How to Make the Perfect Classic Caesar Salad
American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
A crisp and bold Caesar salad featuring romaine lettuce, homemade dressing, and crunchy croutons. The tangy dressing is rich with garlic and parmesan for maximum flavor.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Caesar Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cubed day-old bread for croutons
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Croutons
Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 375F for 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Parmesan to Dressing
Stir half of the grated parmesan into the dressing and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Place the chopped romaine in a large salad bowl and drizzle the dressing over it. Toss well to ensure every leaf is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Add the croutons and remaining parmesan on top of the salad. Serve immediately so the croutons remain crunchy and the lettuce stays crisp.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- mayonnaise → Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing
- romaine lettuce → kale or little gem lettuce
- day-old bread → store-bought croutons
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Dressing the salad too far in advance which causes the lettuce to wilt
- Using too much dressing which overwhelms the fresh crisp lettuce
- Skipping the Worcestershire sauce which adds essential depth to the dressing
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 9g protein, 22g carbs, 22g fat, 3g fiber.
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