Timeless Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad: A timeless classic perfected. Experience the satisfying crunch of homemade croutons, the sharp tang of generous Parmesan, and the luxurious texture of a rich, creamy dressing that will have you craving more. This recipe delivers an authentic, restaurant-quality Caesar salad right in your own kitchen.

Author’s Note

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The Only Caesar Salad Recipe You’ll Ever Need!

As a lifelong enthusiast, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Caesar salad. It’s my go-to order at any restaurant, and through countless taste tests and experiments, I’ve refined my palate to distinguish what truly makes a Caesar salad exceptional. I’ve become quite the expert, if I do say so myself!

After years of dedicated refinement and tweaking, I am thrilled to share my definitive version. This Caesar Salad embodies everything I adore about the hundreds of variations I’ve sampled and analyzed. It’s the culmination of a quest for the perfect balance of crispness, creaminess, and robust flavor.

While incredible as a standalone dish—especially when topped with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or hearty hard-boiled eggs—it also serves as a phenomenal side. Pair it with comforting dinners like a rich creamy tomato pasta, savory mini turkey meatloaves, or a classic ground beef stroganoff for a meal that truly satisfies.

Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it has earned its place as the ‘only’ Caesar salad recipe you’ll ever need.

Essential Ingredients for a Classic Caesar Salad

A truly exceptional Caesar salad relies on a few key, high-quality ingredients. While the essence remains consistent, slight variations can adapt it to your personal preference or dietary needs.

• Romaine Lettuce: The cornerstone of any great Caesar. Select the freshest, crispiest heads you can find. Its robust leaves hold up beautifully to the dressing and provide that signature satisfying crunch. Look for vibrant green leaves with no wilting or brown spots.
• Parmesan Cheese: The quality of your Parmesan makes a significant difference. Opt for a fresh block of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Whether you prefer finely grated cheese that melts into the dressing or elegant, shaved ribbons on top, fresh Parmesan offers a nutty, salty depth that pre-packaged alternatives simply cannot match.
• Crunchy Croutons: While store-bought croutons are convenient, homemade croutons elevate the salad to an entirely new level. They add an incomparable texture and absorb just the right amount of dressing without becoming soggy.
• Optional Protein Additions: Transform your Caesar salad into a fulfilling main course by adding your favorite protein. Hard-boiled eggs, tender slices of steak, crisp bacon bits, or succulent grilled chicken breast are all fantastic choices that complement the salad’s flavors beautifully.

Crafting the Irresistible Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

The heart and soul of an authentic Caesar salad lies in its dressing. This homemade version is creamy, tangy, and bursting with umami, far surpassing any bottled alternative. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving this perfect harmony of flavors.

• Mayonnaise & Olive Oil: These form the luxurious base of our dressing. Use a full-fat mayonnaise for maximum creaminess and a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity depth and helps emulsify the dressing beautifully.
• Garlic & Dijon Mustard: Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced, are essential for that characteristic pungent kick. Be sure to use genuine Dijon mustard, not yellow mustard, as its complex, slightly spicy notes are integral to the dressing’s profile.
• Anchovy Paste: Don’t let this ingredient intimidate you! Anchovy paste is the secret weapon for an incredible Caesar dressing. It provides an unparalleled depth of savory, umami flavor and a pleasant tanginess, without making the dressing taste overtly “fishy.” It’s what gives the dressing its signature complexity and richness.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is crucial. It brightens the dressing, cutting through the richness of the mayo and oil, adding a zesty counterpoint that keeps every bite vibrant and refreshing.
• Parmesan Cheese (for the dressing): Freshly grated Parmesan cheese blends seamlessly into the dressing, infusing it with its salty, nutty essence. Using pre-grated cheese here won’t yield the same smooth texture or intense flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds another layer of savory complexity and a subtle fermented tang, further enhancing the umami profile of the dressing.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice and aroma, balancing the other strong flavors.

How To Make the Perfect Caesar Salad: Expert Tips and Techniques

Creating a truly magnificent Caesar salad is an art, but with these simple tips, you’ll achieve perfection every time. From preparing your greens to assembling the final dish, these steps ensure maximum flavor and texture.

1. Thoroughly Dry the Lettuce: This step cannot be overstated. After washing your romaine, ensure it is impeccably dry. Excess water will dilute the rich dressing, making your salad watery and less flavorful. A salad spinner is your best friend here, or gently pat the leaves dry with paper towels.
2. Use a Large Mixing Bowl: When it comes to tossing, size matters. A generously sized bowl allows you to gently coat every leaf with dressing without crushing the delicate romaine. This ensures an even distribution of flavor and maintains the lettuce’s crisp structure.
3. Homemade Croutons are a Game Changer: While convenient, store-bought croutons often lack the fresh crunch and robust flavor of homemade ones. Making your own is incredibly simple and takes your Caesar salad from good to extraordinary. They offer a superior texture and absorb the dressing just right.
4. Chill the Dressing for Flavor Development: Patience is a virtue, especially with dressing. After blending, allow your homemade Caesar dressing to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld, deepen, and intensify, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious dressing.
5. Add Dressing Incrementally: Always start with a conservative amount of dressing. You can always drizzle more if needed, but it’s impossible to remove excess dressing once it’s incorporated. Toss gently, taste, and then add more until you reach your preferred level of coating.
6. Serve with Cold Lettuce: The crispness of your romaine is paramount. Ensure your lettuce is well-chilled before assembly. Cold, crisp romaine provides a delightful textural contrast and an invigorating freshness that is essential to the Caesar experience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 3 voters

