein on the side like chicken, reheat that separately before serving alongside your crisp salad.
FAQs
Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?
Yes, you can skip anchovies for a milder, vegetarian-friendly version. Using Worcestershire sauce or extra garlic adds depth without the anchovy taste.
What type of bread is best for croutons?
Day-old baguette or rustic sourdough works best as they hold their texture and crisp nicely when toasted.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp after tossing?
Use chilled lettuce and toss the salad just before serving. Holding the salad too long after adding the dressing causes wilting.
Can I add grilled chicken to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken is a classic addition that makes this salad a full meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
You can prep ingredients ahead but keep dressing and croutons separate until mealtime for maximum freshness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Caesar Salad Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that balances fresh, crisp greens with indulgent flavors and textures. It’s straightforward to make and perfect anytime you want a dish that feels special without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it a go-to in your kitchen!
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Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Caesar Salad recipe offers a fresh and crunchy combination of crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made from mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, and lemon juice. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, it is ready in just 25 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Croutons
- 2 cups bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and dry lettuce: Rinse the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold water and dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels until the leaves are crisp.
- Prepare croutons: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the bread cubes with olive oil until evenly coated. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown, stirring halfway through for even toasting.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toss salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the dried romaine lettuce and the prepared dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the leaves evenly with the dressing.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and the freshly baked croutons over the dressed lettuce evenly.
- Serve: Serve the Caesar salad immediately to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce and croutons at their best.
Notes
- For best texture, use day-old bread for croutons.
- You can adjust anchovy paste quantity according to taste or omit for a milder dressing.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crunchiness; dressed salad may become soggy if left to sit.
- Romaine lettuce can be substituted with kale or other crisp greens for a different twist.
