Classic Caesar Salad
The ultimate Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade garlic croutons, shaved Parmesan, and a creamy, tangy dressing made from scratch. Once you taste the homemade version, you'll never go back to bottled.
Ingredients
- For the Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Salad:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup Parmesan shavings
- For Croutons:
- 4 cups cubed bread (day-old French or Italian)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Make the croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Make the dressing: In a large wooden bowl, mash garlic and anchovies into a paste with a fork.
- Whisk in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add egg yolk and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until dressing is thick and emulsified.
- Stir in grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble: Wash and dry romaine lettuce. Tear into bite-sized pieces.
- Add lettuce to the bowl with dressing. Toss until leaves are well coated.
- Top with croutons and Parmesan shavings. Serve immediately.
Chef's Tips
- For food safety, use pasteurized eggs or skip the yolk and add more oil
- Anchovy is essential - it adds umami without fishy taste
- Toss salad just before serving to keep croutons crispy
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a main course