The Caesar salad is one of those dishes that looks simple but carries a lot of character. Crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, sharp cheese, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together—when done right, it’s more than just a “side salad.” It can stand proudly as a full meal, especially when you add chicken, shrimp, or even grilled fish.
Despite what many people think, a good Caesar salad is not about drowning lettuce in mayonnaise. It’s about balance: freshness, saltiness, crunch, and a smooth, tangy dressing that coats every leaf lightly.
Let’s break it down and show you how to make a proper Caesar salad from scratch, in a simple and achievable way.
What Makes a Caesar Salad Special?
A true Caesar salad is defined by three key things:
- Fresh, crunchy romaine lettuce
- A bold, creamy dressing with garlic, lemon, and cheese
- Crunchy croutons and grated Parmesan cheese
Unlike many salads, Caesar salad doesn’t rely on many vegetables. The magic is in the dressing and the way it clings to the lettuce.
Ingredients for Caesar Salad
For the Salad
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce
- ½ cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Caesar Dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg yolk (or 2 tablespoons mayonnaise as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing
- Start with the base
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolk (or mayonnaise). Whisk until smooth. - Add the lemon juice
Pour in the lemon juice and whisk again. This gives the dressing its signature tang. - Slowly add the olive oil
While whisking continuously, drizzle in the olive oil slowly. This helps the dressing emulsify and become thick and creamy. - Season and finish
Add salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Set the dressing aside while you prepare the salad.
Preparing the Lettuce
Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly and dry it well. This step is very important—wet lettuce will water down the dressing.
Chop or tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
Assembling the Caesar Salad
- Add the lettuce to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the lettuce a little at a time.
- Toss gently until every leaf is lightly coated.
- Add the croutons and toss again.
- Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little black pepper on top.
Serve immediately for the best crunch and freshness.
Optional Add-Ins
If you want to turn your Caesar salad into a full meal, try adding:
- Grilled chicken breast (sliced)
- Pan-fried shrimp
- Grilled salmon
- Crispy bacon bits
- Boiled eggs
These additions make the salad more filling without overpowering the classic Caesar flavor.
Tips for the Best Caesar Salad
- Use fresh Parmesan, not the powdered type.
- Don’t overdress the salad—Caesar dressing should coat, not soak.
- If raw egg worries you, mayonnaise is a perfectly safe and tasty substitute.
- Homemade croutons made with bread, olive oil, and garlic take this salad to another level.
Final Thoughts
A well-made Caesar salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or turning it into a complete meal, this classic salad never disappoints.
Once you try making Caesar salad from scratch, you’ll realize it tastes far better than most restaurant versions—and you can adjust it exactly to your liking.
