Master a timeless classic delicious and authentic Caesar Salad recipe, complete with homemade dressing and fresh-baked croutons.

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I think of all the different types of salads I have enjoyed through the years, a classic caesar salad is always my favorite. It has a simplicity to it that just can’t be beat. But—I will say, all caesar salads are not made equal. 

It’s probably my most ordered meal in a restaurant, especially at lunchtime. And more often than not, I am disappointed. But take it from me, nothing compares to this easy-to-make recipe that you can make in your own kitchen.

If you are looking for other great salads, give these a try:

Strawberry Fenel Salad
Fried Calamari Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad

A Tasty History

The story goes that Mr. Cardini ran a Tijuana restaurant that was popular with Hollywood stars during the Prohibition era. During one particularly busy weekend, the restaurant was running low on supplies and Mr. Cardini had to improvise and created the salad from ingredients he had on hand. 

Caesar Cardini’s recipe didn’t originally include anchovies. He used Worcestershire sauce instead, which provided a hint of umami flavor. The salad was prepared tableside, with a dramatic flair, and it quickly gained popularity due to its unique flavor profile and the theatrical preparation method.

As the addition of anchovies or anchovy paste became more common, it enhanced the umami flavor that we now associate with Caesar dressing. 

So, next time you enjoy a Caesar salad, you can appreciate not only how great it tastes but also the rich history of this classic dish. 

Classic Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

Salad:
1 head Romaine lettuce (cleaned, chopped)
½ cup Parmesan cheese (shaved)

Croutons:
¼ cup olive oil
4 French or Italian bread slices (cubed)
½ tsp garlic powder
salt & pepper (to taste)

Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup Greek yogurt
½ tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp anchovy paste
1 garlic clove (minced)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
¼ cup olive oil
salt & pepper (to taste)

Prepare the Croutons

Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. The homemade croutons add a delightful crunch to the salad, and making them from scratch is easier than you think!

In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with ¼ cup of olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt & pepper to taste.

Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool.

Cool Bean Cooking Tip: Use day-old bread for the best texture. Stale bread absorbs the oil and seasoning better, resulting in croutons that are crispy on the outside but still slightly chewy inside.

Make the Creamy Caesar Dressing

The dressing is the star of any Caesar salad, and this homemade version is creamy, and tangy. The anchovy paste may be omitted but is highly recommended for that authentic Caesar flavor.

In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Greek yogurt, ½ tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp anchovy paste, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture and whisk until well combined.

Slowly incorporate ¼ cup olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. This step ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

Cover the dressing and set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cool Bean Cooking Tip: For a lighter dressing, you can substitute the mayonnaise with equal parts Greek yogurt.

Assemble the Caesar Salad

Now that the croutons are ready and the dressing is prepared, it’s time to assemble the salad.

In a large serving bowl, add the chopped Romaine lettuce. Add the toasted croutons and ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Drizzle about ⅓ cup of the creamy Caesar dressing over the salad.

Gently toss to combine all the ingredients and ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

 Keep the extra dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.

Cool Bean Cooking Tip: To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, dress the salad just before serving.

This salad pairs perfectly with chicken, steak, lamb, and pork tenderloin for a well-balanced meal.

This Caesar salad is versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Did you give this classic salad a try? Let me know in the comments below or snap a photo and tag @coolbeanliving on Instagram. I’d love to see it!