Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Creamy Dressing

Classic Caesar Salad features crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. This timeless side is quick to prepare and perfect any night of the week.

Make a memorable salad in under 10 minutes. Once you taste the fresh homemade dressing, store-bought mixes will feel inferior. The base recipe is simple and doesn’t include croutons, but feel free to add them for extra crunch. Serve this nostalgic salad alongside a dinner entrée or as a satisfying lunch.

Pair this salad with a pan-seared ribeye for an easy, elegant meal.

Caesar Salad Highlights 🍋

Caesar salad is beloved because it balances crisp texture, bright acidity, and rich, salty flavors. It’s one of the fastest salads to assemble and feels indulgent without being heavy.

• Fresh ingredients: Crisp romaine and freshly grated or shaved Parmesan create bold, authentic flavor.
• Ready in 10 minutes: The dressing comes together quickly with a few common pantry items—whisk and toss.
• Versatile: Serve as a starter, side, or add protein to make it a complete meal. Works great for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients You Need

This Caesar salad uses a short list of fresh ingredients for the dressing plus romaine and Parmesan for the salad. Most items are pantry staples or available at any grocery store.

NOTE: The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

• Romaine Lettuce: Use fresh, crisp romaine hearts for the best texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated or shaved Parmesan adds the best flavor—buy a block and grate or shave it just before serving.

Homemade Caesar Dressing Ingredients

• Mayo: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.
• Oil: A neutral oil like grapeseed or light olive oil helps emulsify the dressing.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens and balances the dressing.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a pungent, aromatic kick.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and helps emulsify.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes deep umami flavor essential to Caesar.
• Egg Yolk: Traditional recipes use egg yolk for richness and body.
• Anchovy Paste: Anchovies add savory depth. Use paste for convenience or mince fillets and blend—start with a small amount if you’re sensitive to the flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.

How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing

Homemade dressing is easy and fast. Whisk the ingredients together in a bowl and emulsify with oil. The dressing can be prepared up to three days ahead—store it chilled and whisk again before serving.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, egg yolk, garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, and Worcestershire sauce. If using anchovy fillets, puree with an immersion blender or food processor for a smooth texture.

2. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies. Stir in the Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Adjust lemon or salt to taste.

How to Make Caesar Salad

1. In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with enough dressing to coat the leaves evenly.
2. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shaved or grated Parmesan and, if desired, a squeeze of fresh lemon.
3. Serve cold for the best texture—this salad pairs beautifully with steak or grilled proteins.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan make a noticeable difference.
• Keep lettuce crisp: Choose romaine with bright, green leaves. Store wrapped in a damp paper towel in a sealed bag in the fridge to maintain crispness.
• Grate or shave Parmesan fresh: A microplane yields fine cheese for the dressing; a peeler makes elegant shavings for topping.
• Don’t skip the anchovies: They provide signature savory depth—use anchovy paste or blend fillets into the dressing. Start with a small amount if you’re cautious.
• Add croutons: Cube day-old bread, toss with oil and seasonings, and bake until golden for crunchy homemade croutons.
• Serve cold: Toss the salad in a chilled bowl or chill briefly before serving. Caesar tastes best cold and fresh.
• Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or bacon for a complete entree. Other options include boiled egg or avocado.

Make Ahead and Storage

Store the dressing separately from the lettuce to keep the salad crisp.

• Lettuce: Chop, rinse, and dry in a salad spinner. Store in a paper towel–lined airtight container or zip-top bag for up to three days.
• Dressing: Make up to three days in advance and keep in a sealed jar. Shake or whisk before using.
• Parmesan: Grate or shave right before serving for best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Caesar salad pairs well with a wide variety of mains. Consider serving it with pan-seared ribeye, baked ziti, roasted or air-fried chicken thighs, or stuffed pasta dishes. It’s a reliable companion for many meals.

Save this Classic Caesar Salad recipe for any time you want a bright, satisfying salad that’s quick to prepare.