The Best Caesar Salad needs a great dressing that’s creamy, garlicky and full of fresh parmesan cheese. Drizzle it on top for the perfect salad!
A classic one features crunchy greens and an irresistibly creamy dressing.
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Why this Easy Caesar Dressing Recipe is a Keeper
This is one of my favorite salad recipes because it takes just a few minutes and uses fresh ingredients.
- 30 Minute Meal: This recipe can be done in about 20 minutes.
- Fresh Ingredients: Make Caesar salad with fresh ingredients for amazing flavors.
- Family Friendly: Everyone loves fresh Caesar salad.
- Adaptable: Easily adapt this traditional Caesar salad to meet your needs.
- Makes Great Leftovers: If stored properly, this salad can be just as good the next day for lunch!
If you’re looking for more salad recipes, try these Cucumber Onion Salad with Dill, Antipasto Misto Salad and Kale and Spinach Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Why Do They Call It Caesar Salad?
Caesar salad is called Caesar salad for the simple reason that the inventor’s name was Caesar Cardini. Fun fact, it originated in Mexico.
Caesar Salad Ingredient Notes
To make my favorite Caesar dressing, you’ll need only a few simple ingredients.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine lettuce is perfect for salads. Make sure to store your lettuce correctly to extend its life.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for this Favorite Salad Recipe
Here are a few variations and substitutions you can use to make your salad uniquely yours.
- Substitute Raw Egg: If you’re not sure about eating raw egg yolk, substitute with Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayo or silken tofu.
- Salt and Pepper: Top your salad with some freshly cracked salt and black pepper.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: Add grilled chicken to your salad to take it to the next level.
Special Equipment Needed to Make Caesar Salad Dressing and Garlic Croutons
- Food Processor: A food processor, immersion blender or blender will come in handy for this creamy Caesar salad dressing.
Pro Tip
Store your lettuce the right way! Trim the ends, soak in cold water, dry, add a paper towel at the bottom of your container and then another on top of your lettuce.
How to Make this Recipe for Homemade Caesar Salad
The best Caesar dressing recipe is a great one for beginners! To make the homemade dressing and salad, follow these 3 easy steps. You will love caesar salad.
These are the basic steps for making the Best Caesar Salad. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Make Dressing
In a food processor or blender, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and all purpose seasoning blend until smooth.
Whisk in grated parmesan cheese and adjust seasonings if necessary. Place in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use.
2. Make Croutons
Preheat oven to 375°f. Combine bite-sized pieces of baguette or bread cubes, 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.
3. Make the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce leaves into bite sized pieces. Add parmesan shavings and drizzle with dressing. Toss the salad to combine.
Top generously with salt and pepper, and cooled croutons. Serve immediately in a small salad bowl and a generous sprinkle with cheese.
Original Caesar Salad Recipe FAQs
Expert Tips for Making The Best Caesar Salad Recipe
- 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 with your favorite protein.
What to Serve with Best Caesar Salad Dressing
Best Caesar 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.
Christina’s Notes
-
- 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.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
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
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.