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Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and the most flavorful homemade Caesar dressing you'll ever taste.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
C
Chef Maria Garcia
January 22, 2026
4.5(4 reviews)
Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

A properly made Caesar salad is a thing of beauty. The secret is in the homemade dressing—creamy, tangy, and packed with umami from anchovies and Parmesan. Once you make it from scratch, you'll never go back to bottled.

Ingredients

  • For the Dressing:
  • 2 anchovy fillets (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Salad:
  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
  • ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    For the croutons: Cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil and garlic, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until golden.

  2. 2

    In a large wooden bowl, mash the anchovies and garlic together with a fork to form a paste.

  3. 3

    Add the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolk. Whisk until combined.

  4. 4

    While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is thick and emulsified.

  5. 5

    Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. 6

    Add the chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the dressing.

  7. 7

    Add croutons and toss again.

  8. 8

    Divide among plates, top with shaved Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Caesar salad with croutons
Fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor

Chef's Tips

  • Prep all ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother experience.
  • Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your preference.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for best results.
  • Let meat rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use a microwave at 50% power or warm in a covered pan over medium-low heat until heated through. For best texture, avoid reheating more than once.

Nutrition Information

Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
Protein: 15-25g depending on ingredients
Carbohydrates: 30-50g
Fat: 12-20g
Fiber: 3-6g
Sodium: 400-600mg (adjust salt to taste)

Reviews

H
HomeChef_Amy

Absolutely delicious! My family loved it. Will definitely make again.

January 15, 2026
F
FoodLover_John

Easy to follow instructions. Turned out perfect on my first try!

January 16, 2026
B
BakingQueen

The flavors are incredible. This is now a household favorite.

January 17, 2026
C
CookingDad

Made this for a dinner party and got so many compliments!

January 18, 2026
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