This Caesar salad recipe is easy dish to recreate at home and is a classic recipe to have in your repertoire. It is packed full of flavor and with an array of exciting textures.
First created back in the early 1920s by Italian restaurateur Cesare Cardini, the Caesar Salad recipe has become a firm favorite all over the world.
Lettuce
The lettuce used in this salad is typically the romaine variety, known for its crisp texture and fresh, herby flavor.
As well as being delicious, romaine has incredibly high levels of potassium and calcium and is a great source of vitamins including C, K and A.
Compare that to another crunchy variety like iceberg lettuce and its nutritional value is much, much higher.
Though you can substitute other kinds of lettuce if you wish, the crunch of romaine is part of what makes a caesar salad so delicious.
Croutons
Crunchy croutons create the perfect topping to the crisp lettuce leaves and creamy dressing of a classic Caesar Salad.
Homemade Croutons are a great way to use up bread that is slightly past its best and they couldn’t be easier to make at home (they can even be made ahead).
If you don’t have any bread to use up, store bought croutons will do, though they won’t be quite as delicious.
Parmesan
This hard Italian cheese gets its robust flavor from the aging process, producing a complex nutty and savory taste.
If you can, seek out a true European parmesan instead of the generic American variety – this has usually been aged for less than 12 months and doesn’t have as strong a flavor.
For best results, the parmesan should either be shaved or coarsely grated as opposed to the finely grated parmesan you’ll often find at the store.
This helps to add some additional texture to the salad and gives you more of that salty, cheesy taste. If you use the finely grated cheese, it will mix in with the dressing and the flavors won’t be as clearly defined.
Dressing
Unlike most other salads, Caesar Salad has its very own Caesar dressing created specifically for the dish.
Creamy and rich, with the perfect balance of salty and sharp flavors, it’s typically made from olive oil, eggs, anchovies, garlic, mustard, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
It’s then simply seasoned with salt and pepper before being generously drizzled on top of the salad.
Homemade dressing can make a real difference to the dish and is miles better than anything you’d find at the store.
If you’d like to find out how to make your own caesar salad dressing, you can head over to this post!
Protein
While this Caesar Salad recipe can be served without any protein (as per the original recipe), you’ll often find chicken, bacon, anchovies or eggs added to transform it into a more substantial meal.
Whether or not you choose to add anything extra is really down to personal preference (and if you are planning on serving your Homemade Caesar Salad as a main meal or side dish).
Caesar Salad Recipe Ingredients
As this Caesar salad recipe is easy to make at home, Here are the ingredients that’s included in this classic salad. You’ll need:
- 2 small romaine lettuce heads or 1 Romaine Heart
- Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
- Crisp croutons – homemade can be made several days ahead.
- Caesar salad dressing – This dressing does not include Mayo!
How to Make Croutons
The crunchy croutons will bring the salad to a new level, making it elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. You’ll need:
- 1 day old bread , cut into bite size pieces
- Olive Oil
Add the croutons in a large bowl, then drizzle the olive oil on top. Mix well to combine, transfer to a baking sheet, spread evenly, then bake to desired crispness.
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Homemade Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Homemade Croutons
- 2 Cups Day Old Bread Cut into ¾ inche pieces
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
Caesar Salad
- 1 Romaine Heart Rinsed and chopped
- ¼ Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Yolanda
Now that is a beautiful salad. So much nicer than some restaurants.
Mirlene
Thank you, Yolanda. I am glad to hear that.
David
Oh wow! Love caesar salad and yours looks amazing. Now I want to go make it.
Mirlene
Thank you, David. I am so glad to hear that.