There’s nothing quite like a crisp Caesar salad — cool romaine, crunchy croutons, and that creamy, garlicky dressing that ties it all together. The secret to a truly unforgettable Caesar salad? Making the dressing from scratch. It’s easier than you think and miles better than anything in a bottle!
Why Homemade Caesar Salad Is Worth It
Store-bought dressings often taste too salty or heavy. When you make your own, you get the perfect balance — rich, tangy, and fresh, with real ingredients you can taste.
Homemade Caesar salad is perfect for:
- A quick weekday lunch
- A side for pasta or steak
- A light dinner topped with grilled chicken or shrimp
And once you make this dressing, you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff again.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
For the Dressing
- 1 egg yolk (or 1 tablespoon mayonnaise for a no-egg version)
- 2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step 1: Make the Dressing Base
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Minced anchovies
- Garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Egg yolk (or mayonnaise substitute)
Whisk until everything forms a smooth, creamy base.
👉 Tip: The anchovies are what give Caesar dressing its signature savory “umami” kick. If you’re hesitant, start with one fillet — it blends right in!
Step 2: Emulsify with Olive Oil
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly. This process emulsifies the dressing, making it smooth and creamy.
Keep whisking until the texture thickens slightly and looks glossy. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Taste and adjust:
- Add more lemon juice for tang.
- Add salt and pepper to balance flavors.
Step 3: Prep the Lettuce
Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly — water will dilute the dressing. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
If you love extra crunch, keep the hearts of romaine (the lighter inner leaves).
Step 4: Toss and Combine
Add a little of the dressing to the lettuce and toss gently to coat. Start with half the dressing, then add more as needed — you want the leaves lightly coated, not drenched.
Add in the croutons and shaved Parmesan, then toss again to combine.
Step 5: Add Protein (Optional)
Turn your Caesar salad into a hearty meal by topping it with:
- Grilled chicken breast slices
- Seared shrimp or salmon
- Crispy bacon bits or prosciutto
For a vegetarian version, roasted chickpeas add a great crunch.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer to a serving bowl or plate. Top with extra Parmesan shavings, a few more croutons, and a light drizzle of dressing.
Optional: Sprinkle with cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Homemade Croutons (Quick Bonus Recipe!)
If you have extra bread lying around, homemade croutons take just minutes and make all the difference:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut bread into cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
Let them cool before adding to your salad.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Whisk or shake before using again.
- Keep the salad undressed until ready to serve for the best crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Caesar Salad
- Use fresh lemon juice — bottled juice dulls the flavor.
- Chill your lettuce before tossing for that crisp restaurant-style texture.
- Shave Parmesan instead of grating for a beautiful look and stronger flavor.
- Add the dressing gradually — too much can make it soggy.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Caesar salad is all about freshness — crisp greens, tangy dressing, and real ingredients that shine through. Once you taste your own version, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it ready-made.
So grab your whisk, squeeze those lemons, and make this classic right at home — it’s restaurant quality with everyday ingredients.
✨ Save this recipe for later and share it with your favorite salad lover! 🥗💛
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