Classic Caesar Salad Recipe – Crisp, Creamy & Irresistible!

A classic, Caesar salad combines crispy croutons, savoury Parmesan cheese, crisp romaine lettuce, and garlicky dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a sophisticated side dish, this simple homemade recipe guarantees a consistently restaurant-quality outcome.

Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
1 cup homemade croutons (or store-bought)

For the Dressing:
1 clove garlic, minced
2 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 egg yolk (or 2 tbsp mayo for safety)
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup olive oil
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt

Optional:
Grilled chicken
Shrimp
Bacon bits

Utensils Needed:
Sharp chef’s knife (for chopping lettuce)
Mixing bowl
Whisk (or blender for dressing)
Salad spinner (optional, for drying lettuce)
Cutting board
(Pro Tip: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, preventing bruised lettuce!)

Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins

Servings: 4

Directions
Get the dressing ready:
Make a paste out of the garlic and anchovies in a bowl.  Whisk in lemon juice, egg yolk, and mustard.  While whisking until smooth, slowly pour in the olive oil.  Add salt and pepper for seasoning.

Prepare the Croutons (Selective):
Add salt, garlic powder, and olive oil to the cubed bread.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until brown, at 375°F (190°C).

Put the salad together:
Slice the romaine lettuce into small pieces.  Add half of the dressing at first, then more if necessary.  Add optional protein, Parmesan shavings, and croutons on top.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbs: 10g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g

Expert Advice for Added Taste!
Before assembling, grill the romaine lettuce for one to two minutes for a smokey twist.  Perfect for summer BBQs, this adds depth and pairs well with grilled chicken Caesar salad.