Classic Caesar Salad: A Timeless Recipe for Fresh Flavor

Classic Caesar Salad is a timeless dish that has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world. Originating in the 1920s from the kitchen of Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico, this salad has evolved into a staple on menus everywhere. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.

What I love most about Classic Caesar Salad is its versatility; it can be served as a refreshing starter or a satisfying main course when topped with grilled chicken or shrimp. The rich, tangy dressing perfectly complements the fresh greens, making each bite a burst of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad is sure to impress. Join me as we explore the steps to create your very own Classic Caesar Salad, and discover why this dish remains a beloved favorite for so many!

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce
• 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

Preparing the Lettuce

1. Start by washing the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. This step is crucial to remove any dirt or grit that may be hiding in the leaves.
2. Once washed, shake off the excess water or use a salad spinner to dry the leaves. You want them to be crisp and not soggy.
3. Next, tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. I prefer tearing over cutting because it helps maintain the lettuce’s texture and prevents browning at the edges.
4. Place the torn lettuce in a large salad bowl. This will be the base of your Caesar salad.

Making the Dressing

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using). This combination will give your dressing a robust flavor.
2. Next, add the fresh lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon juice will balance the richness of the dressing.
3. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. You want to ensure that the garlic and mustard are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Now, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk. This step is essential for emulsifying the dressing, creating a creamy texture.
5. Once the oil is fully incorporated, season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. I usually start with the recommended amounts and adjust according to my preference.
6. Finally, taste the dressing and adjust any ingredients as needed. If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice; if you prefer it creamier, add a bit more olive oil.

Assembling the Salad

1. With the dressing ready, it’s time to dress the salad. Pour the dressing over the torn romaine lettuce in the bowl. Start with about half of the dressing to avoid overdressing.
2. Using tongs or salad servers, gently toss the lettuce to coat it evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to bruise the leaves; you want them to remain crisp.
3. After tossing, add the croutons to the salad. I love using homemade croutons for added flavor, but store-bought works just fine if you’re short on time.
4. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. The cheese adds a wonderful salty flavor that complements the dressing beautifully.
5. Give the salad one last gentle toss to combine the croutons and cheese with the dressed lettuce.

Serving the Salad

1. Transfer the assembled Caesar salad to a serving platter or serve directly from the bowl. If you’re serving guests, a platter can make for a beautiful presentation.
2. Before serving, I like to add a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese on top for a touch of elegance.
3. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an added kick. This step is optional, but it enhances the overall flavor.
4. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce and the crunch of the croutons. If you let it sit too long, the croutons may become soggy.

Tips for the Perfect Caesar Salad

• For a more robust flavor, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to your salad. This not only makes it heartier but also adds a delicious protein element.
• If you’re a fan of garlic, you can add more minced garlic to the

  Conclusion:

  In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Classic Caesar Salad recipe, I can confidently say that this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their salad game. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Not to mention, the addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness! For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Classic Caesar Salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal, or serve it alongside a warm, crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of that luscious dressing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or even bacon for an extra punch of flavor. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Classic Caesar Salad recipe and make it your own! Whether you’re preparing it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, I promise it will impress everyone at the table. Once you’ve whipped up this salad, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together! Print
  

  Classic Caesar Salad: A Timeless Recipe for Fresh Flavor

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  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

  Print Recipe

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  Description

  This classic Caesar salad combines crisp romaine lettuce, homemade dressing, and Parmesan cheese, creating a refreshing side dish or light meal. Enjoy the crunchy croutons and rich flavors of garlic and lemon in every bite!

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

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  Instructions

  1. Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit.
  2. Shake off excess water or use a salad spinner to dry the leaves.
  3. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
  4. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using).
  5. Add fresh lemon juice and whisk until well combined.
  6. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  8. Taste the dressing and modify ingredients for desired tanginess or creaminess.
  9. Pour half of the dressing over the torn romaine lettuce and gently toss to coat.
  10. Add croutons and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  11. Toss gently again to combine.
  12. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or serve directly from the bowl.
  13. Add extra shavings of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
  14. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce and croutons.

  Notes

  • For a heartier salad, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic in the dressing according to your preference.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes