Classic Caesar Salad
A timeless American classic featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, sharp Parmesan cheese, and a rich, tangy Caesar dressing made with anchovies, garlic, and egg yolk. Originally created in Tijuana, Mexico, this salad has become a beloved staple in American cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Croutons
- 4 fillets Anchovy fillets
- 1 Egg yolk
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Caesar dressing: In a medium bowl, finely mince the drained anchovy fillets and the minced garlic into a paste using the side of your knife or a mortar and pestle. Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using) to the bowl. Whisk vigorously until well combined and slightly emulsified.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 2
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking. Continue whisking until the dressing is thick and creamy, resembling a mayonnaise consistency. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, you can whisk in a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Prepare the romaine lettuce: Ensure the washed and thoroughly dried romaine lettuce is torn into bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Dress the salad: Pour about half of the prepared Caesar dressing over the romaine lettuce. Gently toss the lettuce to evenly coat each leaf with the dressing. Add more dressing as needed, tossing until the lettuce is well-coated but not swimming in dressing.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Assemble and serve: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons to the dressed lettuce. Toss lightly one more time to distribute them evenly. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 0 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the most authentic flavor, use good quality anchovy fillets packed in oil. They are essential for the characteristic Caesar dressing taste.
- ✓Ensure romaine lettuce is very dry after washing; excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
- ✓Traditionally, Caesar salad was prepared tableside, allowing for customization of dressing and ingredients.
- ✓For a richer dressing, you can use pasteurized egg yolks or a coddled egg yolk (briefly boiled).
- ✓Homemade croutons can elevate this salad; simply cube stale bread, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and bake until golden.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or salmon for a more substantial meal.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of oil in the dressing or use a vinaigrette base.
- Incorporate other greens like kale or spinach alongside romaine.
- Add hard-boiled eggs, avocado, or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.