The Ultimate Caesar Salad: A Modern Classic Made Simple

A fresh take on the world’s most ordered salad – learn how to make restaurant-quality Caesar salad at home with this foolproof guide.
Classic Caesar Salad showing crisp romaine lettuce, fresh-made croutons, shaved parmesan, and creamy homemade dressing with anchovy
By Cook team
Published on November 3, 2024

A restaurant-worthy Caesar salad isn’t just about tossing lettuce with dressing – it’s about creating a harmonious blend of crisp romaine, savory parmesan, and that irresistible creamy dressing that made this salad a global sensation. As a chef who’s prepared thousands of Caesar salads, I can tell you that mastering this classic is easier than you might think!

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Crouton Making

10 minutes

Total Time

30minutes

Perfect For

Lunch, dinner, or as a side dish

Ingredient Amount
Romaine Lettuce 1 small head
Parmesan Cheese 2 tablespoons
Croutons 1/2 cup
Caesar Dressing 2 tablespoons
Ingredient Amount
Romaine Lettuce 2 small heads
Parmesan Cheese 4 tablespoons
Croutons 1 cup
Caesar Dressing 4 tablespoons
Ingredient Amount
Romaine Lettuce 4 small heads
Parmesan Cheese 8 tablespoons
Croutons 2 cups
Caesar Dressing 8 tablespoons

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Base (5 minutes)

  • Wash and dry romaine hearts thoroughly
  • Pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner
  • Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces
  • Pro tip: Pat leaves with paper towels or use a salad spinner – dry leaves hold dressing better!

Step 2 : Make the Croutons (10 minutes)

  • Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes
  • Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt
  • Spread on a baking sheet
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, about 10 minutes
  • Let cool completely before using

Step 3 : Emulsify the Dressing (5 minutes)

  • In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy paste (optional), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper
  • Whisk until smooth
  • Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified
  • Taste and adjust seasoning

Step 4 : Assembly (5 minutes)

  • Place chilled romaine in a large bowl
  • Drizzle with half the dressing
  • Add croutons and most of the parmesan
  • Toss gently
  • Add remaining dressing if needed
  • Sprinkle with remaining cheese and fresh black pepper

Want to modernize this classic? Try these variations:

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal
  • Substitute kale or baby gem lettuce for romaine
  • Make it vegan using cashew-based dressing
  • Add cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra color and nutrients

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount
Calories 350
Total Fat 28g
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 4g

Remember:

 A great Caesar salad is all about balance – crisp romaine, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and that perfect hit of umami. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your taste. After all, the best recipes are the ones that make you excited to eat your vegetables!

Want to take your salad game even further? Let me know in the comments how you customize your Caesar!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Caesar salad ahead of time?

While you can prepare the components separately in advance, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain maximum crispness. The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Traditional Caesar salad can be quite caloric due to the dressing and croutons. However, you can make it healthier by using a lighter dressing, reducing the amount of cheese and croutons, or adding more vegetables.

Absolutely! Skip the anchovies in the dressing and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Many people also enjoy adding plant-based protein like grilled tempeh or chickpeas.

The key to crisp lettuce is thorough drying after washing and proper storage. Store clean, dry romaine wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

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