Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing Recipe
If there’s one thing that transforms the average salad from forgettable to irresistible, it’s the magic of Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing. This dish is my go-to for fresh, everyday meals and the kind of crowd-pleaser that has everyone reaching for seconds. Crunchy romaine, golden croutons, nutty Parmesan, and a dressing that’s creamy, savory, and just the right amount of tangy come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply want a speedy, satisfying lunch, this salad never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something essential to the mix, creating that signature balance of flavors, textures, and bright colors—don’t skip any if you want the authentic experience!
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing, and sturdy enough to hold up to the creamy dressing—use fresh, cold leaves for the best crunch.
- Croutons: Crunchy cubes of toasted bread add texture and soak up just enough dressing for little bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a nutty, salty kick that’s truly essential—pre-grated just can’t compete here.
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the dressing, making it rich and smooth without raw eggs—so it’s fast and foolproof.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon brings brightness and tang, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch deepens the dressing’s flavor and brings everything together with a gentle spice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity and that umami depth that makes a true Caesar dressing unforgettable.
- Garlic: A must—minced fresh for a robust, aromatic foundation that lingers just right on the palate.
- Anchovy Fillets (optional): For that classic, savory punch—don’t be afraid to use them for authentic flavor, but you can skip if preferred.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Slow-drizzled in to create a silky, emulsified dressing that coats every leaf perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste, bringing all the flavors into balance and adding the final pop.
How to Make Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
Step 1: Mix the Dressing Base
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and finely chopped anchovies (if you’re using them). This step is all about melding those big, bold flavors into a smooth, savory base bursting with character.
Step 2: Emulsify with Olive Oil
While whisking, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This is the secret to that perfectly creamy Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing. Take your time here—go slow so that the oil and other ingredients emulsify into a velvety, luscious dressing you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Taste and then adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Step 3: Build the Salad
Place your chopped, cold romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl. Toss in the croutons and an ample handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This sets the stage for those classic Caesar layers of crunch, creamy, and salty goodness.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the homemade dressing over the salad. Use salad tongs or two big spoons to toss everything together, making sure that every piece of lettuce is coated in that glorious Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing. The aroma alone will get everyone at the table excited for the first bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Top with a little extra Parmesan and a few more croutons if you like. Serve your Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing immediately for maximum crispness and flavor. It’s that simple and oh so satisfying!
How to Serve Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
Garnishes
A shower of extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, or even thin shavings of cheese add visual flair and extra flavor. For extra texture, try tossing in a handful of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Side Dishes
Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is versatile enough to serve alongside a rich pasta, slices of roasted chicken, or even a bowl of piping hot soup. On its own, it can also be heartier with the addition of grilled shrimp, salmon, or juicy chicken breast on top.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve the salad in chilled individual bowls with Parmesan crisps perched on the rim. For a fun appetizer, try making Caesar Salad lettuce cups or even mini “salad boats” served on endive leaves for easy, bite-size nibbles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve dressed the entire salad and have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a day for the best texture. The lettuce will wilt a little, but the flavors meld beautifully and make for a delicious next-day snack.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing does not freeze well—both the lettuce and dressing will lose their texture and fresh taste. Stick to making fresh batches for the most crave-worthy results.
Reheating
No need to reheat! This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you’re pairing it with warm protein, let the proteins cool slightly before adding so the lettuce doesn’t wilt.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing for Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge and give it a good shake or stir before using.
Are anchovies necessary for authentic flavor?
While anchovies provide that classic, savory backbone, you can skip them if you prefer a vegetarian version or substitute with a dash more Worcestershire sauce for depth.
What’s the best lettuce for Caesar Salad?
Romaine is the top choice for its crunchy texture and ability to stand up to rich, creamy dressing. For a twist, you can also try baby kale or a mixture of hearty greens.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Definitely! Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is delicious with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even slices of steak or crispy tofu for a filling meal.
How can I make the dressing lighter?
Swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. You’ll keep the dressing creamy while reducing calories and adding a little tangy zip.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about a bowl of Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing—fresh, bold, and full of classic flavors. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or just a quick lunch, this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try and savor every crunchy, creamy bite!
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Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with this easy recipe featuring a homemade dressing that’s rich and creamy. Crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients
Romaine Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-size pieces
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Create Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and anchovies until smooth.
- Emulsify: Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create a creamy dressing. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Salad: Place chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Add croutons and Parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and croutons if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt for the dressing.
- For a stronger anchovy flavor, add an extra fillet to the dressing.
- Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon as toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of salad
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
