Classic Homemade Caesar Salad
This classic homemade Caesar salad is made with crisp romaine, shaved Parmesan, seasoned croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing blended with anchovies, lemon, Dijon, Worcestershire, olive oil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 large heads romaine lettuce (trimmed and chopped into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups seasoned croutons
- salt (to taste)
- freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Caesar Dressing
- 2 small garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 2-ounce can anchovy fillets packed in olive oil (including the oil)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons coarse Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Prep
- Place the garlic, anchovies with their oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, mayonnaise, olive oil, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and black pepper into a small food processor.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble
- Add the chopped romaine, shaved Parmesan, and croutons to a large serving bowl.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Spoon the desired amount of dressing over the salad.
- Toss well until every piece of lettuce is lightly coated and the cheese and croutons are evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the croutons remain crunchy.
Notes
Practical Substitutions: Anchovy paste may be used instead of canned anchovies. Start with 2 teaspoons and adjust to taste. Pecorino Romano can replace some or all of the Parmesan for a sharper flavor. Homemade croutons work well if you prefer to make your own.
Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or steak, or pair with pasta dishes, garlic bread, soup, or grilled vegetables. Top with sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Storage: For the freshest salad, keep the lettuce, dressing, Parmesan, and croutons stored separately in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Prepared dressing will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Chopped romaine is best used within 2 to 3 days. Once dressed, eat immediately.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended. The lettuce, dressing, and croutons do not maintain their texture after thawing.
Nutrition
- Calories: 287
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 490
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 17
Find it online: https://jennifercooks.com/classic-homemade-caesar-salad/