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Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing and Croutons Recipe

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4.4 from 2 reviews

This classic Caesar salad recipe combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese tossed in a tangy, creamy homemade dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad offers a refreshing and satisfying flavor. The dressing is easy to prepare and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

For the Croutons

  • 4 cups cubed crusty bread
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Sea salt, for sprinkling

Caesar Salad Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Pinch sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Salad

  • 1 pound romaine lettuce (about 2 medium heads), chopped or torn into bite-size pieces
  • ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for topping

Instructions

  1. Make the croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cubed bread on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and toss well to coat evenly. Spread the cubes out in a single layer. Bake for 10 to 18 minutes until the croutons are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool.
  2. Make the dressing: In a large liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and emulsified. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed. If the dressing is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
  3. Assemble the salad: Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl. Pour in half the dressing, add half the croutons and half the shaved Parmesan cheese, and toss gently to combine and coat the leaves evenly. Add more dressing if desired and toss again. Finish by topping the salad with the remaining croutons, remaining shaved Parmesan, and a few grinds of black pepper before serving.

Notes

  • The croutons can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days to retain crispness.
  • The dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container; stir well before using.
  • For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • To make the salad vegan, replace mayonnaise and Parmesan with vegan alternatives, and omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan version.
  • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra half clove of grated garlic to the dressing.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American