Classic Homemade Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 head of romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup of croutons
  • 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash and dry the romaine lettuce. Tear it into bite-sized pieces and put into a large salad bowl.
  2. Add the croutons to the salad bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced anchovies (if using).
  4. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine, ensuring all leaves are coated.
  7. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top of the salad.
  8. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and enjoy.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Add grilled chicken breast slices on top of the salad for a protein-packed variation.
  • Shrimp Caesar Salad: Substitute grilled or sautéed shrimp for the chicken to create a seafood twist.
  • Vegetarian Caesar Salad: Omit the anchovies and replace the egg yolk with a vegan mayonnaise or yogurt for a meat-free option.
  • Crispy Bacon Caesar Salad: Crumble crispy cooked bacon over the salad to add a savory and smoky flavor.
  • Greek Caesar Salad: Enhance the salad by adding Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and diced tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Caesar Salad Wrap: Wrap the salad ingredients with a tortilla or lettuce wrap for a portable and easy-to-eat version.
  • Avocado Caesar Salad: Add sliced avocado to the salad for a creamy and nutritious addition.
  • Grilled Vegetable Caesar Salad: Grill vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, then toss them with the salad for a flavorful and hearty variation.
  • Caesar Pasta Salad: Mix cooked pasta, such as penne or bowtie, with the traditional Caesar salad ingredients for a satisfying pasta salad.

Recipe overview

This classic Caesar Salad recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade dressing, it's a salad that's sure to impress. The dressing, made with garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, is tangy and flavorful. It's all topped off with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or a light main course, this Caesar Salad is always a hit. With this recipe, you'll learn how to make it from scratch in just a few simple steps. Enjoy the process and the tasty result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of lettuce? Yes, while romaine lettuce is traditional for Caesar salad, you can use other types of lettuce like kale or mixed greens if desired.
  2. Can I make my own croutons? Absolutely! Homemade croutons can add a delicious touch to your Caesar salad. Just cube some bread, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and bake until crispy.
  3. Is it safe to use raw egg yolk in the dressing? While the risk of foodborne illness from consuming raw eggs is generally low, you can use pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes if you prefer.
  4. Can I skip the anchovies in the dressing? Yes, you can omit the anchovies if you're not a fan of their flavor. The dressing will still taste great without them.
  5. Can I make the dressing ahead of time? It's best to make the dressing fresh for optimal taste and texture. However, you can prepare the dressing a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large salad bowl - A spacious bowl to toss and serve the Caesar salad.
  • Whisk - Used to emulsify the dressing ingredients and create a smooth texture.
  • Salad tongs - Essential for mixing and serving the salad without damaging the delicate lettuce leaves.
  • Cheese grater - Needed to grate the parmesan cheese for topping the salad.
  • Garlic press - If you prefer using a press, it can be helpful for mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Citrus juicer - Makes it easier to extract juice from lemons for the dressing.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - For accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Knife - To cut and separate the romaine lettuce leaves.
  • Cutting board - Provides a sturdy surface for cutting the lettuce and other ingredients.

Origin stories

Caesar Salad, contrary to popular belief, does not hail from Italy but from Mexico. It was invented by an Italian immigrant, Caesar Cardini, who ran a restaurant in Tijuana. The story goes that on July 4, 1924, Cardini, running low on food, threw together a salad with what ingredients he had left - romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, parmesan cheese, eggs, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. The salad was an immediate hit, and thus the Caesar Salad was born. Notably, the original recipe did not include anchovies, a common ingredient in modern renditions of the dish. Cardini's original recipe relied on the Worcestershire sauce for that slight anchovy flavor.

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.