Surprise your guests with this easy recipe that comes together in under 10 minutes! Once you experience the flavor of homemade dressing, you won’t want to go back to pre-packaged salads.

The base recipe doesn’t involve croutons, but feel free to add them for some extra crunch. This nostalgic salad serves beautifully as a starter or alongside a main meal.

Consider serving it with a mouthwatering Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak for a simple yet elegant dinner!

Caesar Salad Highlights 🍋

Everyone loves Caesar salad because it masterfully combines texture and flavor while remaining satisfying. It’s one of the quickest and simplest salads you can make at home.

With just a few basic steps and ingredients, this salad feels sophisticated without being heavy.

• Fresh Ingredients: This salad shines with fresh romaine lettuce, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and other quality ingredients, creating unforgettable flavor!
• 10-Minute Prep: Even though it’s homemade, this recipe is a breeze to put together. Just whisk your ingredients for the dressing, toss with the lettuce and cheese, and you’re set.
• Versatile for Any Meal: Use it as a classic appetizer or side, or pair it with protein to make it a filling main course. Perfect for both lunch and dinner!

Ingredients You Need

Gather the essential ingredients for the homemade dressing along with romaine lettuce and cheese. Most of these should be easy to find at your local grocery store, and you might already have many in your kitchen!

Note: For precise measurements, check the recipe card below.

• Romaine Lettuce: Opt for fresh, crisp romaine hearts.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated or shaved cheese works best. Buy a block and prepare just before serving for maximum flavor!

Homemade Caesar Dressing Ingredients

• Mayo: This serves as a creamy base for the dressing.
• Oil: Your favorite neutral oil, like grapeseed or light olive oil, fits perfectly here.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the flavors.
• Garlic: Always use fresh garlic for the best taste.
• Dijon Mustard: This adds a subtle sharpness to the dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A must-have for that deep umami flavor.
• Egg Yolk: Traditional Caesar dressing includes egg yolk for creaminess.
• Anchovy Paste: While you can use whole anchovies, the paste easily blends into the dressing. If you’re hesitant, start with a small amount!
• Salt and Pepper: Season your dressing with freshly ground salt and pepper to enhance flavor.

How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing

Don’t let the thought of making dressing at home intimidate you! It’s a simple process—you’ll just whisk a few ingredients together. You can even prepare it up to 3 days beforehand.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, lemon juice, egg yolk, garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, and Worcestershire sauce.

   Tip: If you’re using anchovy fillets, blend them with an immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency.

2. Gradually drizzle in the oil while whisking to emulsify. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.

How to Make Caesar Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the Caesar dressing until fully coated.
2. Add a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can enhance the flavor if you’d like!
3. Serve the salad cold—ideally alongside a beautifully seared ribeye steak for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshness is crucial for the best flavor in your dressing.
• Keep Lettuce Crisp: Select tight green leaves without any browning. Wrap unwashed lettuce in a damp paper towel and store in the fridge.
• Grate or Shave Parmesan Fresh: Use a microplane for fine grating or a vegetable peeler for beautiful shavings.
• Don’t Skip Anchovies: They contribute a depth of flavor. If uncertain, begin with one anchovy and blend well.
• Add Crunchy Croutons: Homemade croutons made from stale bread tossed in olive oil and garlic are irresistible!
• Keep the Salad Cold: Use a chilled bowl for mixing. The salad tastes best served immediately when cold and fresh.
• Add Protein: Transform your salad into a hearty meal by topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, or even avocado.

Make Ahead and Storage

To ensure your salad stays crisp and fresh, store the lettuce separately from the dressing.

• Lettuce: After chopping and rinsing, use a salad spinner to dry it. Store in an airtight container with paper towels for up to 3 days.
• Dressing: Prepare the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store in a sealed container. Remember to shake or whisk before serving.
• Parmesan Cheese: It’s best to grate or shave the cheese just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with numerous dishes. Here are a few favorites to complement your Classic Caesar Salad:

• Grilled chicken or shrimp
• Roasted salmon
• Bacon bits or crispy prosciutto
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Avocado slices

Keep this Classic Caesar Salad recipe handy for those times when you’re craving a vibrant, delicious salad!