Recipe

How to Make a Classic Caesar Salad From Scratch

By Helen Citrin at CU Boulder

Do you ever just really want a Caesar salad from your favorite restaurant, but feel too lazy to get one, or just don't want to spend extra cash on something you can make on your own? You're in luck, because I've got your new go-to Caesar salad recipe when you're craving something delicious. 

This recipe is simple, quick, and easily altered to fit your preference. If you're anything like me, the hint of anchovy will make you turn green, but if you love it then add it to your bowl. It's a healthy, tasty, zesty, and versatile salad, that everyone will love (and it's also super affordable!). Here's hot to make Caesar salad that will make you swear off the store-bought version forever.

Caesar Salad

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Total Time: 22 mins
  • Servings: 2
Ingredients
  • 2 small garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste optional
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/2 baguette sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1 1/2 heads romaine lettuce washed and chopped
  • 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes optional
  • 1/4 cup black olives optional

Step 1

The first step is to make the croutons. Preheat oven to 350°F. Set up the bread slices on a baking sheet.

Alex Caplin

Step 2

Drizzle both sides of bread with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and garlic powder (if you would like, you can use fresh garlic and rub the bread with that instead of powder).

Alex Caplin

Step 3

Once the crouton slices are all seasoned and the oven is heated, bake for 12 minutes, and flip slices halfway or until golden brown. When done, set aside and let cool.

Helen Citrin

Step 4

While the croutons are cooking, make the Caesar dressing. In a bowl, mix the garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, and anchovy paste (if using). Then add the mayo, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until it's well mixed. If you would like, you can add capers and lemon zest. Taste and adjust to your liking if needed.

Alex Caplin

Step 5

In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce, cherry or sun dried tomatoes, black olives, croutons, shredded Parmesan, and dressing.

Alex Caplin

Step 6

Toss all together and top it off with Parmesan and protein if desired.

#SpoonTip: For protein, put what your tastebuds crave: tofu, salmon, shrimp, chicken, chickpeas, etc.

Alex Caplin

Remember, you can replace the Caesar dressing, croutons, or protein with pre-made, store-bought items instead if you don't want to make them all yourself.   

This Caesar salad is not only easy, but it's healthy and affordable too. So invite your friends and family over and show them what you can do in the kitchen.