Best 8 Easy Classic Caesar Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the timeless flavors of the classic Caesar salad, a culinary masterpiece that has captivated taste buds for generations. This iconic dish, believed to have originated in Mexico in the 1920s, combines crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and an array of savory ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. In this article, we present two variations of the Caesar salad - the traditional and a vegetarian version - each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe.

The traditional Caesar salad recipe embodies the essence of the dish, featuring the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky dressing, crunchy croutons, and salty Parmesan cheese. We guide you through the process of making the dressing from scratch, ensuring a vibrant flavor profile with just the right amount of tanginess. The vegetarian Caesar salad, on the other hand, offers a delightful twist with grilled portobello mushrooms as the star ingredient. This variation provides a hearty and flavorful substitute for chicken while maintaining the integrity of the classic Caesar salad experience.

Both recipes are presented with meticulous instructions, providing step-by-step guidance to ensure flawless execution. We delve into the finer details, offering tips on selecting the best ingredients, achieving the perfect dressing consistency, and assembling the salad for maximum visual appeal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to create a Caesar salad that will impress your family and friends.

Embark on a culinary journey with us as we explore the timeless flavors of the Caesar salad, a dish that continues to delight and satisfy. With the traditional and vegetarian recipes at your disposal, you'll be able to cater to a variety of preferences and create a memorable dining experience. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's dive into the world of this iconic salad.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD



Classic Caesar Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 to 5 anchovies packed in oil, drained
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/3 baguette, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Soak the anchovies in a bowl of water, 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry, then finely chop and mash to form a paste; set aside.
  • Make the croutons: Combine the butter with the garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; cook, swirling the pan occasionally, 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour into a medium bowl. Add the bread cubes and parsley and toss; season with salt and pepper. Arrange the bread on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes; let cool.
  • Meanwhile, make the dressing: Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Gently lower the egg into the water, then immediately remove the pan from the heat and let stand 5 minutes. Drain and rinse the egg under cold water; crack into a large bowl. Whisk in the anchovy paste, the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and mustard powder until smooth. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until emulsified; season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the lettuce, croutons and about one-third of the Parmesan to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss. Divide among plates and top with the remaining Parmesan.

CLASSIC RESTAURANT CAESAR SALAD



Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad image

I used to work at a very fancy restaurant while I was in college. The best part of the job was making table side salads, entrees, and dessert. This was the best Caesar salad I have ever had! If having trouble getting the anchovy to mash, add a couple of croutons. They provide sort of an anti-skid surface, and the hard edges of the croutons cut into the anchovy.

Provided by sarahcrites

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Romaine Lettuce Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 anchovy fillets
½ lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 egg yolk
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup olive oil
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ head romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons croutons

Steps:

  • Mash garlic with anchovies in a large salad bowl. Whisk lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, egg yolk, and Worcestershire sauce into the anchovy mixture until mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually whisk olive oil into the dressing, pouring the oil into the dressing in a thin stream while stirring constantly. Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Gently mix romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese into the dressing until thoroughly coated; serve salad topped with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 362.1 calories, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Cholesterol 116.3 mg, Fat 33 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 587.2 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

EASY CAESAR SALAD RECIPE



Easy Caesar Salad Recipe image

Enjoy this light and delicious Easy Caesar Salad Recipe at home for a tasty meal. You can eat it plain or add chicken to make it a full meal.

Provided by Eating on a Dime

Categories     Appetizer     Salad

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 large head of romaine lettuce
1/2 cup caesar salad dressing (link to our dressing)
1 cup croutons - link to our homemade croutons
1/3 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon pepper (freshly cracked is best)

Steps:

  • Coarsely chop the romaine lettuce
  • Stir in the croutons and parmesan cheese.
  • Drizzle the salad dressing and sprinkle with pepper.
  • Toss to combine and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 20 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 17 mg, Sodium 542 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD WITH HOMEMADE CROUTONS



Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons image

This homemade Caesar salad is loaded with flavor! Cold, crunchy romaine lettuce and golden brown, toasted croutons are tossed in a briny, rich dressing, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Serve as a side salad alongside lasagna or grilled steak and potatoes, or add a protein such as grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp and make it a main dish.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Categories     Caesar Salad

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

½ (1 pound) loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, pressed
3 anchovy fillets, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or more to taste
¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper, or more to taste
3 hearts romaine - washed, chopped, and chilled

