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This classic Caesar salad is a fresh and delicious side dish or appetizer. Quick and easy to make, romaine lettuce is topped with homemade croutons and Caesar dressing for a fresh and tasty bite.
A Caesar salad is one of my favorites to make, it’s so simple and yet super flavorful and full of texture – creamy dressing, soft lettuce, and crunchy croutons. Made with my homemade croutons and Caesar dressing, it’s a great option for a quick lunch or side but fresh and tasty enough to serve as an appetizer to guests. I always try to keep
If you are wondering about the origin of Caesar salad, it’s not named after the Roman emperor Caesar and he didn’t invent it. The salad is named after chef Caesar Cardini who was an Italian immigrant working in Mexico and the US, and he was the first one to serve it in his restaurant in the 1920s. It has since then become probably the most popular restaurant salad in the country.
If you are looking for more simple salads, be sure to check out my Three Bean Salad and Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Caesar Salad Ingredients
This is what you need for this easy and quick Caesar salad. Simple ingredients that taste incredible once combined.
- Romaine lettuce: The traditional base for the Caesar salad is romaine. It’s perfectly light and crispy, if you prefer you could use softer lettuce like bibb, and curly endive also works well.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: Use freshly grated or shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, it’s more flavorful than pre-grated Parmesan cheese which can often be quite dry.
- Croutons: I used my homemade croutons in this recipe, but if you are in a hurry you can use store-bought.
- Caesar dressing: It’s so easy to make your own dressing at home and it’s so much tastier than store-bought. But you can use your favorite brand if you prefer. Below are the ingredients you need for a homemade Caesar dressing. It comes together in a pinch and tastes amazing! The secret ingredient is the anchovy paste.
How to make Caesar salad
- Rinse, dry, and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Place in a large serving bowl and sprinkle generously with grated or shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently until lettuce is evenly coated.
Can you make it ahead of time?
This salad is best built as soon as you are ready to eat it. Both the Caesar dressing and croutons can be made several days ahead of time. You can build the plates a few hours in advance, but don’t dress it until just before serving.
Is it vegetarian? Is it healthy?
My homemade Caesar salad dressing does contain anchovy paste, but you can omit this if you have a meat-free lifestyle. Be sure to use a vegetarian Parmigiano-Reggiano, there are lots of great options in grocery stores that will work really well.
The salad is also gluten-free if you make your own gluten-free croutons and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for the dressing.
With 7g of carbs in Caesar salad, it is also low carb. You can substitute the croutons with a low-carb/keto option.
Make it into a fuller meal
You can easily turn this easy Caesar salad recipe into a fuller meal to enjoy for an easier weeknight meal. Add shredded or sliced baked chicken breasts, baked salmon, or chickpeas for some extra protein. I’ve even been known to add grilled shrimp, not traditional but super tasty!
Recipe Notes and Tips
- If you can, use organic lettuce and wash it well before cutting and serving.
- Toss the salad well so that everything is well combined and coated in the dressing.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, it’s so much better than the pre-grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the dressing just before serving so that the lettuce doesn’t get limp.
More Easy Salad Recipes
Caesar Salad
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large Romaine lettuce
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
- Homemade croutons
- Caesar dressing
INSTRUCTIONS
- Rinse, dry and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Place in a large serving bowl and sprinkle generously with grated or shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently until lettuce is evenly coated.
TIPS & NOTES
- If you can, use organic lettuce and wash it well before cutting and serving.
- Toss the salad well so that everything is well combined and coated in the dressing.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, it’s so much better than the pre-grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the dressing just before serving so that the lettuce doesn’t get limp.
NUTRITION
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Such a classic. The homemade croutons make it amazing!
This is just the perfect caesar salad!
Such a great salad! You just can’t beat homemade Caesar salad dressing! YUM!
Never knew the history behind the name—so interesting! And love how easy this recipe is!