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Classic Caesar Salad Recipe with Perfect Homemade Dressing

classic caesar salad - featured image

A timeless Caesar salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, creamy homemade dressing, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Grilled chicken breast, sliced
  • Optional: Crumbled bacon
  • Optional: Cherry tomatoes for a pop of color

Instructions

  1. Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly and pat dry or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut a baguette or bread slices into small cubes. Toss them with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Let cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, minced garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until combined.
  4. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing thickens and becomes creamy.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.
  7. Sprinkle the salad with croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add optional grilled chicken or bacon if desired.
  8. Enjoy your homemade Caesar salad while the croutons are still crunchy!

Notes

[‘Use fresh ingredients like high-quality olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.’, ‘Room temperature egg yolk helps the dressing emulsify more easily.’, ‘If you’re not a fan of anchovies, try using anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce.’, ‘Keep an eye on the croutons while baking to avoid burning.’, ‘Toss the lettuce gently with the dressing to avoid bruising the leaves.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, homemade dressing, classic recipe, easy salad, crowd-pleaser, restaurant quality