Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad is the ultimate side dish, combining the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and rich Parmesan come together with a creamy, tangy dressing that will elevate any meal.
This Caesar salad is not only easy to make but versatile too. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a light lunch, the homemade dressing adds a touch of freshness and authenticity that you won’t find in store-bought versions.
The key to this recipe is the homemade croutons and dressing. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a salad that’s bursting with flavor and a satisfying crunch, making it a family favorite.
Caesar Salad Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce: Fresh, crisp, and vibrant, the lettuce forms the foundation of this salad, offering a refreshing crunch in every bite.
Crusty Bread: The key to golden, homemade croutons that add satisfying texture and flavor with a hint of olive oil and sea salt.
Parmesan Cheese: This rich, nutty cheese enhances the salad with its sharp, savory flavor, elevating the overall taste.
Caesar Dressing: A creamy blend of mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, the dressing ties everything together, delivering tangy richness with a smooth finish.
Caesar Salad Recipe Tips
- Make Croutons in Batches
For perfectly crispy croutons, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and a golden, crunchy texture. If you need more croutons, bake in batches to maintain that perfect crunch. Don’t forget to keep an eye on them in the final minutes, as they can go from crispy to burnt quickly. - Customize Your Dressing
If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This tweak will still give the creamy texture but with a tangier, lighter flavor. Additionally, for extra depth, consider adding anchovy paste to the dressing for a traditional Caesar kick. - Freshly Grated Parmesan
For the most authentic flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the dressing, creating a richer, smoother texture. It also brings a sharper, more robust flavor to the salad.
What to Serve with Caesar Salad
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
A grilled chicken breast or shrimp skewer is the perfect addition to this Caesar salad. The smoky, charred flavors from the grill complement the creamy dressing, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The lean protein pairs beautifully with the crisp romaine, making it ideal for lunch or dinner. - Garlic Bread
Nothing pairs better with a Caesar salad than a side of buttery, garlicky bread. The rich flavors of the garlic butter soak into each bite of warm, crispy bread, balancing the salad’s acidity and adding a comforting side dish. It’s the perfect complement to any Caesar salad. - Roasted Vegetables
For a more wholesome and hearty side, serve roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Their natural sweetness and savory flavors enhance the crisp, tangy profile of the Caesar salad while adding extra texture and nutritional value to the meal.
Caesar Salad FAQ
1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The Caesar dressing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or when entertaining guests.
2. How can I make the salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, use Parmesan cheese made with vegetarian enzymes and substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan version. This ensures all the flavors while keeping the recipe plant-based.
3. Can I use store-bought croutons?
While homemade croutons add a fresh, personal touch, you can certainly use store-bought croutons in a pinch. Look for those with minimal ingredients, avoiding overly seasoned or artificially flavored varieties to maintain the salad’s freshness.
4. Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the crusty bread with gluten-free bread and follow the same instructions to make gluten-free croutons. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste while keeping the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- For the Croutons
- Crusty bread cut into cubes
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Sea salt for seasoning
- For the Caesar Salad Dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic clove finely grated
- Worcestershire sauce*
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese*
- For the Salad
- Romaine lettuce chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Croutons: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cubed bread across the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and toss the bread to ensure even coating. Bake for 10 to 18 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Once done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl or large liquid measuring cup, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, and several cracks of black pepper. Whisk the ingredients until smooth. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until well incorporated. If the dressing is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired texture.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, place the chopped romaine lettuce. Add half of the dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients. If preferred, add more dressing to suit your taste. Finish by topping the salad with the remaining croutons, Parmesan, and a few more cracks of freshly ground black pepper.
