Description
Classic Caesar Salad is a timeless Italian-American favorite featuring crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy no-cook recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal as a light meal or side dish. Optional anchovy fillets add a savory depth, while lemon juice brightens the salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce (washed, dried, and chopped)
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional anchovy fillets for garnish (or in dressing)
For Homemade Croutons (Optional)
- Cubed bread
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: In a large bowl, add the washed, dried, and chopped romaine lettuce to create a fresh base for the salad.
- Toss with Dressing and Lemon Juice: Drizzle the Caesar dressing and lemon juice over the lettuce. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the leaves are evenly coated with the dressing mixture, ensuring balanced flavor.
- Add Croutons and Parmesan: Sprinkle in the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again lightly to combine, taking care to maintain the texture contrast between crunchy croutons and soft lettuce.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper to taste over the salad. Serve immediately, optionally topped with additional Parmesan cheese or anchovy fillets for extra flavor.
- Optional Homemade Croutons: To prepare homemade croutons, toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crispy, then use as the croutons in this salad.
Notes
- To make this salad a complete meal, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for added protein.
- Homemade croutons add a delicious personalized touch and can be tailored with various seasonings.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the salad’s flavor significantly compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Anchovy fillets can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste, although they offer authentic Caesar flavor.