A classic Caesar salad with a creamy, tangy dressing is always a crowd-pleaser, and this version brings all those rich, bold flavors right to your plate. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a velvety dressing that has just the right balance of tang and umami—what more could you want? Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light meal, this Caesar salad is sure to satisfy. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll never go back to store-bought dressings again. This homemade Caesar dressing takes just a few simple ingredients to create a rich, zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply craving a satisfying salad for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect as a starter or side for almost any meal. You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon to make it a full meal!

Budget-Friendly: A few pantry staples make this salad both delicious and easy on the wallet. You won’t have to spend much to create something both satisfying and flavorful.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for when you want a light, refreshing dish without a lot of prep.

Homemade Dressing: The dressing is easy to whip up and has a creamy, tangy flavor that will have you ditching the bottled stuff for good.

Crowd-Pleasing: This salad has a perfect balance of flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy. It’s always a hit at dinners, BBQs, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this Caesar salad—it’s simple, but it packs a flavorful punch:

Romaine Lettuce: Fresh, crisp, and the perfect base for any Caesar salad. You want the leaves to be bright green and tender.

Croutons: Homemade or store-bought, these little toasty bites add crunch and texture to every forkful.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated or in small shavings, this cheese adds a salty, nutty richness that elevates the salad.

Garlic: A key ingredient for that deep, savory flavor in the dressing. Fresh garlic gives the dressing its signature tang.

Egg Yolk: The base for the creamy dressing. It adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing for that velvety texture.

Dijon Mustard: This helps with the texture and gives the dressing a subtle sharpness.

Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance out the richness of the dressing.

Anchovy Paste: A classic Caesar flavor. It’s not overpowering, but it gives the dressing that deep umami kick.

Olive Oil: For richness and smooth texture in the dressing.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a savory, tangy bite to the dressing.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this classic, fresh Caesar salad:

1. Prepare the Lettuce: Start by washing and drying the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, anchovy paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is thick and creamy.

3. Add Garlic and Parmesan: Mince the garlic and stir it into the dressing along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or salt if needed.

4. Assemble the Salad: Toss the chopped lettuce with the dressing until every leaf is evenly coated. Add croutons and more Parmesan on top.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately while the croutons are nice and crispy. It’s perfect on its own or paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein.

How to Serve Caesar Salad with Dressing

This salad is a star on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

Grilled Chicken: Add some grilled chicken breast to make this Caesar salad a full meal. The smoky, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the crisp lettuce and creamy dressing.

Garlic Bread: Serve with some buttery garlic bread on the side for a complete, comforting meal. The croutons and bread will give your salad an extra crunch!

Fresh Fruit: A light fruit salad or fresh berries can balance out the richness of the Caesar salad and add a refreshing touch to the meal.

Presentation Tip: Serve this salad in a large, wide bowl to show off the crisp lettuce and toppings. Add a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make the Dressing Ahead: You can make the Caesar dressing up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before using.

Don’t Skip the Anchovies: If you’re hesitant about using anchovy paste, I promise it adds an incredible depth of flavor without being fishy. Don’t skip it!

Try Homemade Croutons: If you have some extra bread, make your own croutons by tossing cubed bread in olive oil, garlic, and seasoning, then baking them in the oven until crispy.

Storage Tips: If you have leftover salad (unlikely, but hey!), store the dressing and salad separately. Keep the dressing in an airtight container for up to 4 days and the salad in the fridge for 1-2 days (though the croutons will get soggy, so it’s best to add them right before serving).

Double the Dressing: If you love a more decadent, extra-creamy Caesar, feel free to double the dressing ingredients and have it on hand for future salads.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
A1: Absolutely! Simply skip the anchovy paste and Worcestershire sauce, and use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

Q2: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A2: Yes! The dressing can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk or shake before using.

Q3: What can I use instead of egg yolk in the dressing?
A3: You can use mayonnaise as a substitute for the egg yolk for a similar creamy texture. It’s a quick and easy option.

Q4: Can I add chicken to this salad?
A4: Definitely! Grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even crispy chicken strips are all great additions to make this salad a full meal.

Q5: Can I use pre-made dressing?
A5: While homemade dressing is the best, you can absolutely use store-bought Caesar dressing if you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose a quality brand!

Q6: How do I keep the croutons crispy?
A6: Add the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy. If you’re making them ahead, store them in an airtight container to preserve the crispness.

Q7: How long will leftovers last?
A7: The salad itself is best eaten immediately, but the dressing will last up to 4 days in the fridge if stored separately from the salad.

Q8: Can I use other greens for this salad?
A8: Sure! You can swap the romaine for other greens like kale, arugula, or mixed greens if you prefer.

Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Just use gluten-free croutons or skip them altogether. You can even add roasted chickpeas for crunch instead.

Q10: How can I make this salad spicier?
A10: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even jalapeños to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Caesar Salad with Dressing is a simple yet sophisticated dish that brings all the classic flavors together. The homemade dressing makes it feel extra special, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light meal, it’s sure to be a hit. So go ahead, toss that salad, pour on the creamy dressing, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!

Caesar Salad with Dressing

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 8 side salads 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This homemade Caesar salad features fresh romaine, crispy garlic croutons, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made from scratch. Packed with flavor, it’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Instructions

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing:
- In a food processor or blender, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Pulse until well combined.
- If the dressing is too thick, add a little milk or water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Alternatively, whisk by hand in a bowl for a more rustic approach.
Homemade Garlic Croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Cut the baguette into ¾ inch cubes or tear it into pieces of similar size.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil with minced garlic. Drizzle this garlic oil over the croutons and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Spread the croutons on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy, tossing halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Caesar Salad:
- Rinse, dry, and chop or tear the romaine into bite-sized pieces.
- Place in a large serving bowl, then sprinkle with shredded or shaved parmesan and cooled croutons.
- Drizzle with homemade Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat the lettuce evenly.

Notes

For a No Anchovy Caesar Salad Dressing, use ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup olive oil or avocado oil, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Blend until smooth.
Croutons can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 230
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 370mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg