Caesar salad is a must-know for any salad lover like me. It’s one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. This side dish is known for its bold, rich flavors and creamy dressing that ties everything together perfectly.
Contents
Classic Caesar Salad recipe
Caesar salad is a classic green salad with romaine lettuce and croutons. It also includes the tangy Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and of course, that unmistakable Caesar dressing. This side dish originates in Tijuana, Mexico.
This salad pairs well with many dishes, such as garlic shrimp skewers or lemon herb chicken. It’s also often served with crusty garlic bread or pasta dishes like baked ziti or fettuccine Alfredo.
You can serve this side dish with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. Meat dishes like steak, cheese-stuffed meatballs, or rotisserie chicken make satisfying pairings.
Seafood lovers can enjoy this salad with grilled grouper or salmon with dill sauce. For a fun twist, serve it with baked sweet potato fries and creamy avocado dip.
This is how to make Caesar Salad. If you don’t have romaine lettuce, you can choose other alternative greens, like kale, baby spinach, mixed greens, or arugula.
Classic Caesar Salad
Nutrition
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Caesar dressing store-bought or homemade
For the croutons
- 4 slices of day-old bread cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the croutons
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Set them aside to cool.
Prepare the salad
- Wash and chop the romaine lettuce, then place it in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the lettuce.
Assemble the Salad
- Add the cooled croutons to the salad.
- Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Caesar salad!
Notes
- Overdress the salad; it leads to soggy lettuce.
- Use pre-grated Parmesan, as it lacks flavor and texture.
- Neglect to properly dry the lettuce, as it dilutes the dressing.
- Add the dressing too far in advance, it causes wilting.
- Chill plates before serving for a crisp presentation.
- Use a mixture of torn and chopped lettuce for textural variety.
- Reserve some dressing to drizzle on top for visual appeal.
- Offer additional Parmesan and cracked pepper at the table.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Chicken Caesar Salad
This is a popular salad dish that combines grilled or roasted chicken with the classic ingredients this salad. Grilled chicken transforms the salad into a hearty main course. I’ve found that marinating chicken breast enhances its flavor and juiciness. Try this simple marinade:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except chicken in a ziplock bag
- Add chicken breasts and marinate for 2-4 hours
- Grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Slice and serve atop your Caesar salad
Shrimp Caesar salad
Shrimp provides a light protein-rich addition to the dish. This seafood variation offers a delicate flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Toss shrimp with olive oil and seasonings
- Grill or sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque
- Arrange warm shrimp over Caesar salad
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and lemon zest
Other variations
Other versions include:
- Caesar Salmon salad combines heart-healthy fish with classic Caesar flavors.
- Season salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and lemon zest
- Grill or pan-sear for 3-4 minutes per side
- Flake the cooked salmon over prepared Caesar salad
- Garnish with extra lemon wedges and dill
- Grilled Version features grilled romaine lettuce for added smoky flavor and texture.
- Halve romaine hearts lengthwise
- Brush cut sides with olive oil
- Grill for 1-2 minutes per side
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and top with Parmesan
- Vegan Options
- Replace anchovies with capers for brininess
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for cheesy flavor
- Create a vegan dressing with cashews or silken tofu as a base
- Add grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a meaty texture