Easy Caesar Salad

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Caesar Salad Dressing is popular for good reason – it’s creamy, garlicky and packed with fresh parmesan cheese.  Pour it on top of crisp romaine lettuce and homemade croutons and you have a the perfect salad. You can even top with shrimp, chicken or any of your favorite proteins.

Caesar Salad in a white bowl with extra caesar salad dressing on the side

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Caesar Salad and the marvelous Caesar Dressing was actually invented in Mexico. It was originally called the Aviator’s Salad but was changed to the name of the inventor “Caesar” as it grew in popularity.  The bold umami flavors make it absolutely irresistible.

Why this Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe Works

Anchovies are the key to giving this Caesar Salad Dressing recipe it’s deep flavor. You don’t really taste them but it’s something hard to duplicate without them. However, it is interesting to note that the original creator of the Caesar Salad did not use them. He thought that the Worcester sauce added enough zing.

Without a doubt, I use the anchovies. Once blended they dissolve and blend into the dressing. Unless, there is a food allergy, give them a try in your Caesar dressing.

How to Make Caesar Salad – Step by Step

Learn how to make Caesar Salad at home – it’s very easy and better than any pre-made version:

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  • Step One:  First, to prepare croutons: Combine bread, olive oil, salt and pepper.  Next, spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Then bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until crisp and gold brown, turNing as necessary.
  • Step Two:  Next, to prepare dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except olive oil. Next, blend until smooth. While processing, slowly add oil. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, cover and refrigerate.
  • Step Three: Lastly, to prepare salad: Place lettuce on chilled plates. Next, drizzle with dressing and top with parmesan shavings and croutons. Serve immediately.

Learn how to make croutons at home for a truly authentic salad.


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Caesar Salad Ingredients Substitutions

Wondering if you there are substitutions for Caesar Salad ingredients?  Some people do not like the thought of using raw egg product in their Caesar Salad Dressing. While pasteurization processes have made it much safer to use raw egg, there are a few things that you can substitute if you wish:

  • Try Greek Yogurt
  • Sour Cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Silken Tofu
Homemade caesar salad dressing recipe in a jar with salad off to the side.

Recommendations for Making Caesar Salad

While I like to make the Caesar Salad Dressing in advance, so that all the flavors can meld together, I love to make the salad fresh, right before it is served. You can also make the croutons in advance and store in an air tight container.

Traditionally, the salad was made right at your table in a giant wooden bowl and presented to you fresh after completion.  I love to do this today with company. There is nothing like the snap of a salad freshly made with these Caesar Salad ingredients.  This truly is the best Caesar Salad dressing.


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Closeup of Caesar salad ingredients in a bowl.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Caesar Salad Dressing

  • Try Lime: When this recipe was originally created they actually used lime, instead of lemon, in the Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe. Likewise, I often use lime.
  • More Garlic Please: I like to make garlic Croutons. Therefore, try adding some fresh Garlic or garlic powder to your croutons before they are baked.
  • Add Protein: For instance, add some grilled chicken or shrimp, some fresh crab meat or, if you dare, fresh anchovies.

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A bowl of the best Caesar salad.
5 from 3 votes

Best Caesar Salad

Yield: 6 people
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
The Best Caesar Salad needs a great dressing that’s creamy, garlicky and full of parmesan cheese. Drizzle it on top for the perfect salad!
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Ingredients

Salad Dressing

  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, about 1/2 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Anchovy paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Croutons

  • 1 cup Sourdough bread, or other dense bread, cubed
  • 4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoons All Purpose Seasoning

Salad

  • 3 Romaine lettuce, heads
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved

Instructions

Salad Dressing

  • In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except parmesan cheese.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Stir in parmesan cheese.
  • Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Cover and refrigerate.

Croutons

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Combine bread, olive oil and House Seasoning Blend; Spread on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes then flip the croutons over.
  • Bake for 5 more minutes or until lightly browned and crispy.

Salad

  • Chop lettuce into bite sized pieces.
  • Add parmesan shavings.
  • Drizzle with dressing; Toss to combine.
  • Top with croutons.
  • Serve immediately.

Expert Tips

    • More Garlic Please: I like to make garlic croutons. Therefore, try adding some fresh Garlic or garlic powder to your croutons before they are baked.
    • Try Lime: Originally, the Caesar salad dressing recipe used lime instead of lemon.
    • Add Protein: Add some shrimp, fresh crab meat or fresh, whole anchovies
    • This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a crowd.  Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and split it into two baking dishes before baking.
    • Homemade Croutons: It’s super easy to make your own croutons and they’re perfect for customizing.
    • Caesar Salad Wraps: If you have leftover salad, wrap it up in a tortilla for an on-the-go meal.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 897mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1352IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

2 thoughts on “Easy Caesar Salad”

  1. Hi Christina!
    I enjoy your recipes, but where do I find your receipe fpr your kitchen spice? and the mayo measurer you showed. Thank you in advance

    Sue Atkinson

    Reply
    • Hi You can find my seasoning linked in the recipe. Just click on it and it will come up. The Measurer you can find in my amazon store.

      Reply

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