Homemade Caesar Salad: The Ultimate Classic Recipe

Homemade Caesar Salad: The Ultimate Classic Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality Caesar salad at home
• Made with authentic techniques
• Perfectly balanced flavors
• Fresh, bright, and satisfying
• Customizable to taste preferences

The Art of Caesar Salad

More than just lettuce and dressing, a proper Caesar salad is a carefully crafted blend of textures and flavors. Created in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1924 by Caesar Cardini, this salad has become a culinary icon for good reason.

Key Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce: Creates crisp foundation
• Fresh garlic: Provides aromatic punch
• Anchovy fillets: Delivers umami depth
• Farm-fresh eggs: Essential for authentic dressing
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes
• Crusty bread: Makes perfect homemade croutons

Ingredient Deep Dive

Lettuce Selection

• Choose crisp, fresh romaine hearts
• Look for bright green leaves
• Avoid brown or wilted edges
• Inner leaves should be pale yellow
• Wash and dry thoroughly
• Crucial for dressing adhesion

Anchovy Wisdom

• Use oil-packed anchovy fillets
• Higher quality means better flavor
• Can substitute with paste if needed
• Adds depth without fishiness
• Essential for authentic taste

Equipment Essentials

• Large salad bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Garlic press
• Sheet pan for croutons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Croutons**
   - Cube day-old crusty bread
   - Toss with olive oil and garlic
   - Season with salt and herbs
   - Spread on baking sheet
   - Bake at 375°F until golden
   - Should be crispy outside, tender inside

2. **Create Dressing Base**
   - Mince garlic into paste
   - Mash anchovy fillets
   - Combine with egg yolk
   - Whisk until smooth
   - Creates emulsion foundation
   - Develops proper texture

3. **Build the Dressing**
   - Slowly drizzle in olive oil
   - Whisk constantly
   - Add lemon juice gradually
   - Incorporate Worcestershire sauce
   - Season with black pepper
   - Taste and adjust seasoning

4. **Prepare Lettuce**
   - Tear romaine into bite-size pieces
   - Wash thoroughly
   - Dry completely
   - Wet lettuce dilutes dressing
   - Chill until crisp

5. **Final Assembly**
   - Toss lettuce with dressing
   - Add homemade croutons
   - Shave fresh Parmesan
   - Finish with black pepper
   - Serve immediately

Pro Tips

• Use room temperature eggs
• Fresh squeeze lemon juice
• Grate Parmesan just before serving
• Massage dressing into leaves
• Don't overdress the salad

Safety Note

• Raw egg traditional but optional
• Use pasteurized eggs if concerned
• Can substitute mayonnaise base
• Still delivers classic flavor
• Ensures food safety

Flavor Variations

• Add grilled chicken
• Include cherry tomatoes
• Incorporate bacon bits
• Try different cheese varieties
• Experiment with herbs in croutons

Make-Ahead Components

• Prepare croutons in advance
• Store in airtight container
• Make dressing day before
• Wash and dry lettuce ahead
• Assemble just before serving

Storage Tips

• Keep dressing refrigerated
• Use within 2-3 days
• Store croutons at room temperature
• Lettuce stays crisp when properly dried
• Never store dressed salad

Experience the magic of a properly made Caesar salad – crisp, creamy, and utterly satisfying with every bite!