A Caesar salad is the perfect way to elevate any meal. With its crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it as a light dinner, a side dish, or as a base for grilled chicken or shrimp, a classic Caesar salad never goes out of style. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make from scratch, so you can skip the store-bought versions and enjoy the fresh, homemade taste!
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make a classic Caesar salad that’s bursting with flavor, featuring a homemade dressing, crispy croutons, and the perfect blend of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients for Classic Caesar Salad
Before we dive into the instructions, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need for a traditional Caesar salad.
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus extra for garnish)
- Homemade croutons (see recipe below)
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or more, to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Anchovy paste (about 1 teaspoon) for authentic flavor (or 2-3 anchovy fillets if you prefer)
How to Make a Classic Caesar Salad
1. Prepare the Homemade Croutons
While you could buy store-bought croutons, homemade ones have the perfect crunch and flavor that can’t be matched. Here’s how to make them in just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of day-old bread (preferably French bread or a baguette)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or parsley for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bread into small cubes, about 1-inch in size.
- Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and any herbs you’re using, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through until the croutons are golden and crispy.
- Once done, set aside to cool.
Tip: If you’re short on time, you can also make croutons on the stove by toasting the bread cubes in a skillet with olive oil and garlic until golden.
2. Make the Caesar Dressing
A creamy Caesar dressing is the heart of the salad, and making it from scratch adds a richness you won’t get from store-bought versions.
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then stir to combine.
- Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you like an authentic Caesar dressing flavor, add anchovy paste or minced anchovy fillets (this is optional but highly recommended for an authentic, umami-rich taste).
- Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice or Parmesan if desired.
- Set the dressing aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Conclusion
A classic Caesar salad is a simple yet delicious way to enhance any meal. With fresh lettuce, homemade croutons, and a creamy, flavorful dressing, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the star of the dinner table with grilled chicken or shrimp, this Caesar salad recipe will never disappoint. So, gather your ingredients, invite your family or friends to the table, and enjoy a bowl of this timeless, refreshing salad that’s always a hit! Happy eating! 🥗🍴
