The Classic Caesar Salad is a beloved dish known for its rich, creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons. Whether served as a side or a main course, this salad never goes out of style. Its simple yet bold flavors make it a perfect addition to any meal. Follow this easy recipe to create a restaurant-quality Caesar salad in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup croutons

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved


For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp water (to thin the dressing if needed)


Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and anchovies until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Add a little water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with croutons and Parmesan cheese.

  3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the lettuce evenly.

  4. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the salad immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper if desired.


Final Thoughts

The Classic Caesar Salad is a staple that pairs well with a variety of dishes or stands alone as a satisfying meal. The homemade dressing elevates this salad beyond the store-bought versions, adding a fresh and tangy flavor that’s hard to resist. For added protein, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. Enjoy this timeless favorite at home anytime!