Classic Caesar Salad: A Delicious and Easy Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 heads of romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup of croutons
  • 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 4 anchovy fillets
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash and dry the lettuce. Tear into bite-size pieces and set aside.
  2. In a large salad bowl, use the back of a spoon to mash together the garlic and anchovies into a paste.
  3. Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard into the bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture is well combined.
  4. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to create an emulsion. Keep whisking until the dressing is thick and glossy.
  5. Season the dressing with salt and pepper. Adjust to taste if necessary.
  6. Add the romaine lettuce to the bowl. Toss until all leaves are well coated with the dressing.
  7. Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese to the salad. Toss again to mix.
  8. Serve the Caesar salad immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients and toss the salad.
  • Whisk - Used to mix and emulsify the dressing ingredients.
  • Garlic Press - To easily crush the garlic cloves into a paste.
  • Lemon Juicer - Helps extract juice from the lemon efficiently.
  • Salad Tongs - Used to toss and serve the salad.
  • Grater - For grating the Parmesan cheese.
  • Knife - To cut the romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces.

Recipe variations

  • Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Add grilled chicken breast slices on top of the salad to make it more filling and add a protein boost.
  • Shrimp Caesar Salad: Substitute grilled or sautéed shrimp for chicken to create a seafood twist on the classic Caesar salad.
  • Vegan Caesar Salad: Use vegan-friendly substitutes such as vegan Caesar dressing and plant-based Parmesan cheese to make a delicious vegan version.
  • Kale Caesar Salad: Swap out romaine lettuce for kale to add more texture and nutritional value to the salad.
  • Caesar Salad Wrap: Use the Caesar salad as a filling for a wrap, adding some extra ingredients like avocado, bacon, or grilled vegetables.
  • Caesar Pasta Salad: Incorporate cooked pasta, such as penne or fusilli, to turn the Caesar salad into a satisfying pasta dish.
  • Caesar Salad with Crispy Bacon: Include crispy bacon bits as a tasty addition to the classic Caesar salad.
  • Grilled Vegetable Caesar Salad: Grill a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, and toss them with the Caesar dressing and lettuce for a flavorful twist.
  • Caesar Salad with Anchovy Croutons: Make your own croutons by tossing bread cubes with crushed anchovy fillets and olive oil before toasting.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a classic with our Caesar Salad recipe. This dish is a mixture of crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a homemade dressing that's tangy, savory, and simply irresistible. The dressing, made from scratch, combines the unique flavors of garlic, anchovy fillets, egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, creating a harmony of tastes that truly define a Caesar salad. Whether you're preparing a quick lunch, dinner, or a dish for a party, this salad is easy to put together and is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of preparing this salad, and even more, enjoy every delicious bite.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the romaine lettuce with a different type of lettuce? It is recommended to use romaine lettuce for its crisp texture and sturdy leaves, which hold up well to the dressing. However, you can experiment with other lettuce varieties if desired.
  2. Are the anchovies necessary? Anchovies are a traditional ingredient in Caesar salad dressing and provide a distinct flavor. However, if you prefer a vegetarian version or don't enjoy the taste of anchovies, you can omit them or use a vegetarian alternative.
  3. Can I use store-bought croutons? While making homemade croutons is ideal for the best flavor and texture, you can certainly use store-bought croutons as a convenient alternative.
  4. Is it safe to consume raw egg yolk in the dressing? If you have concerns about consuming raw egg yolk, you can use pasteurized eggs or substitute with a commercial mayonnaise as a safer alternative.
  5. How long can I store the dressing? The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it is recommended to dress the salad just before serving for the freshest taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large salad bowl to mix the dressing and toss the salad.
  • Whisk - Used to combine the ingredients for the dressing and create an emulsion.
  • Garlic Press - Helps to easily crush and mince the garlic cloves.
  • Lemon Squeezer - A tool to extract juice from the lemon without seeds or pulp.
  • Grater - Used to freshly grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Salad Tongs - Long-handled utensils for tossing and serving the salad.

Origin stories

Contrary to common belief, the Caesar Salad did not originate in the land of Caesar, Italy, but rather in a neighboring country, Mexico. The inventor was an Italian immigrant, Caesar Cardini, who moved to Tijuana in the 1920s. Legend has it that on the Fourth of July, Cardini's restaurant was so overrun with patrons that he began to run out of ingredients. In true chef fashion, he refused to disappoint his guests and, instead, whipped up a salad with what he had left – romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, boiled eggs, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. Thus, the iconic Caesar Salad was born and named after its creator. Talk about making the best of what you have!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.