A Classic Caesar Salad is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. With its crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, savory Parmesan cheese, and rich, creamy dressing, it delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients. Whether served as a starter or a light main dish, this iconic salad is a favorite on menus and dinner tables alike.
What truly sets a great Caesar salad apart is the dressing. Traditional Caesar dressing is perfectly balanced—tangy from fresh lemon juice, savory from anchovies and Parmesan, and silky smooth thanks to olive oil and egg yolk. When made from scratch, it coats the lettuce beautifully without overpowering the fresh crunch of the greens.
This restaurant-style Caesar salad recipe is quick and easy to prepare at home, making it perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or holiday meals. It pairs effortlessly with grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, or pasta dishes, making it one of the most versatile salads you can serve.
If you’re looking for an authentic Caesar salad that tastes better than takeout, this recipe delivers classic flavor with minimal effort. Simple techniques, fresh ingredients, and a few expert tips ensure you’ll get a crisp, creamy, and satisfying salad every single time.
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Classic Caesar Salad
This Classic Caesar Salad is crisp, creamy, and perfectly balanced with crunchy romaine, garlicky croutons, salty Parmesan, and a bold homemade Caesar dressing. It’s a timeless favorite that works beautifully as a starter or a light main dish.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Salad
2 large romaine hearts, chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
Classic Caesar Dressing
1 large egg yolk
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1-2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (or 1/2 tsp anchovy paste)
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, anchovies, and garlic until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Salad
Add chopped romaine to a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
Finish & Serve
Top with croutons and freshly grated Parmesan. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Use cold, dry romaine for maximum crunch.
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Grate Parmesan fresh for the best flavor—avoid pre-shredded.
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Toss gently to avoid bruising the lettuce.
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If concerned about raw egg, substitute pasteurized egg yolk or mayo.
Variations
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Grilled Chicken Caesar: Add sliced grilled chicken breast.
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Shrimp Caesar: Top with garlic sautéed shrimp.
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Kale Caesar: Swap romaine for tenderized kale.
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Vegetarian Caesar: Omit anchovies and add capers or miso for umami.
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Lighter Version: Replace half the oil with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for croutons, optional)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g




