Caesar Salad

This Classic Caesar Salad with an easy homemade Caesar dressing is sure to please everyone. Plus, you’ll never want to buy Caesar dressing again!

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated October 20, 2022
Elise Bauer

Do a little research into the background of the Caesar salad and you'll find that it is named not for some illustrious Roman emperor, but for Caesar Cardini, a Mexican chef working in Tijuana in the 1920s, who dramatically served it up table-side. (At least that's how the story goes.)

Fast forward to this century and you have what is probably the most popular restaurant salad in America, with plenty of variations around the theme of romaine lettuce, garlic, Parmesan, and croutons.

What follows is my friend Suzanne's recipe. I love Suzanne's family-sized Caesar salad, and have been a frequent guest at her house when it has been served (lucky!).

Serving Utensils Picking up Some Classic Caesar Salad Topped with Homemade Croutons

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Homemade Caesar Salad Croutons

In this recipe we are making croutons from scratch, from baguette slices that have been brushed with olive oil, toasted, and then roughly chopped. You toast the baguette slices while the garlic soaks in olive oil in the serving bowl, which a great way to infuse the oil with garlic.

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

Classic Caesar Salad dressing is made with olive oil, garlic, raw eggs, and anchovies. The eggs give the dressing creaminess, and the anchovies? A salty, savory deliciousness. If you don't have access to anchovies, just add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the dressing.

Safety Tips for Using Raw Eggs in Salad Dressing

A note about using raw eggs in salad dressing. Because of the risk of salmonella, it's a good idea to avoid them if you are serving this to the very young, very old, pregnant, or immune compromised.

A Dining Table Spread Consisting of Multiple Plates with Classic Caesar Salad, Bowl of More Salad, a Glass of Water, and a Table Napkin

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Best Substitutes for Raw Eggs

If you're worried about using raw eggs, you can substitute a few tablespoons of mayonnaise instead, since store-bought mayo is made with pasteurized eggs. You can also use pasteurized raw eggs, if you can find them in your store.

To avoid eggs altogether, you can simply make a garlicky vinaigrette. It won't be as creamy, but you won't sacrifice flavor either.

Caesar Salad With No Anchovies

Don't be afraid of using anchovies -- they give Caesar salad its trademark taste. But if you don't have anchovies or anchovy paste available, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the dressing. If it's vegan Worcestershire sauce, that also makes the salad vegetarian friendly!

Like Caesar Salad? Check Out These Other Salad Recipes!

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Caesar Salad

Prep Time 30 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 baguette, preferably a day old, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)

  • 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, or 1 to 2 anchovies, minced

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

  • 4 to 6 small heads romaine lettuce, rinsed, patted dry, wilted outer leaves discarded

Method

  1. Combine the olive oil and garlic:

    In a very large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil and garlic. Let sit for at least half an hour.

    Bowl of Olive Oil and Garlic for Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
  2. Make the toasted croutons:

    While the garlic is sitting, make the croutons. Spread the baguette slices out on a baking sheet. (You may need to do in batches.)

    Brush or spray with olive oil (or melted butter). If you want garlicky croutons, dip pastry brush in the garlic infused oil you have sitting in Step 1.

    Broil for a couple of minutes until the tops are lightly browned. (Note: do not walk away, these can easily go from browned to burnt.) Remove and let cool.

    The steps up until this point can be made ahead.

    Bread Slices Brushed with Garlic Olive Oil on a Sheet Pan for Traditional Caesar Salad

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
    Toasted Bread on Baking Sheet for Caesar Salad Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
  3. Make the dressing:

    Add minced anchovies (or anchovy paste, if using) and eggs to the oil-garlic mixture. Whisk until creamy. Add salt and pepper and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Whisk in half of the Parmesan cheese. Taste, add more lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. The lemon should give an edge to the dressing, but not overwhelm it.

    Bowl of Caesar Dressing Whisked Together and Next to it a Bowl of Parmesan

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
  4. Tear off the chunks of romaine lettuce:

    Using your hands, tear off chunks of lettuce from the heads of romaine lettuce (do not use a knife to cut). Add to the dressing and toss until coated. Add the rest of the Parmesan cheese, and toss.

    Romaine Lettuce Ripped into Bite Size Pieces for Caesar Salad Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
  5. Combine and serve:

    Coarsely chop the toasted bread into croutons and add to the salad. Brush in any crumbs from chopping the bread, too. Toss and serve immediately.

    Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!

    Toasted Bread Roughly Cut into Croutons on a Cutting Board for Classic Caesar Salad

    simplyrecipes / Michelle Becker
    How to Make Classic Caesar Salad

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
709 Calories
34g Fat
81g Carbs
27g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 709
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 34g 44%
Saturated Fat 7g 37%
Cholesterol 79mg 26%
Sodium 1293mg 56%
Total Carbohydrate 81g 29%
Dietary Fiber 16g 56%
Total Sugars 13g
Protein 27g
Vitamin C 30mg 148%
Calcium 439mg 34%
Iron 11mg 60%
Potassium 1751mg 37%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.