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This homemade Caesar salad is simple yet full of crisp flavor. It is a refreshing side dish that goes well with many different meals out there. The best part, it is made with ingredients you probably already have on hand!
Growing up, my family was (and still is) a salad family. We would often have salads with our dinner. When my husband and I got married, I quickly discovered that he was not raised in a salad family. They just weren't his first choice. However, a salad that I know he will go for without fail is a classic Caesar salad.
There is something so refreshing about a ceasar salad. From the crispy lettuce to the creamy and garlicy dressing. It is a go to around here!
The creation of this salad is actually the reason why we all love it. An Italian American named Ceasar Cardini created this salad from ingredients he had on hand during a busy weekend at his restaurant. And that is how it is for me whenever I make it. I realize I need a veggie side, and the salad is so quick and easy to whip up. You too?
Now, grab your bowl and some salad tongs and lets make this salad together!
How to Make Caesar Salad Step by Step
To start, if you are making our homemade sourdough croutons for the salad, start by doing that to give the croutons time to cool.
Next, chop up the romaine lettuce into bite sized pieces. Once chopped, place them in a strainer and wash thoroughly. Once washed, lay the chopped lettuce out on a towel to dry while we make the dressing.
For the dressing, combine the mayo, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese into a small bowl. Stir well until you have a thick and creamy Caesar dressing. Give it a taste and more of anything for personal preference.
Now, for the assembly. To a large mixing bowl, add in the chopped, washed, and dried romaine lettuce. Then, add in the dressing and parmesan cheese. Give everything a good toss until combined well.
Lastly, add in the croutons and mix within.
To serve, top with more croutons as well as shredded parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Note: This salad is best served immediately as the lettuce can wilt. If making ahead of time, prep the lettuce and the dressing and keep them in the fridge separately. Combine and add croutons and more cheese just before serving.
Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce - I have also made this salad with iceberg lettuce which brings even extra refreshing crunch.
Parmesan Cheese - Freshly shredded will bring a softer and smoother texture.
Croutons - We love our homemade sourdough croutons in this recipe.
Mayo - A necessity for the creamy dressing. I love the classic Hellman's Mayo.
Worcestershire sauce - With anchovies or without will work.
Garlic - I have been grating my garlic with this handheld grater and I will never go back. It doesn't waste any garlic like the press often does.
Lemon Juice - Lemon juice adds freshness to the dressing. It gives it a slight tang which is refreshing. Bonus, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the salad when it is all done for extra flavor and brightness!
Dijon Mustard - Dijon mustard not only adds flavor but acts as an emulsifier within the dressing.
Olive Oil - Avocado oil will work too.
Salt
Pepper - Freshly cracked makes all the difference!
Tools You May Need
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Sharp knife - I use this set of Farberware knives every day.
Salad Tongs
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Tips
- For extra crispy lettuce, place your chopped lettuce in ice water then dry it well.
- Add the dressing just before serving or the lettuce will wilt.
- For even more flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- To brighten up the salad, finish it off with a squeeze of lemon juice and even grated zest.
- Add a bit of freshly cracked black pepper to the salad before serving.
- To really cream up the dressing, try blending it with an immersion blender.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Refreshing - Between the crispy lettuce and the creamy yet light dressing, this Caesar salad is uber refreshing. Leaving you satisfied yet not feeling heavy.
Simple and Quick - This salad is something I know that I can fall back on when I need a quick side or appetizer to really any meal. It comes together quickly and I always have the ingredients on hand.
Versatile - Like said above, this salad is one that can pair nicely with really any meal. This trait makes it a versatile dish.
Customizable - This salad is one that can be easily customized into whatever mood you are in. If you want to have it as a meal but make it higher in protein, try adding in some chicken. If you want to make it even more filling, add in fiber with chickpeas. It is a great base to add onto. This makes it a no brainer kind of meal.
Serving Ceasar Salad
Ceasar salad goes with many dishes. Here are some of our favorites...
Oven Baked Sourdough Fried Chicken - Try slicing up the chicken once baked and adding it into the salad. So yum!
Juicy and Flavorful Bacon Meatloaf - Adding even more comfort to a comforting meal of meatloaf.
Cheesy Hamburger Helper - A Caesar salad will add something light and refreshing to this cheesy dish.
15 Cozy Soups - Nothing beats a classic soup and salad!
Chicken Ceasar Wrap - This salad is the base to our chicken Caesar wrap recipe. Made with homemade tortillas and this delicious Caesar salad.
What is your favorite way to enjoy Caesar salad?
More Salads from This Hygge Home
Homemade Caesar Salad
This homemade Caesar salad is light, refreshing, and simpler than you would think! It is made with crispy romaine lettuce, delicious croutons (optionally homemade) and our creamy homemade caesar dressing that is the cherry on top for it all. Turn this into a meal by adding in more protein or keep it as a tasty side.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, for the dressing
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce or 2 petite heads
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, for the salad
- 1 cup croutons
- Squeeze of lemon juice, optional for serving
- More parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- To start, if you are making your own croutons, do that first to give them time to cool.
- Next, prepare the romaine lettuce. Start by chopping up the large head of romaine lettuce into bite sized pieces. Once chopped, wash it thoroughly then dry it well. Spreading it out on a towel is a great way to let it dry.
- Once the lettuce is prepared. Let's make the dressing. In a bowl, add in the ¼ cup of mayo, 1 clove of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything well until you have a thick, smooth, and creamy dressing.
- To assemble, add the prepared lettuce, dressing, and ⅓ cup parmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl. Give everything a good toss.
- Lastly, add in the 1 cup of croutons and toss.
- Serve immediately with more croutons, cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice on top of it all.
Notes
Be sure to serve this salad immediately as it wilts as it sits.
To make this salad dressing even smoother and creamier, try blending it with an immersion blender.
Avocado oil will work well in place of olive oil.
Once the dressing is made, give it a taste to see if there is anything you would like to add for personal preference. Make it your own!
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