There’s something about a Classic Caesar Salad that feels like a hug from an old friend, crisp, tangy, and just the right amount of indulgent. I toss this together when I want a quick, satisfying side that pairs with everything from grilled chicken to pasta.
In my house, it’s a go-to for dinner parties because it looks fancy but takes minimal effort. Imagine crunchy romaine leaves coated in a creamy, garlicky dressing, topped with golden croutons and a dusting of Parmesan. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a weeknight meal or a light lunch, this salad delivers big flavor with little fuss. Let’s whip up this classic that never goes out of style!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Caesar Salad
- Timeless Flavor Combo: The tangy, garlicky dressing with crisp romaine and nutty Parmesan is a match made in heaven. My family devours it every time.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in 15 minutes with pantry staples, it’s my lifesaver when I need a fresh side without hours in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect as a side for steak or a standalone lunch with added protein, it’s a hit with everyone, from kids to guests.
- Customizable for Diets: Easily gluten-free with store-bought or homemade croutons and vegetarian by default, what if you added grilled shrimp for a twist?
- Feels Fancy, No Fuss: Looks restaurant-quality but comes together effortlessly, making me feel like a pro chef even on busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can serve this recipe to four people as a side dish, or to two people as a full meal. Fresh romaine and homemade dressing are key for authentic flavor, but store-bought dressing works in a pinch.
- For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads), washed, dried, and chopped
- 1/2 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought; gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan for plant-based)
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for plant-based)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (use vegan version or tamari for vegetarian/gluten-free)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 anchovy fillets, mashed (optional; skip for vegetarian)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Add-Ins: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein; cherry tomatoes or cucumber for extra crunch
Pro tip: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference, pre-shredded can taste flat. If making croutons, cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil and salt, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
How to Make Your Classic Caesar Salad
This salad comes together fast and feels like a breeze. Here’s my step-by-step for that restaurant-quality crunch:
- Prep the Romaine: Wash and dry the romaine leaves thoroughly; soggy lettuce is a no-go. Dice into small, edible pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Takes about 3 minutes.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and mashed anchovies (if using). Gradually pour in the olive oil as you whisk until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper. About 5 minutes.
- Toss the Salad: Pour half the dressing over the romaine and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed, don’t drown it! Sprinkle in Parmesan and croutons, tossing lightly to combine.
- Taste and Adjust: Give a leaf a taste, add more lemon for zing or pepper for bite. If adding protein or veggies, mix them in now.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the salad on chilled plates or in a large bowl. Garnish with extra Parmesan or a lemon wedge for a fancy touch. Serve right away for maximum crunch.
Total time? About 15 minutes. I keep a jar of homemade dressing in the fridge for quick assembly all week.
Special Instructions or Notes
- Storage Tips: Store undressed romaine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate in a jar for up to a week, shake before using. Croutons stay crunchy in a sealed bag for 2 days.
- Allergy Swaps: Gluten allergy? Use gluten-free bread for croutons or buy certified gluten-free ones. Vegetarian? Skip anchovies and use vegan Worcestershire or tamari. Vegan? Swap mayo and Parmesan for plant-based versions.
- Boost the Benefits: Add a handful of kale for extra nutrients or a sprinkle of hemp seeds for protein. I tell my kids it’s “crunchy superhero salad” to get them excited.
- Dressing Hack: If short on time, blend ingredients in a mini food processor for a smoother dressing. No anchovies? A splash of soy sauce adds similar umami.
- Nutritional Info: Per serving (side portion, no add-ins): ~200 calories, 5g protein, 10g carbs, 16g fat, plus 20% daily vitamin A. Fun fact: Romaine is a great source of folate for brain health.
Your Timeless Salad Staple
The Classic Caesar Salad is a quick, versatile dish that brings restaurant vibes to your table with minimal effort. Its crisp greens, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons make every bite a delight. Toss this together tonight and elevate your meal. Got a favorite Caesar twist, like adding bacon or avocado? Share it in the comments, I’m all ears!
