Caesar Salad Recipe

• Crusty Bread: For the croutons, day-old bread works great because it crisps up nicely without getting soggy.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use a flavorful olive oil to drizzle over your croutons and in the dressing for richness.
• Sea Salt: Enhances all the components, especially the croutons and dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base in the dressing without needing eggs, making it kid-friendly and stable.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that balances the richness of the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle kick and depth to the dressing.
• Garlic: Freshly grated for that punch of classic savory flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a hint adds complexity—you can find it in most grocery stores.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning throughout and a touch of heat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Both grated into the dressing and shaved on top for creamy saltiness and umami.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, fresh heads torn or chopped into bite-size pieces make up the salad base.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love how this Caesar Salad Recipe lends itself to fun tweaks depending on what you’re in the mood for. Don’t be afraid to customize it a bit—you might find a new favorite twist along the way.

• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Adding protein turns it into a hearty main that my family goes crazy for during summer dinners.
• Kale or Mixed Greens: I sometimes swap romaine for kale for extra nutrients and a bit of earthy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Dressing: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and skip the mayo for a vegan-friendly version.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth to the dressing.

How to Make Caesar Salad Recipe

Step 1: Create Crunchy Homemade Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss your cubed bread with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, then spread them out in an even layer. Bake for about 10 to 18 minutes until golden and crisp—don’t forget to check occasionally to avoid burning. I usually let mine cool completely so they maintain their crunch when tossed in the salad.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Classic Dressing

In a bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk mayonnaise, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, and lots of freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds that unmistakable umami and creaminess. If the dressing feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you get the perfect pourable consistency—you’ll find that makes tossing the salad so much easier.

Step 3: Toss and Assemble Your Salad

Place your chopped or torn romaine lettuce into a large wooden salad bowl if you have one—I find it really helps the dressing coat the leaves evenly when tossed with tongs. Add half of your dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan. Toss it gently until everything’s beautifully coated. Taste and add more dressing if needed, then finish with the remaining croutons and cheese. A final few grinds of fresh black pepper on top tie everything together perfectly.

How to Serve Caesar Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I like to keep it simple and classic with shaved Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper on top—but sometimes I’ll add a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness or a few anchovy fillets if I’m feeling traditional. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can also add a lovely fresh note and pop of color.

Side Dishes

This Caesar Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted salmon. I also love serving it alongside crusty garlic bread and a light soup for a balanced, satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic starter for entertaining dinners or a hearty lunch on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this Caesar Salad in individual glass bowls or mason jars layered with dressing, lettuce, croutons, and cheese—it looks stunning and guests love the personal touch. You can even add grilled shrimp or a poached egg on top to elevate it further.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Lettuce can wilt quickly once tossed with dressing, so this step keeps everything fresh. The croutons can be kept in a sealed bag at room temperature to stay crunchy, then added back right before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the Caesar Salad itself since fresh lettuce won’t thaw well, and the dressing can separate. However, you can freeze extra homemade croutons if you make a big batch—they thaw quickly and crisp back up in the oven with a few minutes of reheating.

Reheating

I typically reheat leftover croutons in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes to bring back their crunch. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have dressing leftovers, just give it a good stir before using again—sometimes a little whisking helps bring it back together.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Caesar Salad Recipe always feels like a little kitchen celebration for me—a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and texture. I love sharing it with friends and seeing their delighted expressions when they taste those homemade croutons and creamy dressing. Give it a try, tweak it to fit your taste, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite fresh salads in no time.

I absolutely love this Caesar Salad Recipe because it hits that perfect balance between crisp, fresh greens and a rich, tangy dressing that makes every bite so satisfying. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick lunch or as a stunning side for dinner, it always delivers that classic, crowd-pleasing flavor that never gets old. Plus, making your own croutons and dressing from scratch? Trust me, it takes this salad to a whole new level of deliciousness.

When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked by how straightforward it was, and how quickly it came together without compromising on taste. You’ll find that once you master this Caesar Salad Recipe, it becomes your go-to when you want something light yet indulgent, and it’s a fantastic way to wow guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Caesar Salad Recipe are straightforward and thoughtfully chosen. They come together to create layers of flavor and texture that make this salad stand out. When you’re shopping, aim for the freshest romaine you can find and good quality Parmesan – it truly makes a difference.

• Crusty Bread: For the croutons, day-old bread works great because it crisps up nicely without getting soggy.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use a flavorful olive oil to drizzle over your croutons and in the dressing for richness.
• Sea Salt: Enhances all the components, especially the croutons and dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base in the dressing without needing eggs, making it kid-friendly and stable.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that balances the richness of the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle kick and depth to the dressing.
• Garlic: Freshly grated for that punch of classic savory flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a hint adds complexity—you can find it in most grocery stores.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning throughout and a touch of heat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Both grated into the dressing and shaved on top for creamy saltiness and umami.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, fresh heads torn or chopped into bite-size pieces make up the salad base.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love how this Caesar Salad Recipe lends itself to fun tweaks depending on what you’re in the mood for. Don’t be afraid to customize it a bit—you might find a new favorite twist along the way.

• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Adding protein turns it into a hearty main that my family goes crazy for during summer dinners.
• Kale or Mixed Greens: I sometimes swap romaine for kale for extra nutrients and a bit of earthy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Dressing: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and skip the mayo for a vegan-friendly version.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth to the dressing.

How to Make Caesar Salad Recipe

Step 1: Create Crunchy Homemade Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss your cubed bread with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, then spread them out in an even layer. Bake for about 10 to 18 minutes until golden and crisp—don’t forget to check occasionally to avoid burning. I usually let mine cool completely so they maintain their crunch when tossed in the salad.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Classic Dressing

In a bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk mayonnaise, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, and lots of freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds that unmistakable umami and creaminess. If the dressing feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you get the perfect pourable consistency—you’ll find that makes tossing the salad so much easier.

Step 3: Toss and Assemble Your Salad

Place your chopped or torn romaine lettuce into a large wooden salad bowl if you have one—I find it really helps the dressing coat the leaves evenly when tossed with tongs. Add half of your dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan. Toss it gently until everything’s beautifully coated. Taste and add more dressing if needed, then finish with the remaining croutons and cheese. A final few grinds of fresh black pepper on top tie everything together perfectly.

How to Serve Caesar Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I like to keep it simple and classic with shaved Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper on top—but sometimes I’ll add a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness or a few anchovy fillets if I’m feeling traditional. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can also add a lovely fresh note and pop of color.

Side Dishes

This Caesar Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted salmon. I also love serving it alongside crusty garlic bread and a light soup for a balanced, satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic starter for entertaining dinners or a hearty lunch on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this Caesar Salad in individual glass bowls or mason jars layered with dressing, lettuce, croutons, and cheese—it looks stunning and guests love the personal touch. You can even add grilled shrimp or a poached egg on top to elevate it further.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Lettuce can wilt quickly once tossed with dressing, so this step keeps everything fresh. The croutons can be kept in a sealed bag at room temperature to stay crunchy, then added back right before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the Caesar Salad itself since fresh lettuce won’t thaw well, and the dressing can separate. However, you can freeze extra homemade croutons if you make a big batch—they thaw quickly and crisp back up in the oven with a few minutes of reheating.

Reheating

I typically reheat leftover croutons in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes to bring back their crunch. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have dressing leftovers, just give it a good stir before using again—sometimes a little whisking helps bring it back together.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Caesar Salad Recipe always feels like a little kitchen celebration for me—a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and texture. I love sharing it with friends and seeing their delighted expressions when they taste those homemade croutons and creamy dressing. Give it a try, tweak it to fit your taste, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite fresh salads in no time.