Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

A Caesar salad is a timeless favorite known for its crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Making the dressing from scratch takes this dish to a whole new level of freshness and flavor. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to create a perfect Caesar salad at home.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

For the Homemade Dressing:

• 2 large egg yolks (optional, for a traditional creamy base)
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 anchovy fillets (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, optional but authentic)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/3 cup olive oil (extra-virgin for best flavor)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks (if using), garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to create an emulsion.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the flavor by adding more lemon juice, mustard, or Parmesan if needed. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

1. Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Use a salad spinner if available to ensure the leaves are crisp and free of water.
2. Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Add the croutons to the salad bowl.
2. Pour the dressing over the lettuce and croutons. Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle the shaved or grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 4: Serve
Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. Add freshly ground black pepper on top if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Homemade Croutons: Cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
• Anchovy-Free Dressing: Skip the anchovies if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Add Protein: Turn your Caesar salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.

Enjoy your classic Caesar salad with its fresh and tangy homemade dressing!