The Ultimate Homemade Caesar Salad: Easy, Delicious & Better Than Store-Bought!

Introduction

Oh, Caesar salad! Just hearing the name brings back memories of cozy dinners and those satisfyingly crunchy croutons. There’s something so classic and comforting about a perfectly tossed Caesar salad, isn’t there? But let’s be honest, sometimes the store-bought versions just don’t hit the spot. Today, we’re going to make a Caesar salad from scratch that will seriously blow you away. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple, coming together in a flash for a truly impressive dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast: You can have this delicious salad ready in under 30 minutes!
• Easy: Seriously, no fancy techniques required. If you can chop and whisk, you can make this.
• Giftable (sort of!): While the assembled salad isn’t really giftable, the homemade croutons make fantastic little edible gifts!
• Crowd-pleasing: Who doesn’t love a good Caesar salad? It’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of making Caesar from scratch is knowing exactly what’s going into it.

For the Crispy Croutons:

• 1/2 French baguette, thinly sliced (about 1/4″ thick): Day-old bread works best here for that perfect crunch!
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Our golden elixir for toasting these up.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 small cloves): Garlic is key for that savory kick.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: For that extra layer of cheesy goodness.

For the Dreamy Caesar Salad Dressing:

• 2 small garlic cloves, minced (about 1 teaspoon): Fresh garlic is a must for that authentic flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: It adds a wonderful tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: This is the secret ingredient that gives it that umami depth!
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice: For brightness and a lovely zesty finish.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar: A little acidity to balance everything out.
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: The base of our creamy dressing.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste: Don’t be shy with the salt, it really wakes up the flavors!
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for serving: Freshly ground pepper makes all the difference.

For the Gorgeous Caesar Salad:

• 1 large head romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads): Crisp, refreshing romaine is the perfect vehicle for this dressing.
• 1/3 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese: The more cheese, the merrier, right?

How to Make It

Alright, apron on, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens.

Step 1: Craft Those Perfect Croutons

1. First things first, let’s get those croutons baking! Preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, toss your baguette slices with the extra virgin olive oil and that lovely minced garlic. Make sure every slice gets a nice coat!
3. Spread the seasoned baguette slices out in a single layer on a baking sheet. No one likes soggy croutons!
4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Pop them into the oven for about 8-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want them golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Give them a flip halfway through so they toast up beautifully on both sides.
6. Once they’re perfect, take them out and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll get even crispier as they cool.

Step 2: Whip Up the Irresistible Dressing

1. Grab a medium bowl. It’s time to make some dressing magic!
2. Into the bowl, add your minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Give it a good whisk to combine.
3. Now, here’s the key to a silky smooth dressing: slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously. This process is called emulsifying, and it makes the dressing nice and creamy.
4. Season it with your sea salt and black pepper. Taste it and adjust the salt if needed. This dressing is so good, you might be tempted to eat it with a spoon!

Step 3: Assemble Your Masterpiece

1. Time for the stars of the show: the lettuce! Wash your romaine lettuce thoroughly and chop it into nice, bite-sized pieces.
2. Place the chopped lettuce into a large salad bowl.
3. Add your cooled, crunchy croutons and that glorious shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese right into the bowl with the lettuce.

Step 4: Dress to Impress!

1. Gently pour your homemade Caesar salad dressing over the salad. Start with a little, you can always add more!
2. Toss everything together with a big spoon or salad tongs. You want every single piece of lettuce, crouton, and cheese to be coated in that delicious dressing.
3. Serve immediately. A little extra black pepper on top is never a bad idea! Enjoy every single bite.

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas:

• For the Croutons: No baguette? No problem! You can use any crusty bread, sourdough, or even challah for your croutons. Cut them into cubes instead of slices for a different look.
• For the Dressing: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar will work in a pinch. Some people love adding a touch of anchovy paste to the dressing for an extra umami punch – it’s traditional and delicious!
• For the Salad: Want to make it a full meal? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some salmon. Roasted chickpeas are also a fantastic vegetarian addition for extra crunch. A few halved cherry tomatoes can add a pop of color and sweetness.

Tips for Success

A few little pointers to make your Caesar salad absolutely perfect:

• Don’t Over-Toss: Once you add the dressing, toss gently and serve right away. Over-tossing can make the lettuce wilt.
• Crouton Crispness: Make sure your croutons are completely cool before adding them to the salad. Warm croutons can make your salad soggy.
• Prep Ahead: You can make the croutons and the dressing a day in advance. Store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature and the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just wash and chop your lettuce when you’re ready to assemble!
• Garlic Power: For a milder garlic flavor in the dressing, you can lightly mash the minced garlic with a pinch of salt before adding it.

How to Store It

Caesar salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:

• Assembled Salad: It’s tricky to store once dressed. If you have a little bit left, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’s best eaten within a few hours, as the lettuce will start to get limp.
• Unassembled Components: The homemade croutons will stay nice and crisp in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The dressing will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week.

FAQs

Can I make Caesar salad dressing without raw eggs?

Absolutely! This recipe uses Dijon mustard and the emulsification process to create a creamy dressing without any raw eggs, making it a safer and equally delicious option.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can try a combination of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar, or even a little extra anchovy paste if you have it. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!

Is homemade Caesar salad healthier than store-bought?

Generally, yes! By making it yourself, you control the ingredients, often reducing the amount of sodium and unhealthy fats often found in pre-made dressings. Plus, the flavor is unbeatable!

Can I grill the croutons instead of baking them?

Yes, you can! Toss your bread slices with olive oil and garlic, then grill them over medium heat until golden brown and crispy on both sides. It adds a wonderful smoky flavor!