We’ve all had the classic Caesar salad, but you haven’t had THIS Classic Caesar Salad. The key element here is our creamy homemade dressing, which has quite a robust flavor thanks to ingredients like Dijon, fresh lemon juice, anchovy paste, parmesan cheese, and more!
After trying this easy Caesar salad recipe, there is absolutely NO way I’m going back to store-bought Caesar dressing. Homemade Caesar salad dressing just HITS DIFFERENT, and it’s super simple to make.
You just need to add the ingredients in the right order, whisking as you go. It’s almost impossible to mess up, trust me.
What’s In Classic Caesar Salad
- Egg yolk: Raw egg yolks act as an emulsifier, helping to create a thick and creamy texture.
- Dijon mustard: This ingredient brings a bit of tanginess, which really complements the other flavors in the homemade Caesar dressing.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds just the right amount of acidity to balance out the creamy Caesar dressing.
- Anchovy paste: Don’t be scared off by this ingredient. It adds a depth of flavor and umami to the dressing. I swear you won’t even taste it!
- Parmesan cheese: What even IS Caesar salad without parmigiano reggiano?!
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds a bit of a kick to the classic Caesar dressing, and it brings out the other savory flavor.
- Romaine lettuce: The base of any authentic Caesar salad, crisp romaine lettuce adds a nice crunch to the dish.
- Croutons: Crispy croutons are essential for that delicious Caesar salad texture. We used store-bought croutons to keep things simple!
Tasty Swaps and Add-Ins
You can ditch the store-bought croutons and make your own croutons using any leftover old bread you have in the house, or add some grilled chicken to make it a full meal.
You can also mix up the greens and use kale or mixed greens instead of romaine lettuce for a different flavor and texture. If you’re feeling creative, try adding in some roasted chickpeas or crispy bacon bits for an extra crunch.
And for all my fellow cheese lovers out there, consider swapping the Parmesan cheese for some feta or blue cheese crumbles.
Tips for the BEST Classic Caesar Salad
- To make sure your homemade dressing comes out thick and creamy, slowly add the olive oil while continuously whisking.
- Always make sure to toss your salad with the dressing just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and crunchiness.
- For an even more flavorful dressing, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together.
How to Store
While the salad dressing lasts about a week, the salad itself can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and keep any toppings or croutons separate until ready to eat.
What to Serve with Classic Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is such a versatile dish that pairs well with just about any main course. To keep things Italian-themed, we recommend serving it with a delicious pasta dish like this Million Dollar Spaghetti, Lemon Garlic Pasta, or Baked Feta Pasta.
For a heartier meal, try pairing it with a protein like our Creamy Garlic Chicken, Easy Chicken Parmesan, or Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops.
Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Caesar Dressing (yields ~1 cup)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ – ¾ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
Caesar Salad
- 9-10 oz. romaine lettuce chopped (~5 cups)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
Instructions
- To prepare the dressing, place the egg yolk, dijon mustard, and lemon juice into a bowl and whisk to combine. It should be frothy on the top.
- Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the bowl while whisking vigorously. It should thicken in consistency.
- Add the anchovy paste, parmesan cheese, grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cracked black pepper. Whisk to combine. Add salt to taste. Set aside.
- To prepare the salad, add the romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
- Dress the salad with ½ cup of Caesar dressing, or more, to reach the desired readiness.
Tips & Notes
- We used anchovy paste for ease. If you want to use whole anchovy filets, we recommend using two and mincing.
- If you are uncomfortable with consuming egg yolk, you can either skip or substitute ¼ – ⅓ cup of mayonnaise.
- Store the remaining dressing in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
