Homemade Caesar Salad Recipe

Name: Homemade Caesar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 romaine lettuce (chopped); parmesan cheese (use parmesan Reggiano); 1 cup croutons (store bought); 2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 small garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (mashed into paste); 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ¾ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated ); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

This Homemade Caesar Salad is a fresh, crisp classic that’s loaded with bold flavors and ready in minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish, this easy recipe will have you falling in love with Caesar salad all over again.

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Caesar salad has been a crowd-pleaser for decades, and for good reason. It's the perfect blend of crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and a punch of grated parmesan cheese. Plus, who doesn’t love a salad that feels a little fancy, thanks to its anchovy and parmesan-packed dressing?

But did you know Caesar salad wasn't even invented by a Caesar? It was actually created by an Italian-American restaurateur, Caesar Cardini, in Tijuana, Mexico. And while we may never know if it was a stroke of genius or a happy accident, we’re certainly thankful for this classic Caesar salad recipe.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
What to Serve with This?
Top tip
FAQs
Pasta Recipes
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Homemade Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients

Here's what you will need:

Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing; substitute with kale or mixed greens for variety.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor; pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper taste.
Croutons: Use day-old bread, cubed, and toasted with olive oil, garlic, and salt or use a store-bough one.

Caesar Salad Dressing

Olive Oil: The base of the dressing; use extra virgin for the best flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness; substitute with vinegar if needed.
Anchovy Paste: For that classic umami punch; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth; soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
Teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Gives a subtle tang; yellow mustard can be used in a pinch.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a bold, savory flavor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for that signature kick.
Mayonnaise: For creaminess; can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: I used parmesan Reggiano.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Make the Caesar Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, mayonnaise, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the homemade Caesar dressing until evenly coated.

Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with more freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

Variations

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Add sliced grilled chicken breast for a protein-packed meal.
Kale Caesar Salad: Swap out the romaine lettuce for kale for a heartier texture.
Spicy Caesar Salad: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Caesar Salad: Omit the anchovy paste and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce alternative.

What to Serve with This?

Grilled Steak: The rich, savory flavors of a perfectly grilled steak pair beautifully with the crispness of Caesar salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a healthy, balanced meal.
Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra Caesar dressing.
Pasta Dishes: This salad pairs well with creamy pasta like Alfredo or a simple tomato basil pasta.

Top tip

For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. These ingredients elevate the salad, making it taste just like a classic Caesar salad from your favorite restaurant.

FAQs

Can I make the Caesar dressing in advance?

Yes, the Caesar dressing can be made up to three days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

What can I substitute for anchovy paste?

If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can leave them out or replace them with a teaspoon of soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.

How do I store leftover Caesar salad?

It's best to store the salad and dressing separately to keep the lettuce crisp. Combine them just before serving. Leftover dressed salad can become soggy if stored too long.

What type of lettuce is best for Caesar salad?

Romaine lettuce is the classic choice for Caesar salad due to its crisp texture, but you can use kale, arugula, or a mix of greens for variety.

How can I make this Caesar salad dairy-free?

Substitute the grated parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and make sure the dressing ingredients are all dairy-free.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

es, feel free to add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onions for extra color and flavor.

How long does it take to make this salad?

With a total time of about 15 minutes, this homemade Caesar salad is quick and easy to prepare.

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