Easy Caesar Salad Recipe With Homemade Dressing and Croutons

A classic Caesar salad recipe is simple and tasty. It is made with romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing. Here is how to make it at home.

Ingredients:

- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped

- 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- Caesar salad dressing (see recipe below)

- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Make sure the leaves are dry so they stay crisp when you mix the salad.

2. Add the croutons and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Distribute them evenly to ensure every bite has flavor and crunch.

3. Pour the Caesar salad dressing over the salad. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to coat the lettuce without soaking it.

4. Toss everything together gently using tongs or clean hands. Mix until the lettuce is well coated and the ingredients are evenly combined.

5. Add freshly ground black pepper if desired for a little extra spice.

6. Serve immediately while the lettuce is still crisp and the croutons are crunchy.

The Caesar salad recipe is not complete without its rich and creamy dressing. Making it at home is easy and adds extra flavor to your salad.

Ingredients:

- 2 anchovy fillets (or 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste)

- 1 garlic clove, minced

- 1 egg yolk (use pasteurized if concerned about safety)

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the anchovy fillets and garlic together using the back of a spoon or a fork. Work until you form a smooth paste.

2. Add the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl. Whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.

3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This helps the dressing thicken and become smooth.

4. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is fully blended into the dressing.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust based on your preference.

6. Use the dressing right away, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Any Caesar salad recipe is not complete without the crunchy croutons, and it's so simple to make at home. Here's how to make homemade croutons for your salad:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups of cubed day-old bread (French or Italian works best)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 

2. Place the bread cubes in a mixing bowl. Choose cubes that are about 1/2 to 1 inch in size.

3. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the bread cubes. This helps them turn golden and adds flavor.

4. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the bread. Stir gently until each cube is well coated with the oil and seasonings.

5. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow even browning.

6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.

7. Let the croutons cool completely before adding to the salad. Store extras in an airtight container.

A Caesar salad recipe can be even better with a few simple tips. Here are some helpful ideas:

1. Dry the lettuce well: After washing, use a salad spinner or paper towel to dry the lettuce completely so it doesn't water down the dressing.

2. Make your own dressing: Homemade Caesar dressing has more flavor and freshness compared to store-bought versions, and you can adjust it to your taste.

3. Grate your own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan has a better texture and stronger flavor than pre-shredded or packaged cheese.

4. Add grilled chicken or shrimp: To turn your salad into a full meal, top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or other proteins of your choice.

5. Toss the salad just before serving: Tossing the salad right before serving keeps the lettuce crisp and prevents the croutons from getting soggy.

6. Use day-old bread for croutons: Slightly stale bread crisps up better in the oven, giving you crunchier and more flavorful croutons.

7. Taste and adjust the dressing: Before serving, sample the dressing and adjust the lemon juice, salt, or pepper to match your personal preference.

Caesar salad is usually served as a starter or a side dish. The light and refreshing taste of this salad goes well with many other side dishes. Here are some tasty side dish ideas to serve with your Caesar salad:

1. Grilled chicken breast: Adds protein and pairs well with the salad.

2. Garlic bread: Crispy, warm, and perfect for dipping into extra dressing.

3. Tomato soup: A warm soup balances the cool salad.

4. Steak: The salad adds freshness to a hearty main dish.

5. Pasta with olive oil: A light pasta makes a great match.

6. Roasted vegetables: Colorful veggies bring variety to the meal.

7. Salmon filet: Rich and flavorful, it goes well with the creamy dressing.

8. Stuffed mushrooms: A tasty appetizer that complements the salad nicely.

9. Baked potatoes: Soft and fluffy potatoes go well with the creamy and tangy flavors of the salad.

10. Quiche: A savory quiche offers a satisfying pairing and adds a touch of elegance to your meal.

11. Grilled shrimp skewers: These are light and flavorful and taste great next to the crisp romaine and creamy dressing.

12. Cheese and crackers: A small plate of assorted cheeses and crackers adds variety and pairs nicely with the salad's textures and flavors.