Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing and Croutons

Introduction

The Classic Caesar Salad is an iconic dish that has stood the test of time in both fine dining restaurants and home kitchens. Known for its crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy garlicky dressing with a hint of tang from lemon and Parmesan, this salad is refreshing yet indulgent. The beauty of the Caesar salad lies in its balance — fresh greens, savory cheese, crunchy bread, and a silky dressing that ties it all together.

This recipe uses homemade dressing and freshly baked croutons, elevating the salad beyond store-bought shortcuts. The dressing has a rich depth of flavor, thanks to garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovies (optional but traditional), and fresh lemon juice. The croutons, toasted with olive oil and herbs, add the perfect crunch.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a simple salad into something extraordinary. The from-scratch dressing makes all the difference — it’s creamy, tangy, garlicky, and better than any bottled version. The croutons, golden and crunchy, add texture that complements the crisp romaine beautifully.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a light starter, a side dish, or even a main course if topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. Plus, making it at home means you can adjust flavors to suit your preference — extra lemon for brightness, more garlic for boldness, or less anchovy if you prefer a milder taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This salad is a must-try because:

• It’s a restaurant-quality dish made easily at home.
• The homemade dressing elevates it far above store-bought versions.
• It’s healthy yet satisfying, combining fresh veggies with protein and healthy fats.
• It’s perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or quick lunches.
• It’s endlessly customizable, making it a timeless classic for everyone.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Course: Salad / Side Dish
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Calories: ~350 per serving (with dressing and croutons)

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large heads of romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Croutons

• 4 cups day-old bread (French baguette or sourdough), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing

• 1 large egg yolk (or 2 tbsp mayonnaise for a safer option)
• 2 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste, optional but traditional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place bread cubes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, mash the anchovies and garlic together into a paste.
2. Whisk in the egg yolk (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to form a creamy emulsion.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Place chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl.
2. Add croutons and Parmesan cheese.
3. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately after tossing to keep the croutons crisp.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings and freshly cracked black pepper.
• For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, steak strips, or roasted salmon.

Recipe Tips

• Use day-old bread for croutons — it absorbs flavors and crisps up better.
• Make the dressing fresh for the best taste (it loses flavor if stored too long).
• If avoiding raw egg yolks, replace with 2 tbsp mayonnaise for creaminess.
• Use a wooden salad bowl for tossing to enhance flavor (traditional method).
• Chill the lettuce before assembling to keep it crisp.

Variations

1. Chicken Caesar Salad – Add grilled chicken breast for extra protein.
2. Kale Caesar Salad – Use kale instead of romaine for a superfood twist.
3. Shrimp Caesar Salad – Add sautéed or grilled shrimp for a seafood version.
4. Bacon Caesar Salad – Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch.
5. Avocado Caesar Salad – Add sliced avocado for creaminess.
6. Vegetarian Caesar – Omit anchovies, and use capers for a salty flavor substitute.

Freezing and Storage

• Croutons: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze up to 1 month; re-crisp in oven before using.
• Dressing: Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze (may separate).
• Assembled Salad: Best enjoyed immediately. Once dressed, lettuce wilts quickly and should not be stored.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet (for croutons)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Large salad bowl and tongs
• Microplane or grater (for Parmesan)

Conclusion

The Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing and Croutons is more than just a salad — it’s a timeless dish that combines crisp textures, creamy dressing, and bold flavors. Whether served as a light starter, a refreshing side, or a full meal topped with protein, it’s a recipe that always impresses. Once you taste the difference of fresh dressing and homemade croutons, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

Print Recipe

Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing and Croutons

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Salad

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 350 per serving

Description

The Classic Caesar Salad is an iconic dish that has stood the test of time in both fine dining restaurants and home kitchens. Known for its crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy garlicky dressing with a hint of tang from lemon and Parmesan, this salad is refreshing yet indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Salad

• 2 large heads of romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Croutons

• 4 cups day-old bread (French baguette or sourdough)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing

• 1 large egg yolk (or 2 tbsp mayonnaise for a safer option)
• 2 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste, optional but traditional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place bread cubes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool.
2. Step 2: Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, mash the anchovies and garlic together into a paste. Whisk in the egg yolk (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to form a creamy emulsion. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Salad: Place chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl. Add croutons and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Keywords: Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing and Croutons