Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a classic, fresh, and crisp salad that people love for its creamy dressing and crunchy textures. It’s perfect for busy evenings, light family meals, or as a side on colder nights when you want something refreshing yet satisfying. I usually prep the lettuce and toss it right before serving to keep everything crisp. This simple salad combines romaine, homemade dressing, croutons, and Parmesan for a balanced dish that’s easy to make and always comforting.

a bowl of caesar salad on a 2

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Caesar salad recipe is flavorful, easy, and versatile for everyday meals. The creamy dressing pairs beautifully with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, making it cozy and satisfying without being heavy. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side for family meals. Pinterest users love it because it’s quick, simple to assemble, and looks beautiful when served. You can make extra dressing or croutons ahead of time, giving you a fast and adaptable salad that’s crowd-pleasing and practical for meal prep.

a bowl of caesar salad on a 3

Ingredients

Tip: Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce for the best texture.

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
all the ingredients of caesar salad recipe 1

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Measure Parmesan, croutons, and dressing ingredients. Mince garlic and juice the lemon so everything is ready to assemble the salad quickly.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Place chopped romaine in a large salad bowl. Add croutons and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad evenly.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Toss
Gently toss everything together until all leaves are coated with dressing. Serve immediately to keep lettuce crisp and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh textures.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Caesar salad is quick to assemble, making it ideal for busy evenings or last-minute meals. You can prep lettuce and croutons ahead of time, and the dressing can be stored in the fridge for several days. Pinterest users will appreciate how fast it comes together while still feeling fresh and homemade.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep lettuce dry: Wet lettuce wilts quickly. Pat leaves dry after washing to maintain crispness and prevent soggy salad.
  • Freshly grated cheese: Pre-grated cheese can be dry and less flavorful. Fresh Parmesan adds creaminess and a nutty depth.
  • Toss gently: Rough tossing can bruise lettuce. Use light hands to keep the salad crisp and visually appealing.
  • Customize croutons: Homemade croutons toast evenly and have better flavor. Avoid store-bought if you prefer a fresh, crunchy bite.

Variations

Meaty version
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey slices to make the salad a filling main course. Add protein just before serving to keep it fresh and juicy.

Vegetarian option
Skip any meat and add roasted chickpeas or avocado for texture and extra nutrition. The creamy dressing pairs beautifully with plant-based toppings.

Ingredient swap
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. It keeps the creaminess while adding tang and reducing fat content.

Flavor or herb boost
Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a pinch of smoked paprika. These small additions elevate the salad with subtle, fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Light lunch: Serve as a main course with grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
  • Side salad: Pair with pasta, grilled meat, or soup for a balanced dinner.
  • Casual family meal: Serve in a large bowl with extra Parmesan and croutons for everyone to help themselves.
  • Pinterest-ready presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs and arrange croutons evenly for an inviting, visually appealing dish.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Keep dressing separate from lettuce and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Not applicable; serve cold.
  • Freezing: Not recommended as lettuce wilts and dressing separates.
  • Make-ahead tips: Prepare dressing and croutons ahead of time. Chop lettuce just before serving for maximum freshness.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Rest Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains 220–250 calories and 7–9 grams of protein. The salad provides calcium from Parmesan and vitamin A from romaine lettuce. Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, store lettuce, dressing, and croutons separately and assemble before serving.

Adding dressing too early wilts lettuce. Always toss just before serving.

Yes, sturdy greens like kale or iceberg work well.

Add a teaspoon of water or lemon juice to thin slightly.

Dressing lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. Lettuce is best fresh.

Conclusion

Caesar salad is a fresh, crisp, and flavorful option for quick lunches or easy dinners. With homemade dressing and crunchy croutons, it’s simple to customize with proteins or extra veggies. This recipe is fast, adaptable, and always satisfying, making it a cozy addition to any meal and a salad you’ll return to often.

Caesar Salad
Print

Caesar Salad

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Salad Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Calories

235

kcal

A crisp, creamy Caesar salad with homemade dressing, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick lunches or family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup croutons

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Wash and chop romaine. Measure other ingredients.
  • Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Place lettuce in a bowl. Add croutons and Parmesan.
  • Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy.

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