Caesar Salad Recipe (With Homemade Dressing!)

This Caesar Salad recipe has rich and creamy parmesan garlic dressing over crisp romaine with garlic’d croutons (and of course fresh lemon). Perfection.

This salad is a great side next to steaks or lasagna or even topped with grilled chicken as a complete meal. Crisp lettuce leaves, crunchy croutons, and fresh grated parmesan cheese in the best ever caesar salad dressing.

A Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

Did you know that Caesar salad originated in Tijuana, Mexico? It was created by Caesar Cardini in the 1920’s, an Italian immigrant. One of his restaruants was low on supplies and he created this salad with what he had mixing and serving it tableside! This version is my favorite variation.

• A homemade from scratch dressing jam-packed with vibrant flavor.
• The dressing can be made up to 48 hours ahead of time making it perfect for guests.
• Fresh and delicious, this salad pairs with almost any meal, it will become your go-to recipe.
• Top it with sliced steak or grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal. (Serve with garlic bread).

Caesar Salad Ingredients

A classic caesar salad recipe has a few basic components to it.

The Best Ever Dresssing

Caesar salad dressing is creamy, rich, and tangy. This recipe is hands down my favorite dressing (double it up to save for drizzling over veggies).

• Lemon adds a bright tangy flavor, I highly recommend using juice from a fresh lemon. It’s so much better than a bottled juice which can be bitter.
• Garlic is a signature flavor in this dressing, one small clove will do.
• Egg this dressing uses raw egg (much like homemade mayonnaise), I include the egg yolk and white.
• Anchovy is often added to caesar salad and if you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend it in this recipe. It is blended so there are no visible pieces but if you’d prefer, use 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste.
• Oil is added in a very slow stream to thicken the dressing. Use a light flavored oil like canola or a light olive oil, extra-virgin olive oil is great but can bit a bit bitter and overpowering in this dressing.

The Salad

• A head of romaine lettuce is flavorful and crisp. Wash it, spin dry in a salad spinner and refrigerate if time allows, this makes it extra crunchy. Substitute kale to create a Kale Caesar Salad!
• Homemade croutons are made by baking or quick frying your bread pieces in oil or butter on high for a short amount of time. They add an amazing crunch to caesar salad.
• Garnish the salad with parmesan cheese and fresh lemon wedges or even bacon bits or fried capers.

How to Make Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is as simple as tossing everything together in a large salad bowl when the rest of your dinner is almost ready!

1. 1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a blende or food processor (per the recipe below).
   2. Slowly drizzle the oil until the dressing is thickened. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
   3. Tear lettuce into bite-size pieces and place in a medium bowl with croutons, dressing, and parmesan cheese. Toss well.
   4. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh lemon wedges.

Make it a meal: Make it into a chicken caesar salad by topping with grilled chicken breasts or add in shrimp or salmon!

Quick Homemade Croutons

Toss 2 cups of diced bread or leftover buns with the following butter mixture. Bake on a rimmed baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until crisp.

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• sprinkle of seasoned salt

Tips for a Great Salad

Caesar salad is an easy summer staple, but you can create the perfect salad every time with these tips.

• • Ingredients (including the egg) should be at room temperature before making the dressing.
  • Drizzle the oil SLOWLY. The slower you drizzle, the thicker the dressing will be.
  • If you don’t have a blender, you can whisk the ingredients while slowly drizzling in the oil.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and fresh garlic for best results.
  • To save time, prep the dressing in advance and keep it in the fridge. Homemade caesar dressing will last up to 3 days in your fridge in an airtight container!
  • For the crispiest lettuce, wash and shake or spin dry and then store in the fridge wrapped in paper towel.
  • To make in advance, keep the toppings and dressing separately and combine before serving!

More Fresh Salad Recipes

Did you enjoy this Caesar Salad? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!