Homemade Caesar Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Homemade Caesar Salad because it’s fresh, flavorful, and far superior to any store-bought version. The homemade dressing brings depth with its tangy and savory notes, and the crisp lettuce and golden croutons add the perfect crunch. This salad feels gourmet yet comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights, dinner parties, or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• Homemade or store-bought croutons
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Anchovy paste (optional but traditional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and croutons.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until the lettuce is evenly coated.
5. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra grind of black pepper before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a heartier meal.
• Make It Vegetarian: Omit anchovy paste or use a small amount of capers for a briny flavor.
• Lighter Dressing: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy, lighter alternative.
• Add Crunch: Include bacon bits or roasted chickpeas for extra texture.
• Upgrade the Croutons: Make your own by tossing cubed bread in olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, then toasting until golden.

Storage/Reheating

Store the dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the lettuce and croutons stored separately to maintain freshness. Once tossed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately, as the lettuce will soften over time. This salad is served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?

Yes, you can omit anchovies or replace them with a small amount of capers or extra Worcestershire sauce for similar depth.

2. Can I use bottled Caesar dressing?

You can, but homemade dressing delivers fresher, richer flavor and is easy to make.

3. What lettuce works best?

Romaine lettuce is classic for Caesar Salad because of its crisp texture and mild flavor.

4. How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?

It lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Shake well before using.

5. Can I make the salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but toss the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

6. How do I make the dressing creamier?

Add a bit more mayonnaise or a spoonful of grated Parmesan to thicken it.

7. Is Caesar Salad gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely.

8. Can I add other vegetables?

Sure! Cherry tomatoes, avocado, or roasted peppers make tasty additions.

9. What can I serve Caesar Salad with?

It pairs beautifully with pasta, steak, grilled chicken, or seafood dishes.

10. How can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute and ensure the dressing is made without cheese.

Conclusion

Homemade Caesar Salad is a crisp, creamy, and irresistible dish that showcases simple ingredients at their best. With its rich dressing, crunchy croutons, and fresh greens, it’s the perfect salad for any occasion. Whether served as a starter, side, or main course, this classic never goes out of style and will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Homemade Caesar Salad

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A classic Homemade Caesar Salad made with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing featuring garlic, lemon, Parmesan, and Worcestershire. Perfect as a side or topped with protein for a complete meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce and croutons.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit anchovies or substitute with capers for a similar flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a main-course salad.
• Homemade croutons add extra crunch and flavor.
• Toss salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg