Classic Caesar with Creamy Dressing

This hearty Caesar salad has become my weekend lunch staple, combining the perfect balance of crisp romaine, homemade crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing that doesn't require raw eggs.

I first created this version after a disappointing takeout Caesar that left me craving the real thing. After several tests with my family as willing guinea pigs, this version became our gold standard and now appears on our table at least weekly.

Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce The backbone of any Caesar salad with its satisfying crunch and ability to hold up to the creamy dressing without wilting
• Crusty bread Day old bread works perfectly for croutons as it absorbs just the right amount of olive oil while maintaining structure
• Mayonnaise The secret to an easy creamy dressing base without the fuss of raw eggs
• Fresh lemon juice Provides essential brightness that cuts through the richness of the dressing
• Dijon mustard Adds depth and helps emulsify the dressing for that perfect consistency
• Garlic Fresh is non negotiable here for that authentic Caesar punch
• Worcestershire sauce The umami backbone that replaces anchovies in traditional recipes
• Parmesan cheese Use the best quality you can find and grate some fresh while shaving the rest for texture contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Greens

Wash your romaine thoroughly then dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Water left on leaves will dilute your dressing. Tear into bite sized pieces rather than cutting to prevent browning at the edges.

Create Perfect Croutons

Cube your bread into roughly half inch pieces with some irregular shapes for texture variety. Toss generously with olive oil until each piece glistens but isn't soggy. Spread in a single layer on your baking sheet and toast at 350°F for about 12 minutes, checking at 10 minutes to prevent burning. The ideal crouton should be golden brown with a crisp exterior but slight chew in the center.

Mix The Dressing

Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, grated garlic, and Worcestershire in a bowl, whisking until completely smooth. Add grated Parmesan and black pepper, continuing to whisk until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding water by the teaspoon if you prefer a thinner consistency. The dressing should coat the back of a spoon but still drizzle easily.

Assemble With Care

Place romaine in a large bowl with room for tossing. Add half the dressing and use tongs to gently coat each leaf. Taste and add more dressing as needed. Incorporate half the croutons and Parmesan shavings, tossing gently to distribute. Top with remaining croutons and cheese just before serving for maximum textural contrast.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the homemade croutons. The first time I served this salad at a dinner party, a friend asked where I bought the incredible croutons. Her shock when I explained they were homemade sparked a full crouton making tutorial in my kitchen the following weekend.

Make Ahead Options

The dressing actually improves with time as flavors meld in the refrigerator. Make it up to five days ahead and store in an airtight container. Just whisk briefly before using if any separation occurs. The croutons can be prepared three days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For the freshest presentation, wash and dry the romaine up to a day ahead, storing wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed bag in the refrigerator.

Transforming Into A Main Dish

This classic side becomes a satisfying main course with thoughtful additions. Grilled chicken adds lean protein while maintaining the salad's elegant profile. For seafood lovers, seared shrimp or salmon create a restaurant worthy presentation. Vegetarians might appreciate roasted chickpeas or white beans for protein, adding a complementary earthy note to the bright dressing. Whatever your choice, add protein after dressing the base salad for the most professional presentation.

Creative Variations

While this classic version shines on its own, subtle twists can create entirely new experiences. Substitute half the romaine with finely shredded kale for added nutrition and textural contrast. Add a handful of briny capers for unexpected pops of flavor throughout the salad. For special occasions, crispy prosciutto bits provide a luxurious salty element that complements the creamy dressing beautifully. During summer months, consider adding halved cherry tomatoes for sweet juicy bursts against the savory background.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Caesar salad components ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Croutons can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, wait to toss everything together until just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ Why use mayonnaise instead of raw egg yolks in the dressing?

Using mayonnaise creates the same rich, creamy texture as traditional Caesar dressing but is much simpler to prepare and eliminates food safety concerns associated with raw eggs. The mayonnaise base still delivers the classic flavor profile when combined with the other dressing ingredients.

→ How can I make this Caesar salad vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, use Parmesan cheese specifically labeled as vegetarian (like BelGioioso's vegetarian option), as most traditional Parmesan contains animal rennet. Also substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan version (Annie's or 365 Brand work well) since traditional Worcestershire contains anchovies.

→ What's the best bread for homemade croutons?

A crusty, artisanal bread like sourdough, French bread, or ciabatta works best for croutons. These sturdy breads hold their shape when tossed with olive oil and maintain the perfect balance of crispy exterior and slightly chewy interior when toasted. Day-old bread is ideal as it's slightly dried out already.

→ Can I add protein to make this a main dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken breast, seared shrimp, or flaked salmon are excellent protein additions that transform this side salad into a satisfying main course. For vegetarian options, add roasted chickpeas or white beans for protein. Just place your protein of choice on top of the dressed salad before serving.

→ How do I prevent my Caesar salad from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure your romaine lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing, as excess water will dilute the dressing. Also, only dress the salad immediately before serving. If preparing for a gathering, keep all components separate until the last minute, then toss together just before bringing to the table.