Classic Caesar Salad with Croutons and Parmesan Cheese

Introduction

The Classic Caesar Salad is a timeless dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, sharp Parmesan cheese, and a creamy, garlicky dressing. It is refreshing, satisfying, and elegant, making it a favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike. This salad is versatile—perfect as a light appetizer, a side dish to complement hearty mains, or even a complete meal with added grilled chicken or shrimp.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crisp lettuce provides freshness, the croutons add crunch, the Parmesan gives a salty nuttiness, and the dressing ties everything together with a tangy, creamy, and slightly garlicky punch. The homemade croutons make all the difference—they’re golden, crunchy, and infused with olive oil and seasoning. This is the kind of salad that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it proves that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The homemade croutons elevate the salad, the fresh Parmesan adds sophistication, and the Caesar dressing has that irresistible tang. It’s perfect for family meals, dinner parties, or even meal prep. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to store-bought Caesar salad kits.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for croutons)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~300–350 calories per serving (without added protein)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Salad, Appetizer, Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated or shaved

For the Homemade Croutons

• 3 cups day-old bread cubes (French bread or sourdough works best)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced fresh garlic)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Caesar Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste, optional for authentic flavor)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make croutons by tossing bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then bake until golden.
2. Prepare the Caesar dressing by blending mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon, anchovies, Parmesan, and olive oil.
3. Toss chopped romaine with dressing, add croutons, and top with shaved Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown and crisp. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing

1. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, anchovies (if using), and Parmesan.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Place romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl.
2. Add a few tablespoons of Caesar dressing and toss well to coat.
3. Add croutons and more dressing as needed.
4. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan.
5. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled as a starter or side dish.
• Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a main course.
• Serve with garlic bread or soup for a light lunch.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Dry your lettuce thoroughly for the crispiest salad.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts into the dressing beautifully.
• Toss salad just before serving to keep croutons crunchy.
• For extra flavor, rub a garlic clove on the inside of the salad bowl before assembling.

Variations

• Chicken Caesar Salad: Add grilled or roasted chicken breast.
• Shrimp Caesar Salad: Top with sautéed or grilled shrimp.
• Kale Caesar Salad: Substitute kale for romaine for a heartier version.
• Lighter Dressing: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Vegetarian: Skip anchovies or replace with capers for a salty kick.

Freezing & Storage

• Croutons: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Freeze up to 1 month.
• Dressing: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.
• Assembled Salad: Best eaten immediately. Once dressed, lettuce wilts quickly and should not be stored.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet (for croutons)
• Blender or food processor (for dressing)
• Salad spinner (for washing and drying lettuce)
• Large salad bowl

Conclusion

The Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons and Parmesan Cheese is more than just a salad—it’s a dish that elevates simple ingredients into something elegant and delicious. Crisp lettuce, golden croutons, bold Parmesan, and a creamy dressing come together in perfect harmony. Whether served as a side or a main with added protein, this is a recipe that belongs in everyone’s cooking repertoire. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless favorite.

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Classic Caesar Salad with Croutons and Parmesan Cheese

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Salads

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 350 kcal

Description

The Classic Caesar Salad is a timeless dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, sharp Parmesan cheese, and a creamy, garlicky dressing. It is refreshing, satisfying, and elegant, making it a favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Salad

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated or shaved

For the Homemade Croutons

• 3 cups day-old bread cubes (French bread or sourdough works best)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced fresh garlic)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Caesar Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste, optional for authentic flavor)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Croutons : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown and crisp. Set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing : In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, anchovies (if using), and Parmesan.Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Salad : Place romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl.Add a few tablespoons of Caesar dressing and toss well to coat.Add croutons and more dressing as needed.Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan.Serve immediately.

Keywords: Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons and Parmesan Cheese