Print

Creamy Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Creamy Classic Caesar Salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh and indulgent Caesar salad made from scratch with a creamy, garlicky homemade dressing featuring anchovies and lemon for the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce (about 8 cups chopped), washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Croutons (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2–3 anchovy fillets, finely mashed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
  • Salt, to taste
  • For homemade croutons (optional):
  • 3 cups day-old bread cubes
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Sprinkle of garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry romaine lettuce thoroughly. Tear into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, finely mash anchovy fillets with minced garlic using the back of a spoon.
  3. Add mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the anchovy-garlic mixture. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing until creamy and glossy.
  5. Season dressing with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust lemon juice or salt as needed.
  6. If making homemade croutons, toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Toast in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
  7. Add grated Parmesan cheese and croutons to the bowl with romaine lettuce.
  8. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all leaves without bruising.
  9. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper on top.

Notes

If dressing is too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water or more lemon juice to loosen. Prepare salad just before serving to keep romaine crisp. Store dressing separately if prepping ahead. Homemade croutons add extra flavor but store-bought work fine. For dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based mayonnaise and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. For gluten-free, use gluten-free croutons or omit them.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, homemade dressing, creamy salad, anchovy dressing, easy salad recipe, classic Caesar, romaine lettuce, Parmesan, croutons

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/creamy-classic-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-homemade-dressing-tutorial/