A great Caesar salad is a thing of beauty: crisp romaine coated in a creamy, garlicky, umami-rich dressing, topped with crunchy croutons and a snowfall of Parmesan. The store-bought bottle can't compare to a quick homemade dressing, which takes just minutes and tastes incomparably fresher and bolder.
Serve it as a starter, pile on grilled chicken or shrimp for a main, or bring it to the table alongside pasta night — it's a recipe everyone should have in their back pocket.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Restaurant-quality dressing. Creamy, garlicky, and fresh.
- Quick. The dressing comes together in minutes.
- Versatile. A starter or a main with added protein.
Tips for the best results
Use the inner, crisp romaine hearts and dry them thoroughly so the dressing clings. Make the dressing fresh and toss it just before serving for maximum crunch. For the best croutons, toast cubed bread in olive oil and garlic until deeply golden.
Classic Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine in a creamy, garlicky homemade Caesar dressing with croutons and Parmesan.
☆☆☆☆☆
Ingredients
- 2 large romaine hearts, chopped
- 1.5 cups croutons
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan
- Dressing: 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 anchovy fillets minced (optional), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Thin with a splash of water if needed and taste for seasoning.
- Step 2. Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine, then chop into bite-size pieces.
- Step 3. Place the romaine in a large bowl and add about three-quarters of the dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 4. Add the croutons and shaved Parmesan and toss gently.
- Step 5. Serve right away with extra dressing and Parmesan on the side.
Make it your own
Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a main-course salad; add cherry tomatoes or avocado; or use kale for a heartier, make-ahead version. Skip the anchovies for a vegetarian dressing (a little extra Worcestershire or capers adds savoriness).
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use anchovies? No — they add classic umami depth, but the salad is delicious without them. Worcestershire sauce provides a similar savory note.
Can I make the dressing ahead? Yes — it keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Dress the salad just before serving.
Is raw egg in Caesar dressing? Traditional versions use raw egg yolk, but this mayonnaise-based dressing skips it for ease and food safety while staying creamy.
