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Classic Caesar Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Creamy Dressing for Best Taste

classic caesar salad recipe - featured image

A classic Caesar salad featuring crisp Romaine, crunchy croutons, and a rich, creamy homemade dressing that balances tang, creaminess, and crunch for a memorable salad experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons (preferably garlic-seasoned)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets or 1 tsp anchovy paste
  • 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the Romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, finely mince the garlic and mash together with anchovy fillets or paste until smooth.
  3. Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the garlic-anchovy paste. Whisk vigorously until combined.
  4. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing until thick and glossy.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Pour the dressing over the chopped Romaine and croutons. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf.
  7. Serve immediately on chilled plates to maintain crispness and crunch.

Notes

Use a salad spinner to dry Romaine thoroughly for better dressing adherence. Add olive oil slowly to emulsify dressing properly. Use pasteurized eggs or mayonnaise as a substitute for raw egg yolk if preferred. Toss and serve immediately to avoid soggy lettuce. Homemade croutons can be made by toasting cubed bread with olive oil and garlic powder at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, homemade dressing, creamy dressing, classic salad, easy salad recipe, romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan, anchovy paste