This classic Caesar Salad Recipe is loaded with crisp romaine lettuce, a simple, creamy dressing, and homemade croutons for a perfect crunch in every bite.
Why is it called caesar salad?
Simply put, the salad is named after the inventor of the salad: Caesar Cardini.
Is caesar salad healthy?
It’d say it’s “middle of the road”. It’s not the healthiest thing you’ll ever eat, but it’s also packed with healthy fats and leafy greens. Some Caesar salad recipes are loaded with mayonnaise and parmesan cheese, but to lighten things up, today’s recipe uses an olive oil based mayo.
Ingredients
There are three parts to Caesar salad: the croutons, the dressing, and the salad.
- Croutons – use my Homemade Crouton Recipe for the best results, but if you’re crunched for time, use your favorite store-bought variety.
- Dressing: Mayo, Anchovies, Parmesan, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Worcestershire, Dijon, Salt, and Pepper – use whatever mayo you have on hand (it has a strong flavor in this dressing, so be sure you enjoy the taste of it), I like using an olive oil based mayo to keep the calories down. I highly recommend leaving in the anchovies to achieve the best flavor, but if you’d like to make this vegetarian swap the anchovies for capers (I’d start with 1 tablespoon) and check the label on your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it doesn’t contain anchovies.
- Salad: Romaine and Parmesan – I like chopping my own fresh heads of romaine, but again, if you’re pressed for time, feel free to use a couple bags of pre-chopped romaine! Another green, such as kale, may also be used as well. Use freshly-shaved parmesan for the best texture.
How to make
- Make the croutons. Follow recipe directions, then set aside.
- Make the dressing. Use a food processor or high powdered blender to blend mayonnaise, anchovies, 1/4 cup parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble. Toss romaine, croutons, and more parmesan with the desired amount of dressing, then serve and enjoy!
Variations
- Make it vegetarian. Ditch the anchovies or replace with 1 tablespoon capers and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian.
- Use another green. Although romaine is my favorite, kale would also be delicious.
- Add protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, eggs, and/or bacon would all be delicious additions.
- Stir in pasta. Check out my Healthy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for inspiration!
How to store
Assembled salad is best eaten right away, but leftover dressing will last in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. I don’t recommend freezing.
– Jennifer
Caesar Salad Recipe
This classic Caesar Salad Recipe is loaded with crisp romaine lettuce, a simple, creamy dressing, and homemade croutons for a perfect crunch in every bite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Yield: 6 side salads
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
- 1 batch homemade croutons use as many as you’d like
- ¾ cup olive oil mayonnaise
- 4-5 anchovy fillets more or less depending on how big they are
- ½ cup shaved parmesan cheese divided + more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped into bite sized pieces
Instructions
- Make croutons according to recipe directions, then set aside.
- Place mayonnaise, anchovies, 1/4 cup parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, salt, and pepper into a food processor or high powdered blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste and re-season, if necessary, then set aside.
- When you’re ready to serve, place chopped romaine, 1/4 cup parmesan, and the desired amount of croutons into a large bowl, then toss to combine.
- Toss with the desired amount of dressing, garnish with additional croutons and parmesan, if desired, then serve and enjoy!
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STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:1 Week (Dressing Only)
Freezer:N/A
Reheat:N/A
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions
Notes
*Nutritional information does not include Homemade Croutons, because it depends on how many you use. You can find nutritional information for the croutons on the Homemade Croutons post. If you want to do quick math, 1 cup of croutons is about 400 calories.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Caesar Salad Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 side salad)
Calories 144 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 12mg4%
Sodium 526mg23%
Potassium 572mg16%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 18265IU365%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 179mg18%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
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