Name: Caesar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487081H36M19S
Total time: PT-487081H36M19S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ baguette (about 6–8 oz), cut into ¼” slices then quartered; 2 Tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp anchovy paste (or substitute Worcestershire sauce); 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan; Salt & pepper, to taste; 3 heads romaine hearts, chopped; ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

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Short Description

This classic Caesar Salad features crisp romaine lettuce, homemade Parmesan croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing. Freshly tossed and full of flavor, it’s a timeless side or light meal that’s quick to assemble and always crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade croutons: Crisp, garlicky, and made from fresh baguette—the perfect complement to the salad.
Creamy yet fresh: The classic dressing balances richness with tanginess, and lightens each bite with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Simple prep: With minimal ingredients and steps, it’s easy to make and exceptional to taste.
Versatile side: Ideal alone or paired with grilled protein for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Croutons

½ baguette (about 6–8 ounces), cut into ¼″ slices then quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste (approx. ½ teaspoon kosher salt)
3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Caesar Dressing
(Exact measurements not provided—use your preferred classic Caesar dressing recipe. A blend of mayo, anchovy paste, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan works well.)

Salad

3 heads romaine hearts, chopped into bite-size pieces
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Croutons

Preheat oven to 350 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Cut baguette into cubes and place in a mixing bowl.
Mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over bread and toss to coat.
Add Parmesan cheese and toss again.
Spread cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 6 minutes, toss, then bake another 4–8 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool while preparing the rest.

Caesar Dressing

Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl.
Taste and adjust texture, thinning with a teaspoon of water if needed.
Store in a lidded jar in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine and half of the dressing and Parmesan; toss to coat.
Add cooled croutons, the rest of the Parmesan, and extra dressing to taste.
Toss gently and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake croutons: 10–14 minutes
Total time: Approximately 20–25 minutes

Variations

Protein add-ins: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a fuller meal.
Anchovy-free: Use Worcestershire sauce and capers for a milder, briny twist.
Keto-friendly croutons: Replace bread with roasted chickpeas or cheese crisps.
Dairy-free: Omit Parmesan or use a plant-based Parmesan substitute; ensure dressing is dairy-free.
Herb upgrade: Toss croutons with chopped fresh parsley or basil before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Croutons: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in a 300 °F oven for 5 minutes if soft.
Dressing: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week in a sealed jar. Shake before use.
Assembled salad: Best served fresh. Prepare salad base and croutons separately; toss just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes—use your favorite bottled dressing for convenience or make fresh for better flavor control.

2. How do I prevent soggy croutons?

Cool them completely before storing; add to salad just before serving.

3. Can I make croutons ahead?

Definitely—store cooled croutons in a sealed container; re-crisp if needed.

4. Do I need anchovies in Caesar dressing?

They add depth and umami but can be omitted or substituted with a dash of Worcestershire.

5. Is it okay to use chopped romaine from a bag?

Yes—just rinse and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

6. How do I keep the salad crisp?

Dress the salad just before serving and avoid overdressing to preserve crunch.

7. Can I make this vegan?

Yes—use vegan Parmesan and dairy-free dressing (e.g., blended cashews, lemon, garlic, and miso).

8. How long will leftovers last?

Dressed salad won’t hold well—store components separately; assemble fresh.

9. Can I add other greens?

Replace or mix in arugula or kale for a peppery or hearty twist.

10. Is there a lighter version?

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing and whole-wheat bread for croutons.

Conclusion

This Caesar Salad is comfortingly crisp and flavorful, featuring homemade garlic-Parmesan croutons and a creamy, tangy dressing. Easy to customize and assemble, it’s a reliable side dish or main with added protein. Serve fresh for the best texture and taste.

Maggie

Caesar Salad Recipe

Short Description

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients