Side Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade dressing with crunchy croutons and freshly grated parmesan. This classic American side salad comes together in just 15 minutes with no fancy equipment. The raw garlic and anchovy paste give the dressing that signature savory punch that makes it a restaurant favorite at home.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prepare the lettuce.
Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Tear into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- saute · ~5 min
Make the croutons.
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.2.Add bread cubes and minced garlic, tossing frequently.3.Cook until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes.TIPDay-old bread works best — fresh bread can get soggy instead of crispy. - mix · ~3 min
Whisk the Caesar dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and dijon mustard.2.Slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified and creamy.3.Add salt and black pepper, whisking to combine.TIPMake sure the egg is at room temperature for the smoothest emulsion. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the salad.
1.Pour the dressing over the torn romaine lettuce.2.Add half of the grated parmesan cheese and the warm croutons.3.Toss gently until every leaf is coated. - serve
Serve immediately with remaining parmesan.
Divide the salad among plates. Top with the remaining grated parmesan and an extra crack of black pepper.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry the lettuce thoroughly after washing so the dressing clings properly.
- 2Use day-old bread for croutons so they crisp up without becoming soggy.
- 3Whisk the dressing slowly while drizzling oil to create a stable emulsion.
- 4Toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the tender romaine leaves.
- 5Serve immediately after tossing so the croutons stay crunchy and the greens stay crisp.
- 6For a milder garlic flavor, rub a cut clove on the salad bowl before adding lettuce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Grilled chicken caesar
Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken breast for a protein-rich main course. The char on the chicken complements the smoky notes from the croutons.
low carb caesarLow-carb caesar
Replace croutons with toasted chickpeas or roasted almonds for crunch. This keeps the salad keto-friendly while adding fiber and healthy fats.
vegan caesarVegan caesar
Swap egg yolk for 2 tbsp of tahini and use vegan parmesan (or nutritional yeast). Tahini mimics the creamy emulsion and adds a nutty depth.
smashed garlic caesarSmashed garlic caesar
Instead of minced garlic, smash a whole clove and rub it on the salad bowl before adding lettuce for a subtler, perfume-like garlic finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin K
Romaine lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin K, which supports bone health and proper blood clotting.
Good Source of Protein
Parmesan cheese and egg yolk provide high-quality protein, helping with muscle repair and satiety.
Contains Healthy Fats
Olive oil and egg yolk supply monounsaturated fats and omega-3s that support heart health and nutrient absorption.
Probiotic Support
Anchovy paste is a fermented ingredient that can contribute beneficial microbes for gut health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, whisk the dressing (excluding the garnish parmesan) and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Whisk again before tossing.
