Few salads are worldwide as iconic and beloved as the classic Caesar salad. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and savory Parmesan cheese come together with a creamy, tangy dressing for a dish that’s both satisfying and timeless. While store-bought dressings are convenient, there’s something special about making your own from scratch. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to elevate your greens with a homemade Caesar dressing that will level-up your salad game.
1. Ingredients:
For the Classic Caesar Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: grilled chicken, bacon bits, cherry tomatoes
For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2. Making the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, minced anchovy fillets, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously, until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
3. Assembling the Classic Caesar Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat the lettuce evenly.
- Add any optional add-ins, such as grilled chicken, bacon bits, or cherry tomatoes, if desired.
- Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste, if needed.
4. Serving Your Classic Caesar Salad:
- Divide the dressed Caesar salad among plates or bowls, ensuring each serving has an equal amount of lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the salad immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper on top if desired.
- Enjoy your classic Caesar salad as a light and refreshing appetizer or as a side dish to accompany your favorite main course.
With its crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing, the classic Caesar salad is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. By making your own homemade dressing, you can elevate your greens with a burst of flavor that’s far superior to anything you’ll find in a store-bought bottle. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it as a side dish at dinner, this classic Caesar salad is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, toss up a bowl of salad, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade Caesar dressing. Your taste buds will thank you!
