The Classic Caesar Salad

This classic Caesar salad features crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a rich, tangy dressing made from scratch, all topped with generous shavings of Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a starter, or a side dish for any meal.

Servings: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Homemade Croutons:

• 2 slices day-old bread (~60 g), such as sourdough or ciabatta, cut into 1.5 cm (½-inch) cubes

• 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil

• 2 g (½ teaspoon) garlic powder

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch of black pepper

For the Caesar Dressing:

• 1 large egg yolk (~18 g)

• 10 g (1 tablespoon) Dijon mustard

• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice

• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Worcestershire sauce

• 1 clove garlic (~5 g), minced

• 120 ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil

• 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 2 heads romaine lettuce (~600 g), washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces

• 30 g (¼ cup) shaved or grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Equipment

• Baking sheet

• Large mixing bowl

• Small bowl

• Whisk

• Garlic press (optional)

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare the Croutons (10 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook):

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

   • In a medium bowl, toss the bread cubes with 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

   • Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Let them cool completely.

2. Make the Caesar Dressing (10 minutes):

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.

   • Note on raw egg yolk: Consuming raw or undercooked eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. You can use pasteurized egg yolk or omit it for a safer alternative.

   • While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the 120 ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil in a thin stream. Continue whisking until the dressing emulsifies and thickens.

   • Stir in the 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad (5 minutes):

   • In a large mixing bowl, add the torn romaine lettuce.

   • Pour about half of the prepared Caesar dressing over the lettuce. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly. Add more dressing as desired, ensuring not to overdress.

   • Add the cooled homemade croutons to the salad and toss once more.

4. Serve (Immediately):

   • Divide the salad among serving plates. Garnish generously with the remaining 30 g (¼ cup) shaved or grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Freshness is Key: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.

• Chill Your Lettuce: Ensure your romaine lettuce is very cold and dry before dressing; this helps it stay crisp and prevents a watery salad.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your preference.

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or salmon for a more substantial meal.

• Anchovy Lover's Delight: For an authentic Caesar, add 1-2 minced anchovy fillets to the dressing along with the garlic for an extra layer of umami.

• Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Use a vegan Parmesan alternative and a plant-based mayonnaise (or a dressing made with tahini and nutritional yeast) instead of the egg yolk and dairy Parmesan. For croutons, ensure your bread is dairy-free.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (approximate)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Protein: 10 g

• Carbs: 15 g

• Fat: 30 g

Shopping List

• Day-old bread

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Egg

• Dijon mustard

• Lemon

• Worcestershire sauce

• Garlic

• Parmesan cheese

• Romaine lettuce

• Salt

• Black pepper

Printable Footer

Quick summary: Classic Caesar Salad with homemade croutons, creamy dressing, crisp romaine, and Parmesan.