Classic Caesar Salad

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Classic Caesar Salad is really just that: Classic.

Tangy.  Crisp.  Delicious.

This Classic Caesar Salad truly is the real deal.

A large Caesar salad on a white plate with a colorful napkin nearby.

How To Make Ceasar Salad

We just love a well-made Caesar salad. It’s hands down, the Loon’s favorite salad, and is right at the top for me, too.

Watch us show you how easy it is to make a Classic Caesar Salad!

 

It all starts with a beautiful head of romaine lettuce.

We like to tear the lettuce into large, bite-sized pieces. A knife or your hands can do this in a snap.

Wash the cut lettuce, then dry it off, then let it crisp in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Torn pieces of lettuce in a colander for Caesar's salad

HOMEMADE CROUTONS ARE A MUST AND ARE EASY TO MAKE

It may seem like a lot of trouble making your croutons for this Classic Caesar Salad, but trust us, it’s not!

The crunch of the toasted little squares of fresh bread just can’t be beat.

They only bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, until crunchy and golden. Be sure to toss the croutons around on the pan mid-way through baking.

Baked crispy croutons on a baking sheet

The layers of flavor make them irresistible.

And an added coating of Romano cheese and fresh parsley is perfection.

Oh, yes.  By the way, did you know that Caesar Salad originated in Mexico?  Isn’t that interesting?

A hand sprinkling cheese and herbs onto baked croutons.

Let us tell you again, don’t skip making these croutons for Classic Caesar Salad.

And the great thing is they can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Oh, how we love homemade croutons!

A hand holding homemade croutons for classic Caesar salad.

USE A FOOD PROCESSOR OR BLENDER FOR THE DRESSING

We use our food processor to emulsify the Caesar dressing ingredients.

Don’t be afraid of the anchovies, they truly do give Caesar dressing its distinct taste.

You’ll need 1 cup for this recipe, save the leftovers for other uses. It’s great as a sandwich spread!

A mason jar holding Caesar dressing with lettuce and a lemon nearby.

It’s important to let the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

This not only allows the flavors to meld, but the dressing will thicken, too.

You are going to love this Classic Caesar Salad! The dressing is as good as you’ll find anywhere!

A small pitcher pouring dressing onto a classic Caesar salad.

THIS IS A RESTAURANT-QUALITY CAESAR SALAD RECIPE

Other awesome Italian appetizers to serve with this salad are:

A close up view of a classic Caesar salad on a plate.

We love serving this salad as a first course when serving our favorite Italian dishes, such as Chicken Parmesan, or Baked Ziti, or Shrimp Scampi, or Steak Pizzaiola

OTHER AMAZING SALAD RECIPES TO TRY

Summer Fruit Salad
Roasted Asparagus, Sesame, and Chopped Egg Salad
Albacore Tuna and White Bean Salad
Classic Cobb Salad
Summer Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Mixed Green Salad with Gorgonzola

But in the meantime, it’s time for: Classic Caesar Salad.

A white plate holding a classic Caesar salad with a lemon nearby.

Classic Caesar Dressing on a white plate.

Classic Caesar Salad

Made-from-scratch Classic Caesar Salad is so good. Perfect start before a fabulous pasta dish. All the components to this authentic salad can be made in advance.  Simply assemble just before serving. This is the real deal!  
5 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Caesar Dressing, Homemade Croutons
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 298kcal

Ingredients

FOR THE SALAD DRESSING

  • 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • Juice of 1 small lemon
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 8 tbsp Romano cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE CROUTONS

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 4 3/4-inch thick slices Italian bread
  • 5 tbsp Romano cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley chopped

FOR THE SALAD

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce about 1 lb
  • 3 anchovy fillets for garnish, optional

Instructions

MAKE THE DRESSING

  • In a blender, or food processor, puree the 6 anchovy fillets.  Add the garlic and pulse until the mixture is well blended. 
  • Add the egg yolks and blend the mixture for about 2 minutes.  Turn off the motor, add the vinegar and lemon juice, and pulse for another 30 seconds. 
  • With the motor running, add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until it is incorporated. 
  • Add the cheese, parsley, and oregano and pulse the mixture for 10 seconds.  
  • Season the dressing to taste with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Transfer to a glass or container with a tight fitting lid, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.  Chilling the dressing thickens it, and the thicker it gets, the better it sticks to the lettuce. 

MAKE THE CROUTONS

  • Pre-heat oven to 350° F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, garlic, and oregano.  Whisk the mixture well. 
  • Trim the crusts from the bread and cut each slice into 1-inch squares.  Place the bread cubes in the bowl and toss them until they are well coated. 
  • Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring at least once, halfway through baking, until they are crispy and browned. 
  • Transfer the croutons to a bowl, add 2 tbsp of the cheese and the parsley, and toss them together well.  Set aside. 

PREPARE THE LETTUCE

  • Using your hands, or a large sharp knife, cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, and then wash thoroughly under cold water. Dry with a salad spinner or with paper towels. 
  • Transfer the lettuce back to your colander and cover with a kitchen towel, or into large plastic baggies (left open) and refrigerate until very cold and crisp.  Usually a couple hours. 

ASSEMBLE THE SALAD

  • Place the lettuce in a bowl.  Add the croutons and 2 tbsp of the cheese.  Spoon 1 cup of the dressing over the salad and mix them together well, using your hands or tongs.  Reserve the remaining dressing for another use. 
  • Pile the salad on a platter and top it with remaining tbsp of cheese and freshly ground black pepper.  Place the 3 anchovies on top of the salad is using.  Serve at once!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

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