Description
This classic Caesar Salad features crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a tangy, creamy homemade dressing. Perfect as a delicious side salad or a light lunch, this recipe balances textures and flavors with ease and can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Croutons
- 4 cups cubed crusty bread
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Sea salt (for sprinkling)
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
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 garnish)
Instructions
- Make the croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cubed bread evenly on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, then toss gently to coat all the bread cubes. Arrange the cubes in a single layer and bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and allow to cool completely.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, 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 well blended. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
- Assemble the salad: Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl. Add half of the prepared dressing, half of the croutons, and half of the shaved Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to coat the lettuce evenly. Add more dressing if desired to taste, tossing until the salad is coated to your liking. Finish by topping with the remaining croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a few grinds of black pepper for garnish.
Notes
- The Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use day-old or sturdy bread for the best croutons that hold their crispness longer.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is crucial for authentic flavor; avoid pre-grated varieties when possible.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil in the dressing to control richness and consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
