A Caesar salad is a timeless favorite known for its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons. Its authentic version, believed to have originated in Tijuana, Mexico, is simple yet packed with flavor. Below, I’ll instruct you how to make Caesar salad from scratch and tips to perfect this salad at home.
1. How To Make Caesar Salad from Scratch
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce (washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup of croutons (store-bought or homemade, preferably homemade)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
For the Dressing
- 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced into a fine paste)
- 6 anchovy fillets (finely chopped or mashed into a paste)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (high-quality)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For Homemade Croutons (Optional)
- 4 slices of day-old bread (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Croutons
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Next, toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, garlic paste, and anchovy paste until smooth.
Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify the dressing.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.
Add the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly again.
Serve immediately on chilled plates for the best texture and flavor.
2. Tips for Perfect Caesar Salad
Use Fresh, Crisp Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is the heart of the salad, providing crunch and freshness. Always choose fresh, vibrant leaves and ensure they’re completely dry before tossing with the dressing. Wet leaves can dilute the dressing and ruin the texture.
Invest in High-Quality Ingredients
For an authentic Caesar salad, opt for quality olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and anchovies. These ingredients are the backbone of the flavor, so skimping on them can compromise the dish’s authenticity.
Emulsify the Dressing Properly
Whisking the olive oil gradually into the egg yolks and other ingredients ensures a creamy, smooth dressing. Adding oil too quickly can result in a separated or overly oily mixture.
Homemade Croutons Make a Difference
Store-bought croutons may be convenient, but homemade ones are fresher, tastier, and customizable. Lightly toasting bread cubes with olive oil and garlic enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Don’t Skip Anchovies
Anchovies are essential to the classic Caesar dressing, adding depth and a savory umami flavor. If you’re hesitant, start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Serve Immediately
A Caesar salad is best enjoyed fresh. Toss the lettuce with the dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess and maintain crispness.
3. What to Eat With Caesar Salad
The Caesar salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some excellent options and why they work well:
Baked Chicken Breast
Adding baked chicken breast turns the Caesar salad into a hearty, protein-packed meal. The rich and savory flavor of the chicken complements the tangy dressing perfectly, creating a balanced dish.
Seared Salmon
The richness of seared salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy Caesar dressing. The fish adds a luxurious touch to the meal, making it ideal for special occasions or dinner parties.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a natural companion to Caesar salad. The crunchy bread echoes the texture of croutons, while the garlic flavor complements the dressing seamlessly.
Pasta Dishes
Pairing Caesar salad with creamy or tomato-based pasta dishes creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The salad’s refreshing acidity cuts through the richness of pasta sauces, balancing the meal.
Soup
Light soups like minestrone or chicken noodle soup work well with Caesar salad as they provide a warm, comforting contrast to the crispness of the salad.
Steak
A juicy steak and Caesar salad combination is a steakhouse classic. The salad’s bold flavors and tangy dressing balance the richness of the meat, creating a satisfying and elegant pairing.
This authentic Caesar salad recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful salads. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a homemade Caesar dressing, creates a balanced and delicious dish that works well as a side or a main course.
