caesar salad traditional recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
caesar salad traditional recipe
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The Best caesar salad traditional recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite traditional Caesar salad recipe. This classic dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, this salad never fails to impress. I’ve been making it for my kids since they were old enough to sit at the table, and now they’re the ones asking for it by name.

The best part? It’s incredibly healthy, too – with crisp romaine lettuce, savory parmesan cheese, and a tangy dressing made from scratch.

What more could you ask for in a recipe? I’ve experimented with countless variations over the years, but the traditional version is still my go-to choice every time.

There’s just something about the way the flavors come together that makes it feel like a special treat. My kids love helping me toss the salad with its signature dressing, and I love watching them learn the secrets of this beloved dish.

It’s truly a family favorite that never gets old.

Traditional Caesar Salad

Traditional Caesar Salad

4.7 from 1656 votes

This classic Caesar salad features crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a rich, tangy dressing made from scratch. The dressing is emulsified with egg yolk, garlic, anchovies, and Parmesan cheese for an authentic flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Croutons

2 cups (200g) day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Dressing

1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons (10ml) Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Salad

2 heads romaine lettuce, washed and dried, torn into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup (50g) freshly shaved Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3Spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
4Remove and let cool completely.
5In a large salad bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped anchovies, and lemon juice until smooth and slightly thickened.
6While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the 1/2 cup olive oil in a thin stream to create a thick, creamy emulsion.
7Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8Add the torn romaine lettuce to the bowl with the dressing.
9Toss gently but thoroughly until every leaf is lightly coated with dressing.
10Add the cooled croutons and toss again to distribute them evenly.
11Divide the salad among chilled plates or serve from the bowl.
12Top each portion with a generous amount of shaved Parmesan cheese and an extra crack of black pepper.
13Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

🔧Equipment

Large salad bowl
Whisk
Baking sheet
Oven
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a milder anchovy flavor, use anchovy paste instead of whole fillets. The dressing can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated; whisk again before using. Always use fresh, crisp romaine for the best texture.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Caesar Salad Works

This traditional Caesar salad recipe is always a hit at our house – whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends. And one of my favorite things about it?

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time – simply prep all the components up to an hour in advance and assemble just before serving. This means you can enjoy it hot or cold, at home or on-the-go!

For an added touch, consider adding some fresh fruit or nuts to make it feel like a special treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Caesar Salad

Q: What is Caesar salad?

Caesar salad is a classic Italian-inspired dish made with romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and a tangy dressing.

Q: What’s the difference between Caesar and Greek salads?

The main difference is the type of cheese used – Caesar uses parmesan while Greek salads often feature feta.

Q: Can I use store-bought croutons instead of making my own?

Sure! While homemade croutons are deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, store-bought ones will do in a pinch.

Q: How do I prevent my lettuce from getting soggy?

To keep your lettuce crisp, be sure to dry it thoroughly after washing and pat it dry with paper towels before assembling your salad.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components up to an hour in advance but wait until just before serving to assemble and dress the salad – this ensures maximum freshness and flavor!

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