If you’re craving a light yet satisfying dish that’s bold on flavor and simple to whip up, this Classic Caesar Salad Recipe is your new go-to. It’s more than just a side—it’s a crunchy, creamy, umami-packed celebration of fresh ingredients that can easily steal the spotlight at any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a wholesome weekday lunch, this version brings restaurant elegance straight to your home kitchen.
What makes this Caesar salad so irresistible? It’s all in the balance—crisp romaine lettuce, golden homemade croutons, a luscious garlic-lemon-Parmesan dressing, and that satisfying zing of freshly squeezed lemon. And yes, we’ve made sure it’s easy and approachable for all skill levels!
This recipe goes above and beyond your average Caesar with its bright, creamy dressing and crunchy handmade croutons (trust me, they’re worth it). With just 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a fresh, flavorful dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet bistro.
A restaurant-quality Caesar salad bursting with flavor and crunch, a family favorite for any occasion.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
- ✅ Restaurant Quality at Home: Tastes better than most dine-in spots—promise!
- ✅ Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, even with homemade croutons.
- ✅ Customizable: Add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn it into a main.
- ✅ Nutrient-Rich: Romaine is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, while Parmesan delivers calcium and flavor.
- ✅ Versatile & Family-Friendly: Perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or lunchboxes.
Did you know that romaine lettuce is also hydrating and packed with antioxidants? Combine that with olive oil (healthy fats), garlic (immune booster), and lemon juice (Vitamin C), and you’ve got a salad that’s not just tasty but nourishing too.
🍽️ What is Romaine Lettuce?
Romaine lettuce is the crisp, leafy green that forms the heart of this Caesar salad. Known for its elongated shape and slightly bitter, refreshing taste, it’s a classic choice for salads that need texture and structure.
Fun Facts About Romaine Lettuce:
- 🥬 It’s been grown since ancient Roman times—hence the name!
- 💧 It’s made up of 95% water, making it ultra-hydrating.
- 💪 Rich in fiber, potassium, and folate—great for heart and digestive health.
Romaine holds up well under creamy dressings and doesn’t wilt easily, making it ideal for hearty salads like this one.
🛍️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
🥗 Salad Base
- Romaine Hearts: Crisp and refreshing. Substitute with kale or spinach for a twist.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and umami-rich. Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Croutons: Homemade are best, but store-bought work too. Use gluten-free bread if needed.
- Lemon Wedges: Brighten the salad and balance the richness of the dressing.
🧄 Caesar Dressing
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base. Swap with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and zing.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich. Use a vegan version if avoiding anchovies.
- Anchovy Paste: Optional but authentic. Substitute with capers for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- Fresh Garlic: Brings bold flavor—adjust to taste.
👩🍳 Chef’s Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Crisp romaine and fresh Parmesan make all the difference.
- Homemade Croutons: Cube day-old bread, toss in olive oil, and bake for unbeatable crunch.
- Blend the Dressing: For an ultra-smooth texture, use a blender or food processor.
- Add Dressing Gradually: Toss just enough to coat the leaves without soaking them.
- Serve Immediately: This salad shines brightest right after it’s tossed.
📢 More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this Caesar salad? Try these quick and flavorful recipes too:
- Easy Caprese Salad – (Fresh & Ready in 5 Min!)
- Easy Grilled Chicken Tenders (Quick & Juicy)
- Homemade Greek Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets (Kid-Friendly!)
- Lemony Chickpea Pasta Salad (Vegan Delight)
- Classic Tuna Pasta Salad (Quick & Creamy)
🤤 Your New Favorite Side Dish Awaits!
There’s just something magical about the balance of crunch, creaminess, and zest in this Classic Caesar Salad. So next time you’re wondering what to serve with dinner—or just craving a flavorful salad on its own—whip this one up and watch everyone go back for seconds.
Description
A classic Caesar salad recipe that outshines restaurant versions with its homemade dressing and croutons.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation
-
Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, anchovy paste, salt, and pepper until well combined.
For a smoother dressing, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor. -
Prepare the Croutons
Toss cubed bread with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.You can use store-bought croutons if preferred.
Assembly
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Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and toss until the lettuce is evenly coated.Add the croutons just before serving to maintain their crunchiness. -
Garnish and Serve
Top the salad with additional Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and anchovy fillets if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 128kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5.7g9%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 13.1mg5%
- Sodium 290.6mg13%
- Potassium 338.2mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 10.5g4%
- Dietary Fiber 3.2g13%
- Sugars 1.6g
- Protein 9.4g19%
- Calcium 277.1 mg
- Iron 1.7 mg
- Vitamin D 0.1 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)
Note
- For a vegetarian option, skip the anchovies and use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
- To save time, use store-bought croutons, but homemade ones are a game-changer.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a heartier meal.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Toss the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the flavors fresh.
