Simple Homemade Caesar Salad

This classic Caesar salad is a tried and true recipe that goes great alongside pasta or meat dishes or served alone with grilled chicken.

Jump to Recipe

Table of Contents

Homemade Caesar Salad ingredients
Easy Caesar Salad Recipe substitutions and additions
How to make Caesar Salad
How to serve Homemade Caesar Salad
Simple Caesar Salad Recipe storage
This is the Best Caesar Salad Recipe
Caesar Salad Recipe FAQs
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Caesar salad is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Crisp, fresh, and simple, it offers a unique combination of flavors that are savory, tangy, and delicious, and best of all, you can make it from scratch easily!

A bowl of salad on a plate, with Caesar salad

Homemade Caesar Salad ingredients

Simple Homemade Caesar Salad raw ingredients that are labeled

This classic salad boasts a unique and bold flavor that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, tangy parmesan cheese, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth.

You’ll need:

For The Creamy Caesar Dressing:

½ teaspoon of minced garlic
1¼ teaspoons of anchovy paste
1½ tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 cup of olive oil mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of olive oil
½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Pinch of salt

For The Salad:

3 hearts of romaine lettuce
½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup of croutons

Easy Caesar Salad Recipe substitutions and additions

PROTEIN: The classic Caesar salad recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, but there’s no need to stick with tradition! Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, or even a sprinkle of bacon bits for an extra kick.

How to make Caesar Salad

The main components of this salad are, of course, the lettuce, mix-ins, and creamy dressing. Once you whip up the dressing, combine the rest of the ingredients together and toss until everything is coated.

STEP ONE: Cut off the base of the lettuce and pull apart all of the leaves. Wash thoroughly and allow them to dry. Once dry, cut the lettuce into bite-size pieces.

STEP TWO: While your lettuce leaves are drying, combine the minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. Add the mayo and oil, and whisk until smooth. Add the cheese, pepper, and salt. Set aside.

PRO TIP:

Small mason jars are just the right size to make salad dressing and store any dressing leftovers in the fridge.

garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce combined together

STEP THREE: Add the mayo and oil, and whisk until smooth. Add the cheese, pepper, and salt. Set aside.

PRO TIP:

This salad is best served right away; otherwise, the croutons will start to soften in the dressing.

mayo, cheese, pepper, salt, and oil added to the garlic mixture

STEP FOUR: Combine the lettuce pieces with Parmesan cheese and croutons in a large salad bowl. Pour enough dressing over the salad mixture to evenly coat and toss.

lettuce cut in bite size pieces and combined with croutons and parmesan cheese

STEP FIVE: Serve immediately.

PRO TIP:

The dressing will keep for up to a week in the fridge. You can keep leftovers or prepare the dressing ahead of time.

How to serve Homemade Caesar Salad

When it comes to what to serve with Caesar salad, the possibilities are endless!

For a light lunch option, try pairing it with a warm baguette or crusty bread.

For dinner parties, consider serving it alongside steak or roasted vegetables for an elevated meal.

You can also use Caesar salad as a side dish for sandwiches and burgers. No matter what you choose to pair it with, Caesar salad is sure to be a hit!

Serve it with our lasagna casserole, stuffed shells or baked ziti with chicken for a yummy meal the whole family will love.

MORE SALAD RECIPES

Side Dishes

Cucumber Salad

Side Dishes

Ranch Potato Salad

Simple Caesar Salad Recipe storage

IN THE FRIDGE: When storing Caesar salad, it is important to keep the ingredients separate. The tangy dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The lettuce should also be stored separately in a sealed plastic bag or container and kept cold until ready to use.

IN THE FREEZER: This recipe would not freeze well. The lettuce would get soggy, and the dressing will separate.

A bowl of salad on a plate, with Caesar salad and Lettuce

This is the Best Caesar Salad Recipe

This authentic recipe is so easy to make and is filled with such great flavor. Caesar salad is an easy-to-make dish that packs a flavorful punch! With its unique combination of ingredients and balance of acidity and richness, this classic Italian dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

What is a Caesar Salad?

A Caesar Salad is a popular salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and a dressing typically consisting of ingredients like garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce.

Where was Caesar Salad invented?

The Caesar salad is believed to have been invented in Tijuana, Mexico, by Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur, in the early 1920s. The salad was created as a result of limited kitchen ingredients, and it gained popularity as a flavorful and refreshing dish.

Caesar Salad Recipe FAQs

Can I make Caesar salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the homemade dressing up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it is best to wait and assemble the salad right before serving it for optimal freshness.

Can I customize the ingredients in my Caesar salad?

With a few simple substitutions and additions, you can customize your Caesar salad to suit your own tastes. Experiment with different flavors and find the perfect combination for your palette.

How long will my Caesar salad last?

When stored properly, this simple salad should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to keep the lettuce and creamy dressing separate, so that you can assemble the salad right before serving for optimal freshness.

What cheese goes on Caesar Salad?

The cheese traditionally used on Caesar Salad is grated or shaved Parmesan cheese.

What does a classic Caesar salad contain?

A classic Caesar salad contains romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing (typically made with ingredients like garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce), and sometimes additional ingredients like black pepper.

What’s the difference between a Caesar salad and a house salad?

A Caesar salad typically features romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. A house salad is more varied and can include a mix of greens, vegetables, cheese, nuts, and various dressings.

How do you cut romaine lettuce for Caesar salad?

To cut romaine lettuce for a Caesar salad, wash and dry the leaves, then chop or tear them into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can slice them crosswise into ribbons.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Caesar Salad Recipe

5 from 2 votes

This classic Caesar salad is a tried and true recipe that goes great alongside pasta or meat dishes or served alone with grilled chicken.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Total Time 10

Servings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

Dressing

½ teaspoon minced garlic
1¼ teaspoons anchovy paste
1½ tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup olive oil mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 pinch salt

Salad:

3 hearts of romaine lettuce
½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 cup croutons

Instructions

Cut off the base of the lettuce and pull apart all of the leaves. Wash thoroughly and allow them to dry.
While your lettuce leaves are drying, combine the minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl.
Add the mayo and oil, and whisk until smooth. Add the cheese, pepper, and salt. Set aside.
Cut the lettuce in bite-size pieces and combine it with parmesan cheese and croutons. Pour enough dressing over the salad mixture to evenly coat and toss.
Serve immediately. Left over dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.

Video

Notes

Small mason jars are just the right size to make salad dressing and store any dressing leftovers in the fridge.
This salad is best served right away; otherwise, the croutons will start to soften in the dressing.
The dressing will keep for up to a week in the fridge. You can keep leftovers or prepare the dressing ahead of time.

Nutrition

Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb

Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Drink Recipes

Dessert Recipes

Appetizer Recipes

Dinner Recipes

Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Simple Caesar Salad Recipe

Homemade Caesar Salad ingredients

Easy Caesar Salad Recipe substitutions and additions

How to make Caesar Salad

How to serve Homemade Caesar Salad

Cucumber Salad

Ranch Potato Salad

Simple Caesar Salad Recipe storage