A Caesar salad is a timeless favorite known for its bold, tangy flavor and satisfying crunch. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time, beloved by home cooks and chefs alike.
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With the right ingredients and simple techniques, you can make a Caesar salad that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version right at home.
What Is a Caesar Salad?
Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
- 2 cups cubed bread for croutons
- 1/4 cup olive oil divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 egg yolk or 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp anchovy paste optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Croutons: Toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk egg yolk or mayo, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, lemon juice, anchovy paste, and Parmesan. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss romaine with dressing, croutons, and more Parmesan. Finish with black pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
The Caesar salad was first created in 1924 by Italian-American chef Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico. He invented it on the fly during a busy Fourth of July weekend using ingredients he had on hand. Since then, this iconic salad has become a global staple.
At its core, a Caesar salad consists of crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, shaved or grated Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing made with garlic, anchovies (optional), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, egg yolk or mayonnaise, and olive oil. It’s often topped with black pepper and sometimes anchovies or grilled chicken for added protein.
Ingredients for the Perfect Salad
Here are the essential ingredients for a classic Caesar salad:
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it’s the best green to stand up to the rich dressing.
- Croutons: Toasted or baked bread cubes add that satisfying crunch.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated or shaved for salty, umami richness.
- Caesar dressing: A creamy blend of lemon, garlic, mustard, olive oil, anchovy paste (optional), egg yolk or mayo, Worcestershire, and Parmesan.
- Black pepper: For a touch of spice.
Optional ingredients include grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, or soft-boiled eggs to turn it into a complete meal.
How to Make a Caesar Salad Step-by-Step
Making Caesar salad at home is easy and yields impressive results. Here’s how:
1. Make Homemade Croutons
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
2. Prepare the Caesar Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1 egg yolk or 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup olive oil, slowly drizzled in while whisking until emulsified
3. Toss the Salad
- In a large bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce.
- Add croutons and most of the Parmesan.
- Drizzle dressing over the top and toss to combine.
- Top with more cheese and freshly ground pepper.
Serve immediately for best texture.
Tips for the Best
- Use fresh, crisp romaine: Dry the leaves thoroughly to help the dressing stick.
- Make dressing in advance: It develops more flavor when chilled for 30 minutes.
- Add dressing just before serving: Prevents sogginess and preserves the crunch.
- Use anchovy paste sparingly: It adds depth without overpowering the salad.
- Grill your protein: Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be grilled and sliced on top.
Delicious Caesar Salad Variations
Want to switch it up? Try these flavorful variations:
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Add marinated, grilled chicken breast slices for extra protein. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Kale Caesar Salad
Swap romaine for Tuscan kale. Massage the leaves with olive oil to soften them and bring out their flavor.
Vegan Caesar Salad
Make a dairy-free, egg-free dressing with cashews, lemon, garlic, capers, and nutritional yeast. Use vegan croutons and plant-based Parmesan.
Caesar Pasta Salad
Combine cooked pasta (like rotini or penne) with chopped romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a hearty twist.
Spicy Caesar Salad
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dressing for a bold kick.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
A traditional salad is rich and flavorful but can be high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the dressing and cheese. However, it also offers:
- Fiber: From romaine lettuce
- Calcium: From Parmesan
- Healthy fats: If using olive oil-based dressing
- Protein: Especially when topped with grilled chicken or eggs
Lighten It Up:
- Use Greek yogurt in the dressing instead of mayo or egg.
- Limit the amount of croutons.
- Serve a smaller portion as a side instead of a main.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients of Caesar salad?
The main ingredients of a classic Caesar salad include romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, grated or shaved Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing made with garlic, lemon juice, mustard, anchovy paste (optional), Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and either egg yolk or mayonnaise.
What does the original Caesar salad have?
The original Caesar salad, created by Caesar Cardini, was made with whole romaine leaves, garlic, olive oil, raw egg, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all tossed together and served with crunchy croutons. Anchovies were not part of the original but were added later as a common variation.
What is the best Caesar salad dressing?
The best Caesar salad dressing balances creaminess, acidity, and umami flavor. A traditional dressing includes garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, Parmesan cheese, egg yolk (or mayo), and olive oil. For a lighter twist, Greek yogurt can replace the egg or mayo while still maintaining a rich texture.
Is a Caesar salad still healthy?
A Caesar salad can be healthy when made with fresh ingredients and lighter dressing. While the traditional version can be high in fat and sodium due to cheese and dressing, modifications like using Greek yogurt, reducing croutons, or adding lean protein like grilled chicken can make it a balanced, nutritious meal or side.
Final Thoughts: Why Caesar Salad Stays a Favorite
From casual lunches to fancy dinners, Caesar salad never goes out of style. Its satisfying mix of textures, savory flavor, and flexibility make it a beloved go-to. Whether you’re making the traditional version or experimenting with modern twists, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Try making your own Caesar salad today with this easy recipe and see just how delicious homemade can be!