Classic Caesar Salad

By
Chelsea Lords

Achieve Caesar Salad perfection with crisp romaine, abundant Parmesan, and crunchy croutons, all generously tossed in the most dreamy, creamy homemade dressing. This recipe will guide you to a truly unforgettable salad experience.

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Yields:
4 servings

Recipe Video Guide

A detailed video tutorial demonstrating each step of preparing this classic Caesar salad, from blending the dressing to tossing the greens, is available to guide you to perfection. This visual aid ensures you can follow along with ease and confidence.

Equipment

• Blender or food processor for the dressing.
• Large mixing bowl for tossing the salad.
• Salad spinner (optional, but highly recommended for dry lettuce).

Ingredients

For the Caesar Salad

• 2 cups homemade croutons (or quality store-bought)
• 2 heads romaine lettuce, thoroughly washed and coarsely chopped
• Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish (use a veggie peeler for larger pieces)

For the Creamy Caesar Dressing

• 1/2 cup full-fat mayo
• 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (see Note 1 for alternatives and tips)
• 1/2 teaspoon finely minced fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard (Grey Poupon recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (see Note 2 for grating tips)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for best flavor)
• Salt to taste (add only after tasting the blended dressing)

Optional Toppings (for a Heartier Meal)

• 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and chopped (see Note 3)
• 4 slices thick-sliced bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped (see Note 3)
• 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and sliced (see Note 3)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients: mayo, anchovy paste, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt only if necessary, as Parmesan and anchovy paste are already salty. Transfer the dressing to a small bowl or jar and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
2. Prepare Optional Toppings: If you are including chicken, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs, refer to Note 3 for detailed instructions on how to properly prepare each topping to ensure they complement your salad perfectly.
3. Assemble the Salad: Place the washed and thoroughly dried chopped romaine lettuce into a very large mixing bowl. Begin to drizzle the chilled dressing over the lettuce, starting with a conservative amount. Using tongs, gently toss the lettuce until each leaf is lightly coated. Taste a leaf to assess the dressing level, and add more if desired, tossing again to distribute evenly.
4. Serve Immediately: Transfer the dressed salad to individual serving plates or a large serving bowl. Generously top with your crisp, cooled croutons, any of your chosen optional extras (cooked chicken, crispy bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs), and a final flourish of freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate Caesar salad experience.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Anchovy Paste

You can typically find anchovy paste in a tube in the condiments aisle or near canned fish at your grocery store. While optional, skipping it will result in a dressing with less depth of flavor and a reduced umami profile. If you omit it, you might need to add a bit more salt or a pinch of umami seasoning to help balance the flavors.

Note 2: Freshly Grated Parmesan

For the best flavor and texture in your dressing, always use a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself with a microplane. This ensures the cheese melts smoothly into the dressing. If you’re using pre-grated Parmesan (which tends to be drier and more compact), start with 3 tablespoons and add more if the dressing needs extra saltiness or body.

Note 3: Preparing Your Toppings

• Chicken: For convenience, use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, simply shredded or chopped. Alternatively, cook 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: halve each breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets, then pound them evenly for consistent cooking. Season generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon pepper. Sear in a hot skillet for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or dicing.
• Bacon: Chop 3-4 slices of thick-cut bacon into small pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until wonderfully crisp. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease before adding it to your salad. For a quicker option, microwave bacon works in a pinch.
• Eggs: To achieve perfectly hard-boiled eggs, I recommend steaming them. Bring about 1 inch of water to a boil in a pot with a steamer insert. Carefully add the eggs, cover the pot, and steam for 13 minutes. Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath for 15 minutes to halt the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Peel and slice before adding to the salad.

Nutrition Note: The nutritional information provided below is calculated for the base Caesar Salad recipe (dressing, lettuce, croutons, Parmesan) and does not include any of the optional add-ins such as chicken, bacon, or eggs. Please adjust your calculations accordingly if you include additional ingredients.

Storage: As mentioned, dressed salad is always best eaten immediately for optimal texture. To store leftovers effectively, keep the dressing, undressed romaine, and croutons in separate airtight containers. The dressing can be refrigerated for 3-6 days; stir it well before each use. Store croutons at room temperature to maintain their crunch. Assemble fresh servings as you’re ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 437 kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 786mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 343mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It does not include optional add-ins.