Name: Caesar Salad Recipe: Crisp and Tangy
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 clove garlic (minced); 2 anchovy fillets (minced); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 romaine lettuce hearts (6 cups); 1 cup croutons; 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese; 2 cups day-old bread (cubed); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; Optional: Extra croutons (Parmesan, lemon wedges); Suggested Pairings: Chicken (white wine)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Caesar Salad is a classic dish, perfect for lunches, dinners, or as a side for gatherings. This crisp, refreshing salad, with its creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy croutons, delivers a bold, satisfying flavor in every bite. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with extra croutons or shaved Parmesan, this Caesar Salad offers a vibrant, elegant aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that brings timeless appeal to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Caesar Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Salad:

2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Homemade Croutons (Optional):

2 cups day-old bread, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt

Serving:

Optional: Extra croutons, shaved Parmesan, lemon wedges
Suggested Accompaniments: Grilled chicken, shrimp
Suggested Pairings: White wine, iced tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
Suggested Equipment: Small bowl, whisk, baking sheet (if making croutons), large salad bowl, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons

Step-by-Step Process

Make Croutons (Optional): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy, Parmesan, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust with additional lemon juice or pepper for a balanced, tangy-savory flavor.
Prepare Lettuce: Wash and dry romaine lettuce. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
Assemble Salad: Add croutons and shaved Parmesan to the lettuce. Drizzle with dressing (start with 3/4 of it) and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing if needed, ensuring leaves are lightly coated.
Serve: Transfer salad to a white ceramic bowl. Garnish with extra croutons, shaved Parmesan, or lemon wedges. Serve immediately with grilled chicken, shrimp, white wine, or iced tea.

Tips for Better Caesar Salad

Use fresh, crisp romaine hearts for the best texture; dry thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
Taste the dressing before tossing to balance tangy, savory, and umami flavors; adjust with lemon juice or anchovy.
Make croutons from day-old bread for extra crunch; store-bought works for convenience.
Toss gently to avoid bruising lettuce or making it soggy.
Use a white ceramic bowl for an elegant presentation, highlighting the vibrant greens and golden croutons.
Make ahead: Prepare dressing and croutons up to 2 days in advance; store dressing in the fridge and croutons in an airtight container.
For a lighter dressing, reduce mayonnaise to 1/3 cup and increase olive oil to 3 tbsp.
Enhance aesthetic: Present in a white ceramic bowl with shaved Parmesan or lemon wedges for a fresh, inviting look.

Variations and Customization

Vegetarian Caesar Salad: Omit anchovies and Worcestershire sauce; use 1 tsp capers or 1/2 tsp miso paste for umami.
Vegan Caesar Salad: Use vegan mayonnaise, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast, and omit anchovies/Worcestershire (use capers or miso).
Gluten-Free Caesar Salad: Use gluten-free bread for croutons and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Low-Sodium Caesar Salad: Reduce salt in croutons to 1/8 tsp and use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce.
Spicy Caesar Salad: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Kale Caesar Salad: Replace half or all romaine with chopped kale for a heartier texture.
Chicken Caesar Salad: Add 1 cup sliced grilled chicken for a main dish option.
Avocado Caesar Salad: Add 1 sliced avocado to the salad for creamy richness.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; whisk before using.
Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Assemble salad just before serving to maintain crispness; do not store dressed salad.
Serve immediately for the best fresh texture and flavor.
Use as a side dish or light main with added protein.
Pair with white wine or iced tea to complement the tangy, savory flavor.
Presented in a white ceramic bowl with vibrant garnishes for an elegant, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (with homemade croutons):

Calories: 280 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 90% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
Calcium: 15% Daily Value
Iron: 8% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and additions (chicken adds ~100 kcal per serving). Moderate in sodium; try the low-sodium variation. Pair with vegetables for balance.

Conclusion

This Caesar Salad recipe offers a crisp, tangy dish perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a timeless classic. Its quick preparation and elegant presentation make it a favorite. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its fresh, crowd-pleasing appeal.