If you’re looking for a dish that combines crisp freshness, creamy richness, and an unbeatable tangy-savory bite, you need to whip up this Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing. Each forkful is a celebration of crunchy romaine, bold Parmesan, and the kind of delectable dressing you’ll want to put on everything. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the main event with your favorite protein, Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is an irresistible classic that never goes out of style.

Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each element is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, while also lending that familiar crunch, creaminess, and zing that makes every bite memorable.

Romaine Lettuce: Use a large, fresh head for that satisfying crunch and refreshing bite; chop and dry thoroughly for the best texture.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and a classic Caesar flavor boost; always use freshly grated for best results.
Garlic Croutons: These provide crave-worthy crunch and a subtle garlic aroma, making every mouthful more exciting.
Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for your dressing, giving it body and richness without the need for raw eggs.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, zesty balance to the dressing, lifting all the other flavors.
Dijon Mustard: Offers gentle heat and tang, and helps to emulsify the dressing for a silky finish.
Worcestershire Sauce: Gives that essential umami depth, rounding out the classic Caesar profile.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses every drop of the dressing with its unmistakable aroma and punch.
Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Rich, peppery, and smooth, this is key for a glossy, luscious dressing.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste to make your salad pop.
Anchovy Fillets or Paste (Optional): For a true Caesar experience, anchovy adds that briny, savory depth—use it if you love classic flavor.

How to Make Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and anchovy (if you’re opting for that authentic touch). When everything is combined and smooth, start drizzling in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, all while whisking vigorously. This step helps the dressing emulsify, resulting in a creamy, clinging texture. Finish by seasoning generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper to suit your taste.

Step 2: Chop and Dry the Romaine

Take that large, beautifully crisp head of romaine lettuce and chop it into bite-size pieces. Wash and spin it dry, or pat thoroughly with clean towels; any extra moisture will dilute your dressing and rob you of that classic salad crunch.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a spacious salad bowl, layer the chopped romaine, a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, and a hearty shower of garlic croutons. These three components lay the foundation for every perfect bite of Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing.

Step 4: Toss with the Dressing

Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the lettuce, cheese, and croutons. With clean hands or salad tongs, toss the salad gently to ensure every leaf is coated and every crouton gets a hint of that creamy, tangy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is at its absolute best right after tossing while the croutons are still crispy and the flavors are vibrant. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a crack of black pepper right before serving for maximum appeal.

How to Serve Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Garnishes

No Caesar is complete without a flourish of finishing touches. Pile on a bit more Parmesan, add a twist of fresh ground black pepper, or even lay a few whole anchovy fillets across the top. These elements accentuate the bold flavors already present in your Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing.

Side Dishes

Serving your salad as an appetizer? Pair it with warm garlic bread, a light Italian soup, or roasted vegetables. If you’re making it a main course, grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon turns this Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing into a hearty and balanced meal you’ll want to make on repeat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in chilled bowls for a restaurant-style touch, or for festive gatherings, offer the salad in lettuce cups as bite-sized appetizers. You can even layer ingredients in a clear glass bowl or trifle dish for a stunning presentation that showcases all the lovely textures and colors of Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing, it’s best to keep the dressing and salad components separate. Store the chopped romaine, croutons, and Parmesan in airtight containers in the fridge, and keep the dressing in a jar—giving you the best shot at maintaining texture and freshness for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Salad greens and dairy-rich dressings don’t fare well in the freezer; the texture degrades and the dressing can separate. For best flavor and crunch, enjoy Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing fresh and avoid freezing either the salad or the dressing.

Reheating

Since the salad is classically served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need for reheating. However, if your croutons have softened, a quick toast in the oven will revive their crunch before tossing them back into your Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing up to 3 days ahead; just store it in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using.

What if I don’t have anchovies, or don’t like them?

No problem at all. While anchovies offer that classic, savory punch, you can leave them out for a milder flavor—the dressing is still wonderfully flavorful without them.

How do I keep the croutons from getting soggy?

For the best results, always toss in your croutons right before serving. This ensures they keep their glorious crunch in every bite of your Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing.

Can I add protein to make it a main meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon are all fantastic on top. They add heartiness and make your Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing a satisfying main dish.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

It can be! Simply skip the anchovies or use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to keep your Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing meat-free and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing enough—it’s fresh, satisfying, and so easy to make at home. Gather your ingredients, whip up that creamy dressing, and you’ll see why it’s a forever favorite. Get ready for rave reviews at your table every single time!

Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian (without anchovies)

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with this easy recipe featuring a homemade dressing. Crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and garlic croutons come together with a tangy dressing for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Romaine Salad:

1 large head romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste
optional anchovy fillets or anchovy paste for authentic flavor

Additional:

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup garlic croutons

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and anchovy (if using) until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine, Parmesan, and croutons. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Serve: Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan and black pepper if desired.

Notes

For added protein, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
If making ahead, keep dressing and salad separate until just before serving to maintain crispness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian-American