If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and undeniably satisfying, this Classic Caesar Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a perfectly balanced, creamy dressing come together to create a timeless salad that sparkles with bright lemon, savory garlic, and tangy Parmesan notes. It’s that comforting mix of textures and flavors that makes this salad feel both elegant and approachable, perfect for any meal from casual lunches to fancy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Classic Caesar Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role, contributing taste, texture, or vibrant color that brings the salad to life. You won’t need anything complicated, just fresh staples that elevate one another wonderfully.
- Romaine Lettuce: A large head, washed, dried, and chopped to ensure crispness and perfect salad base.
- Croutons: One cup adds satisfying crunch and a little toasty flavor contrast.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a bold, salty tang that defines the salad.
- Egg Yolk (or Mayonnaise): The creamy base of your dressing, providing richness and texture.
- Dijon Mustard: Packs a subtle zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a blend of savory umami flavors.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing with a refreshing acidity.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced finely, they boost the dressing with pungent, aromatic depth.
- Anchovy Fillets (Optional): Finely minced for authentic salty savoriness without overpowering.
- Olive Oil: Half a cup, slowly whisked in for that silky, luscious dressing texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for dressing): Adds an extra cheesy punch right into the creamy dressing.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, seasoning perfectly balanced flavors.
How to Make Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
You’ll start by creating that luxuriously creamy, tangy dressing that makes this salad so irresistible. Whisk together the egg yolk or mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and anchovies if you’re using them. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify the dressing until it thickens. Stir in the grated Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper. This dressing brings together umami, citrus, and savory notes in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Toss the Salad
Grab a large bowl and toss together your chopped romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons. Pour the fresh dressing over the greens and toss gently but thoroughly until every leaf is coated with that vibrant dressing. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Before serving, sprinkle an additional handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese right on top. It adds that irresistible finishing touch of cheesy richness and looks beautiful too. Serve this salad right away to enjoy the crisp texture at its best.
How to Serve Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Garnishes
While a sprinkle of Parmesan is traditional, feel free to get creative! Crispy bacon bits, a dash of freshly cracked black pepper, or even some thinly sliced fresh herbs like parsley can add personality. Just remember the classic elements are the stars here, so don’t overdo it!
Side Dishes
This Classic Caesar Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a light protein boost. It’s also a fantastic companion to a hearty soup, steak, or pasta dish, making it incredibly versatile for any meal scenario.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual lettuce cups or elegant cocktail glasses for a party. Layer the salad components in mason jars for a to-go lunch packed with style and convenience. Even plating it on a long wooden board with dressing drizzled artistically can turn this simple salad into a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad components separately if possible to avoid soggy leaves. Keep the dressing cooled in an airtight container and toss just before serving the next day to maintain that coveted crunch.
Freezing
Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the fresh greens and creamy dressing do not freeze well and will lose their texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so reheating is generally unnecessary and not advised as it diminishes the crisp textures and fresh flavors that make the Classic Caesar Salad Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing without raw egg yolk?
Absolutely! Using mayonnaise as a substitute for raw egg yolk is a great no-raw-egg option that keeps the dressing creamy and safe for everyone.
What if I don’t like anchovies?
Anchovies add umami depth but aren’t mandatory. You can omit them for a milder flavor, though including a bit intensifies the classic Caesar taste.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
The key is to dress the lettuce just before serving. Tossing too early causes wilting, so keep your greens dry until the very last step.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas make excellent additions that turn this dish into a more complete meal.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses croutons that contain gluten, but swapping those out for gluten-free croutons or skipping them altogether keeps it gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Classic Caesar Salad Recipe has stood the test of time: it’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without being complicated. Whipping up this salad is like sharing a little slice of culinary joy—crisp lettuce, a zesty dressing, and that perfect salty cheese bite. Next time you want something bright and delicious on your plate, this salad is ready to impress and delight every bite of the way.
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Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Classic Caesar Salad recipe features crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade dressing made from egg yolk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, anchovies, and Parmesan cheese. Topped with crunchy croutons and freshly grated Parmesan, it’s an easy and delicious Italian-American salad perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce (washed, dried, and chopped)
- 1 cup croutons
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1 egg yolk (or 1 tablespoon mayonnaise for a no-raw-egg version)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 anchovy fillets (optional, finely minced)
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and finely minced anchovy fillets if using. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture. This gradual addition helps to thicken and emulsify the dressing, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish the Dressing: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Toss the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and croutons. Pour the prepared dressing over them and toss gently until all leaves are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls, topping each with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
Notes
- To keep lettuce crisp, toss it with the dressing just before serving.
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use pasteurized egg yolk or mayonnaise for a safer alternative if concerned about consuming raw egg.
- Anchovies are optional but add an authentic umami flavor to the dressing.