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place bread on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Whisk together oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a liquid measure. Pour mixture over the bread and toss with your hands until evenly coated. Spread bread mixture into a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and toasted, yet slightly soft in the center, 15 to 18 minutes, tossing croutons a few times during baking. Remove from the oven and let cool completely while you prepare the salad.
  • Place garlic, anchovies, and salt in a large salad serving bowl; press the mixture with a fork until a paste forms. Stir in egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Slowly whisk in olive oil until all is incorporated and mixture is well blended and smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove about 1/4 cup of dressing and set aside for another use.
  • When ready to serve, add lettuce and 1/2 of the croutons to the bowl with the remaining dressing; toss until well coated. Reserve remaining croutons for another use.
  • Sprinkle salad with additional Parmesan and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 406.2 calories, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 55.9 mg, Fat 31.3 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 998.1 mg

CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Caesar Salad Recipe by Tasty image

Caesar salad is a classic, and we think our recipe embodies everything you love about the dish-it's tangy, creamy, crunchy, and garlicky. Drizzle little gem lettuce with homemade and hand-whisked Caesar dressing and top with torn-bread croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve with your choice of protein, if desired, but we think it's pretty perfect as is.

Provided by Betsy Carter

Categories     Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 cloves garlic, crushed and roughly chopped
6 oil-packed anchovy fillets, drained and roughly chopped
¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
2 large pastured egg yollks
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups bread, torn into 1 in (2.54 cm) pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 oz little gem lettuce, leaves separated or torn
kosher salt, to taste
½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for topping
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 oz grilled chicken breast, sliced into ¼-inch (6 mm) pieces
8 oz grilled salmon, broken into 1 in (2.54 cm)
½ lb grilled shrimp

Steps:

  • Make the classic caesar dressing: On a cutting board, chop the garlic and anchovies together to combine. Sprinkle with the salt. Use the side of a knife to chop and mash the mixture into a smooth, homogeneous paste. Transfer the paste to a medium bowl.
  • Add the egg yolks and mustard to the bowl with the garlic anchovy paste. Whisk until the egg yolks lighten in color and become airy, about 2 minutes. While whisking continuously, drizzle in the vegetable and olive oils until the dressing is thick and emulsified. Whisk in the lemon juice; the dressing should loosen a bit but will still be thick enough to liberally coat the back of a spoon and should fall in ribbons when drizzled. Stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. The dressing will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Make the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a medium bowl, toss the torn bread with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Scatter across a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, turning the pan halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside.
  • Assemble the salad: On a serving platter or in a large bowl, arrange half of the little gem leaves and season with a pinch of salt. Drizzle with ⅓ cup of the dressing and top with half of the Parmesan the croutons. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make another layer, adding more dressing to taste. Season with pepper. If desired, top with the protein of your choice, such as chicken, salmon, or shrimp. Serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 843 calories, Carbohydrate 27 grams, Fat 54 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 62 grams, Sugar 3 grams

EASY CAESAR SALAD FOR A CROWD



Easy Caesar Salad for a Crowd image

Everyone loves Caesar salad! Here's one big enough to serve the whole gang!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup Caesar dressing
2 bunches romaine, torn into bite-size pieces (20 cups)
2 cups Caesar or garlic-flavored croutons
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Pour dressing into large salad bowl. Add romaine; toss until coated with dressing.
  • Sprinkle with croutons, cheese and pepper; toss.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130, Carbohydrate 7 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 380 mg

SIMPLE CAESAR SALAD



Simple Caesar Salad image

In the summer, I'll mix fresh tomato slices and vegetables from our garden in with the salad. I also experiment with different kinds of lettuce than romaine.-Carolene Esayenko, Calgary, Alberta

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 5m

Yield 4-6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 cups torn romaine
1/2 cup Caesar salad croutons
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the romaine, croutons, bacon and cheese. Add dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

EASY CAESAR SALAD



Easy Caesar Salad image

You'll have this restaurant favorite on your table in no time!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/2 cup Caesar dressing
1 large or 2 small bunches romaine, torn into bite-size pieces (10 cups)
1 cup Caesar or garlic-flavored croutons
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Pour dressing into large salad bowl. Add romaine; toss until coated with dressing.
  • Sprinkle with croutons, cheese and pepper; toss.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130, Carbohydrate 7 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 380 mg

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make all the difference in the flavor of your salad.
  • Make sure your romaine lettuce is crisp and cold. You can chill it in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes before assembling the salad.
  • Don't overdress the salad. A little bit of dressing goes a long way.
  • Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh. Pre-grated cheese doesn't have the same flavor.
  • Add the croutons and bacon just before serving. This will prevent them from getting soggy.

Conclusion:

Caesar salad is a classic for a reason. It's simple to make, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. With these tips, you can make the perfect Caesar salad at home. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.

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