The Best Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

Caesar salad holds a special place in everyone’s hearts, renowned for its perfectly crisp lettuce and tangy dressing. This homemade caesar salad recipe brings vibrant, restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. You’ll prepare a creamy, garlicky dressing and irresistible golden croutons from scratch, elevating this classic to new heights. Get ready to enjoy a fresh, satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Delve into the fascinating history of Caesar salad, a dish rumored to have been invented in Tijuana, Mexico, by Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini.

Why You’ll Love This Caesar Salad

• Superior Flavor: Homemade dressing tastes far better than any store-bought version, bursting with fresh garlic and lemon.
• Irresistible Croutons: Crispy, golden, and garlicky croutons add the perfect textural contrast to the fresh greens.
• Balanced Tastes: Enjoy a harmonious blend of tangy, savory, and creamy notes in every bite.
• Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together efficiently, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining.
• Impressive Meal: Serve this beautiful caesar salad as an elegant side dish or a satisfying light main course.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create an unforgettable classic. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors of this outstanding caesar salad. You’ll make both the croutons and the dressing from scratch for the best results.

For the Crispy Croutons:

• 1/2 French Baguette (cut in half and thinly sliced, 1/4″ thick)
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic (from 2 small cloves)
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

For the Homemade Dressing:

• 2 small garlic cloves (minced, 1 tsp)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 tsp black pepper (plus more to serve)

For the Caesar Salad Assembly:

• 1 large romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads romaine)
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved)

Notes & Substitutions

For a deeper umami flavor, consider adding a finely minced anchovy fillet or 1/2 teaspoon of anchovy paste to your dressing. If you lack Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari for a similar savory depth. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for both the croutons and dressing, as its flavor profile significantly impacts the final taste. Beyond its culinary uses, understanding the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil highlights its value in your diet. Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice; bottled juice doesn’t offer the same bright zest. Freshly grate or shave your Parmesan cheese from a block for the best texture and flavor; pre-shredded cheese can have a powdery coating.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe. A sturdy baking sheet is essential for achieving perfectly crisp croutons. For the creamy dressing, a whisk works wonderfully, or you can use an immersion blender for extra emulsification. Finally, a large mixing bowl is crucial for tossing the lettuce, dressing, and other ingredients together evenly without making a mess.

Instructions

Bringing this classic to life is straightforward. Plan for a total of 20 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cook time. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your ultimate homemade caesar salad.

How to Make Crispy Croutons

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the thinly sliced baguette pieces in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
2. Toss with Oil & Garlic: Drizzle the olive oil over the bread slices. Sprinkle with minced garlic, tossing gently to ensure each piece is coated.
3. Season & Bake: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the bread. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
4. Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the croutons to a wire rack and let them cool completely before using. This helps them stay crisp.

How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing

1. Mince Garlic & Zest Lemon: Finely mince the garlic cloves for the dressing. Zest your lemon before juicing it for the freshest flavor.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.
3. Slowly Drizzle Oil: While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil. Continue whisking until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
4. Season: Stir in the sea salt and black pepper.
5. Adjust Taste: Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

How to Assemble Your Caesar Salad

1. Wash & Chop Lettuce: Thoroughly wash and dry the romaine lettuce. Chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Place Lettuce in Bowl: Put the chopped romaine lettuce into a large mixing bowl.
3. Add Dressing & Toss: Pour about half of the prepared caesar salad dressing over the lettuce. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly. Add more dressing if desired, being careful not to overdress.
4. Add Croutons & Parmesan: Add the cooled crispy croutons and the shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
5. Toss & Serve: Toss everything together one more time to distribute the croutons and cheese. Serve your homemade caesar salad immediately for the best texture.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Using fresh, cold romaine is key to a crisp Caesar salad, so keep the lettuce chilled and completely dry before dressing. Add the dressing gradually and toss just until the leaves are lightly coated; too much will weigh them down and turn the salad soggy.​

Let homemade croutons cool fully before adding them, and sprinkle them on right before serving so they stay crunchy. If the dressing separates, slowly whisk in a teaspoon of cold water or a tiny drizzle of oil while whisking vigorously to re-emulsify it.​

For extra savory depth, a small amount of anchovy paste blends smoothly into the dressing, giving the classic Caesar flavor without visible anchovy pieces.​

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serve your homemade caesar salad immediately to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce and croutons. Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep any remaining croutons in a separate airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a heartier meal, transform your salad into a complete main course by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon. You can also introduce other vegetables like halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced cucumbers for added color and texture.

Nutrition Information

This caesar salad offers a balanced mix of nutrients. A single serving provides healthy fats, some protein, and essential vitamins from the fresh greens.

Disclaimer: These are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparations.

FAQ

Can I make Caesar salad ahead of time?
A: Assemble the salad just before serving so the romaine stays crisp, but you can prep components in advance by washing and drying the lettuce, making the dressing, and toasting the croutons ahead of time.​

What if my dressing breaks?
A: If the dressing separates, slowly whisk in a teaspoon of cold water or a small drizzle of olive oil while whisking vigorously; this helps the emulsion come back together in most cases.​

Can I use store-bought dressing?
A: Yes, a good-quality store‑bought Caesar dressing works in a pinch, though a fresh homemade version usually has a brighter flavor and creamier texture.​

Is Caesar salad healthy?
A: Caesar salad can fit into a balanced diet when eaten in moderation, since it offers vitamins from romaine and fats from oil and cheese, but the dressing and cheese can make it relatively high in calories and sodium.​

How to make Caesar dressing without eggs?
A: An egg‑free Caesar dressing typically relies on Dijon mustard as an emulsifier, along with oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan, to create a creamy texture without using raw eggs.​

Conclusion

Creating your own classic caesar salad at home is a rewarding experience. From the golden, garlicky croutons to the bright, creamy dressing, every component contributes to a truly satisfying dish. This recipe demonstrates that crafting restaurant-quality meals doesn’t require complex techniques, just fresh ingredients and a little love. Give this homemade version a try and share your experience. You’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought again. Enjoy your culinary journey!

The Best Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

A crisp, vibrant Caesar salad with homemade garlicky dressing and golden Parmesan croutons. This fresh, restaurant-worthy classic is easy to prepare and perfect as a side or light main course.

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Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 French baguette, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic (from 2 small cloves)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 small garlic cloves, minced (for dressing)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 tsp black pepper (plus more to serve)
• 1 large romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads)
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved

Equipment

• Baking sheet To bake croutons evenly
• Whisk To emulsify dressing
• Large mixing bowl For tossing salad

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange sliced baguette on baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Drizzle bread with olive oil, sprinkle with minced garlic, and toss gently to coat.
3. Sprinkle croutons with grated Parmesan and bake 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool completely.
4. In a bowl, whisk minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.
5. While whisking, slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify into a creamy dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Wash, dry, and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place in large mixing bowl.
7. Add half the dressing to lettuce and toss gently. Add more as desired, being careful not to overdress.
8. Add cooled croutons and shredded Parmesan. Toss again and serve immediately.

Notes

For a deeper umami flavor, add 1/2 tsp anchovy paste to the dressing. Always use freshly grated Parmesan and cold, crisp romaine for best texture. Make croutons and dressing ahead for faster assembly.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com