✨ Introduction of Caesar Salad
The traditional Caesar salad is delicious as a side dish or as a light main course. Its charm lies in the balance of textures and flavors crunchy romaine, bold garlicky dressing, and nutty parmesan. Making it at home allows you to skip store-bought shortcuts and enjoy the freshness of every element, from homemade croutons to a creamy, anchovy-kissed dressing.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Flavor Profile |
| 15 mins | 10 mins | 25 mins | 4 | Easy | Tangy, creamy |
Ingredients of Caesar Salad
For the Salad:
* One large head of chopped or torn romaine lettuce
* ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
* 1½ cups croutons (store-bought or homemade)
For Homemade Croutons (Optional but Recommended):
* 2 slices day-old bread, cubed
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 garlic clove, minced
* Pinch of salt
For the Caesar Dressing:
* Use ½ cup of mayo, or swap with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* 2 anchovy fillets or 1 tsp anchovy paste *(optional but traditional)
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 tbsp lemon juice
* ¼ cup grated parmesan
* Salt & black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions of Caesar Salad
🔹 1. Make the Croutons
* Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
* Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
* Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
🔹 2. Prepare the Dressing
* Make a smooth dressing in a bowl by whisking together the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire, parmesan, and anchovies (if using).
* Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice for tang.
* If it’s too thick, thin it with 1–2 tsp water.
🔹 3. Assemble the Salad
* Coat the chopped romaine with the dressing by tossing it in a mixing bowl.
* Add croutons and toss lightly again.
* Add a liberal amount of shaved or grated Parmesan cheese on top.
🔹 4. Optional Additions
* Turn it into a satisfying dish with the addition of grilled chicken, eggs, or bacon.
Serving Tips
Serve chilled: Keep lettuce crisp and cool before tossing.
Don’t overdress: Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy greens.
Top it off with ribbons of Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper for added elegance.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving: Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 280–350 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Final Thoughts
Homemade Caesar salad is a game-changer. The dressing alone, bold and creamy with a zesty punch, will make you ditch bottled versions forever. Add croutons fresh from your oven, and you’ve got restaurant-quality salad right at home fresh, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.
