A Caesar salad is a timeless favorite known for its crisp romaine lettuce, bold dressing, and crunchy croutons. This classic dish, thought to have originated in the 1920s, is beloved for its combination of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors. While many variations exist, this recipe stays true to the traditional preparation: it features a homemade Caesar dressing with egg yolks, garlic, mustard, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed together with fresh romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons. It’s the perfect side dish or light meal when paired with some baked chicken or seafood.
1. Traditional Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cups croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1. Prepare the Romaine Lettuce
Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer it to a large serving bowl. Set it aside while you prepare the dressing.
Step 2. Make the Caesar Dressing
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Gradually drizzle in ¼ cup olive oil while whisking continuously. This helps emulsify the dressing, giving it that creamy, smooth consistency.
Once the dressing is well-combined, stir in ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds richness and that signature savory flavor.
Step 3. Toss the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped romaine lettuce in the serving bowl.
Add 2 cups of croutons—either store-bought or homemade—and toss the salad gently until the lettuce is evenly coated with the dressing and the croutons are well-distributed.
Step 4. Serve
Once the salad is well-coated with the dressing, garnish with some extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve the Caesar salad immediately for the best texture, ensuring the lettuce stays crisp and the croutons remain crunchy.
2. Tips for Success:
Homemade Croutons: If you have the time, making your own croutons can take this salad to the next level. Simply cube some day-old bread, toss it with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Egg Yolk Safety: Traditional Caesar dressing contains raw egg yolks, which give the dressing its signature creaminess. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, you can use pasteurized eggs or substitute with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise per egg yolk.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning of your dressing. You can add more lemon juice for acidity, more garlic for a bolder flavor, or additional Parmesan for richness.
3. Suggested Add-Ons:
While this Caesar salad is delicious on its own, you can customize it with the following add-ons to suit your taste or dietary needs:
Baked Chicken: Add slices of baked chicken breast for a protein-packed version of the classic Chicken Caesar Salad.
Anchovies: For a more traditional Caesar flavor, add a few anchovy fillets to the dressing or as a topping.
Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon bits add a salty crunch that pairs well with the creamy dressing.
Avocado: For a creamy, healthy twist, top your salad with sliced avocado.
This traditional Caesar salad recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful salads with a rich, tangy dressing. 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.
