Delicious Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a timeless favorite? Look no further than this Classic Caesar Salad Dish recipe! Prepare yourself for a culinary masterpiece that combines the perfect harmony of crispy lettuce, savory croutons, and a luscious dressing that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Crafted with love and cherished by all who taste it, this Caesar salad has been a star at my dinner parties for years. Even the pickiest eaters, including my own little ones, cannot resist the allure of this green goddess. The secret? A dash of Worcestershire sauce that adds a depth of flavor without the need for anchovies, making it a game-changer for both Caesar salad enthusiasts and skeptics alike.

Prepare to be amazed as you whisk together Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and red wine vinegar, creating a dressing that strikes the perfect balance of zing and richness. And let’s not forget about those homemade Parmesan-crusted croutons – a crunchy, garlicky delight that takes this salad to the next level. So, whether you enjoy it as a side or add your favorite protein for a complete meal, this Classic Caesar Salad Dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Quick Benefits

• Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth without anchovies, making it a versatile pantry staple for home cooks.
• Dressing and croutons can be made ahead for convenient meal prep and can be used in various dishes throughout the week.
• Versatile dish that pairs well with proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or can be customized with different leafy greens to suit preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Classic Caesar Salad Recipe Recipe

• Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that balances crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing perfectly.
• Secret ingredient Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth without the need for anchovies, making it approachable for all home cooks.
• Dressing can be made ahead, allowing for easy meal prep and staying ready for multiple servings throughout the week.
• Kids who typically avoid green veggies will devour this salad, making it a family-friendly option.
• Works well alongside various proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.
• Easy to customize by swapping romaine lettuce for other leafy greens or adding proteins of choice, making it adaptable to personal tastes.
• Homemade croutons add a delicious crunch; store them separately and add just before serving to maintain their texture.
• Dressing combines Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar for a tangy and flavorful profile, enhanced by olive oil for richness.
• Perfect for dinner parties or as a light yet satisfying dinner paired with grilled corn and crusty bread during summer months.
• Helpful tips included for troubleshooting dressing consistency and ensuring proper emulsification for a creamy finish.

Ingredients for Delicious Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

For the Croutons

• 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp minced garlic (2 small cloves)
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 French baguette, cut in half and thinly sliced (1/4″ thick)

Caesar Salad Dressing

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/8 tsp black pepper, plus more to serve
• 2 small garlic cloves, minced (1 tsp)

For the Caesar Salad

• 1 large romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads romaine)
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved

How to Make Delicious Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and then diagonally into 1/4″ thick pieces. Place on a baking sheet. Mix olive oil and minced garlic in a bowl, then drizzle over the bread slices and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Toss to coat, spread in a single layer on the baking sheet, and bake at 350˚F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 2: Make the Caesar Salad Dressing

Combine garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil while continuing to whisk. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Wash and dry romaine lettuce, then cut or tear into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large serving bowl. Add shredded parmesan cheese and cooled croutons. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.

Storage Tips

Once the Caesar salad is prepared, it’s important to store any leftover salad components properly to maintain their freshness and texture. The Caesar dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, bring it to room temperature and whisk vigorously to re-emulsify the ingredients that may have separated during chilling. For the homemade croutons, you can make them 3-4 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows you to have them on hand for various salads or soups.

To store the finished Caesar salad dish, place any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to store the dressing separately from the lettuce to prevent the leaves from becoming soggy. If you added proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, store them separately as well to maintain their texture. When ready to enjoy the salad again, toss the components together just before serving to retain the crunch of the croutons and the freshness of the lettuce. By storing the components properly, you can ensure that your Caesar salad stays delicious for a few days, allowing you to enjoy it as a quick meal or side dish throughout the week.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have a French baguette on hand, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta to make the croutons. Simply adjust the baking time as needed to achieve a crispy texture. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to substitute the Parmesan with pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor profile in the croutons or dressing.

For a vegetarian-friendly version of the Caesar salad dressing, you can omit the Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce. Alternatively, you can enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. These substitutions will help maintain the depth of flavor in the dressing without compromising its vegetarian status.

If you want to customize the salad with additional proteins, consider adding grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. For a non-vegetarian twist, grilled steak strips or smoked salmon can be delightful additions. Feel free to experiment with different proteins to suit your dietary preferences and create a more substantial meal.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your classic Caesar salad into a show-stopping main course by adding grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or perfectly seared steak on top. For a light summer dinner, pair your Caesar salad with grilled corn on the cob and crusty bread. To elevate your salad presentation, serve it in parmesan cheese bowls made by molding melted cheese over an upside-down muffin tin for a creative twist on a classic dish.

FAQs for Delicious Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the Caesar dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk vigorously before using, as it will naturally separate when chilled.

How do I prevent my dressing from breaking or becoming too thin?

If your dressing breaks or appears too thin, slow down your oil addition and whisk more vigorously. Adding too much oil too quickly prevents proper emulsification. For extra insurance, add another small dollop of Dijon mustard, which helps bind the ingredients.

Can I add proteins like chicken or shrimp to this Caesar salad?

Yes, you can add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or swap romaine lettuce for another sturdy leafy green, based on your preference.

Can I make the croutons ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the croutons 3-4 days ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add them to the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Classic Caesar Salad Dish is a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this salad is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish is truly a culinary masterpiece that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.

So, don’t hesitate to try out this Classic Caesar Salad Dish recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite proteins or making small tweaks to suit your preferences. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a restaurant-quality salad that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious dish and savor every bite of this classic favorite!

Delicious Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

“Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality Classic Caesar Salad with crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing – a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineItalian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Croutons

• 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp minced garlic (2 small cloves)
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 French baguette, cut in half and thinly sliced (1/4″ thick)

Caesar Salad Dressing

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/8 tsp black pepper, plus more to serve
• 2 small garlic cloves, minced (1 tsp)

For the Caesar Salad

• 1 large romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads romaine)
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved

Instructions

1. Prepare the Croutons: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and then diagonally into 1/4″ thick pieces. Place on a baking sheet. Mix olive oil and minced garlic in a bowl, then drizzle over the bread slices and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Toss to coat, spread in a single layer on the baking sheet, and bake at 350˚F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp.
2. Make the Caesar Salad Dressing: Combine garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil while continuing to whisk. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad: Wash and dry romaine lettuce, then cut or tear into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large serving bowl. Add shredded parmesan cheese and cooled croutons. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.