Fresh Classic Caesar Salad with Zesty Dressing (Print Version)
Craft a fresh Classic Caesar Salad at home. Tangy dressing, crisp romaine, and crunchy croutons. My personal recipe for a simple, satisfying meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Vegetarian (without anchovies)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Dressing
01 -
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
02 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
03 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
04 -
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
05 -
2 anchovy fillets, mashed (optional, but recommended)
06 -
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
07 -
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
08 -
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
09 -
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
→ For the Salad Base
10 -
2 heads romaine lettuce, washed and thoroughly dried
→ For the Croutons
11 -
2 cups day-old bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
12 -
2 tbsp olive oil
13 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
14 -
Pinch of salt
# Instructions:
01 -
First, wash and *thoroughly* dry your romaine leaves. Soggy lettuce is the enemy of a crisp Classic Caesar Salad. I use a salad spinner then lay them out; you want those leaves to snap!
02 -
In a bowl, whisk egg yolk, minced garlic, Dijon, and Worcestershire. If using anchovies, mash them well first. This is where the Classic Caesar Salad dressing magic begins, so combine everything smoothly.
03 -
Now, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking. Patience here is key for a thick, creamy emulsion. Adding too fast once broke my dressing, a real bummer!
04 -
Whisk in fresh lemon juice and half the Parmesan. Taste it! Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon. This dressing is the heart of your Classic Caesar Salad, make it sing!
05 -
Add dried romaine to a large bowl. Pour about half the dressing over. Gently toss with your hands; it’s more intuitive and ensures every leaf is lightly coated for your Classic Caesar Salad.
06 -
Add croutons and remaining Parmesan. Give a final, gentle toss. Serve immediately on chilled plates with a crack of fresh black pepper. Enjoy your homemade Classic Caesar Salad!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip the fresh lemon juice; it brightens the whole Classic Caesar Salad.
02 -
Keep the dressing separate from the greens to avoid a soggy Classic Caesar Salad later.
03 -
Tried Greek yogurt for some mayo once; it lightened the Classic Caesar Salad, but the tang was different.
04 -
A warm slice of crusty bread turns this Classic Caesar Salad into a meal.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Salad spinner
02 -
whisk
03 -
large mixing bowls
04 -
baking sheet
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 8g