Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

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by Lionel Ramon

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When you take a bite of a Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing, you’re diving into a world of crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and the creamy, tangy goodness that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey. Picture this: you’re lounging on the patio during a sunny afternoon, the aroma of garlic wafting through the air as you whip up your homemade dressing. spring pea and mint salad asparagus and pea soup The anticipation builds as you know that each bite will be a flavor explosion of savory cheese and zesty lemon.

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This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply enjoying a relaxing dinner at home, this Caesar Salad will steal the show. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Get ready to savor every moment!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is easy to make and bursts with flavor
  • The fresh ingredients create a colorful presentation that pleases the eye
  • You can customize it with your favorite toppings for added versatility
  • It’s perfect for any occasion, whether casual or fancy

I remember the first time I made this salad for my family; they were so impressed that they nearly staged an intervention to keep me from making anything else.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Romaine Lettuce: Fresh, crisp romaine adds crunch and freshness; look for bright green leaves with no brown spots.
  • Croutons: Store-bought or homemade, croutons bring delightful crunch; opt for garlic-flavored ones for extra zest.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shaved Parmesan offers rich umami flavors; freshly grated is always best.
  • Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor impact; roast them if you like a sweeter taste.

For the Dressing:

  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing; choose full-fat mayo for richer flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed brings brightness; avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and depth; just a teaspoon goes a long way!
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides savory depth; don’t skip it!
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Dressing: Start by combining mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Taste Test: Once mixed, take a tiny spoonful of your dressing and give it a taste. Adjust seasoning as needed, maybe add more lemon juice for zing or Worcestershire sauce for depth.

Chop the Romaine: Wash and dry your romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.

Add Croutons and Cheese: Toss in your croutons and grated Parmesan cheese with the chopped lettuce. These elements add texture and flavor that complement each other beautifully.

Toss It All Together: Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad. Use tongs to toss everything gently until evenly coated, be careful not to crush those lovely croutons!

Serve Immediately: Plate up generous portions of your Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing right away. Enjoy while it’s fresh, the crunch is part of the magic! For more inspiration, check out this homemade dressing recipes recipe.

Now that you’ve created this delightful Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing from scratch, prepare yourself for compliments galore! Each bite is sure to transport you straight back to that sunny patio moment we dreamt about earlier. cilantro lime chicken thighs Happy munching!

You Must Know

  • This Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is a classic that never fails to impress
  • The creamy dressing and crisp romaine create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will elevate any meal
  • Plus, it’s easy to prepare and customize based on your taste preferences

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make the most of your time, prep the dressing first, then chop the romaine while it chills in the fridge for extra crunch.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this salad by adding grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even avocado for a creamy twist. balsamic vinaigrette chicken salad.

Storing & Reheating

Store the salad components separately in airtight containers. The dressing can last up to a week in the fridge, while assembled salads should be consumed within a day for the best texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; wilted lettuce can ruin your salad experience
  • Mixing the dressing just before serving keeps it creamy and delightful
  • Consider adding homemade croutons for that extra crunch!

The first time I made this Caesar Salad was at a family gathering. My cousin proclaimed it “the best salad ever,” and I’ve been riding that compliment high ever since!

FAQs

FAQ

How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?

Homemade Caesar dressing lasts about one week when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely! Store-bought Caesar dressing saves time but lacks the freshness of homemade versions.

Is it necessary to use anchovies?

While anchovies add depth, you can skip them if you’re not a fan; try Worcestershire sauce instead.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in the ultimate Caesar Salad, featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a luscious homemade dressing that perfectly balances creaminess and tang. This vibrant dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making it an ideal choice for any gathering or a simple weeknight meal. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this classic favorite that elevates any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Wash and dry romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
  3. Toss in croutons and grated Parmesan with the lettuce.
  4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Plate generous portions right away for the best crunch.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (200g)
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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