Print

Classic Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Homemade Dressing for Perfect Flavor

Classic Caesar Salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A crisp and flavorful Caesar salad featuring fresh Romaine lettuce and a rich, tangy creamy homemade dressing with anchovies, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick meals, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 hearts Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 1 cup croutons, homemade or store-bought
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 3–4 anchovy fillets, finely minced
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Romaine hearts under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels or a salad spinner. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Dry leaves help the dressing stick better. (Takes about 5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl or blender, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, minced anchovy fillets, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Whisk or blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle in 2 tablespoons olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (Around 10 minutes)
  3. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the Romaine lettuce, then gently toss to coat. Add more dressing if you like it saucier, but be careful not to overdress—it should lightly cling to each leaf. (Takes 2-3 minutes)
  4. Sprinkle 1 cup crunchy croutons and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the tossed salad. Give it one final gentle toss or leave the toppings on top for presentation. (2 minutes)
  5. Serve immediately. Caesar salad is best served fresh to keep the crisp texture. If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and anchovies for the best flavor. Whisk olive oil slowly into the dressing to avoid breaking it. Dry lettuce thoroughly before dressing to prevent sogginess. Dressing tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight. For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo for vegan. Capers can substitute anchovies but change the flavor profile. Homemade croutons made from day-old French bread toasted with olive oil and garlic powder are recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, creamy dressing, homemade dressing, Romaine lettuce, anchovies, Parmesan cheese, croutons, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/classic-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-creamy-homemade-dressing-for-perfect-flavor/