If there’s one salad that never goes out of style, it’s the Caesar Salad. With its crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, bold Parmesan cheese, and creamy garlicky dressing, this iconic dish is as satisfying as it is simple. This version takes it up a notch with a quick homemade Caesar dressing that makes store-bought bottles a thing of the past.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
🥣 Instructions
- Start by making the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Chop the romaine lettuce, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Place in a large salad bowl.
- Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with the chilled dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Top with extra shaved Parmesan and black pepper, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- For extra crunch, use homemade croutons by toasting cubed bread in olive oil and garlic.
- Use a garlic press for a smoother texture in your dressing.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a meal!
🍽️ Why This Caesar Salad is a Must-Try
While Caesar salads are often found in restaurants and deli cases, few match the flavor of a freshly made one at home. This recipe balances creaminess, tang, and crunch with just a few simple ingredients. It’s budget-friendly, requires no special tools, and is customizable for low-carb or protein-rich versions.
📌 Storage Tips
- Keep dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Store croutons separately to maintain crunch.
- Only toss salad when ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
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🧄 A Deeper Dive into Caesar Salad Origins and Variations
The Caesar Salad isn’t just a staple in American households—it’s a dish with international flair and a bit of mystery. Contrary to popular belief, the Caesar Salad did not originate in Italy. Instead, it was first tossed together in Tijuana, Mexico, by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini in the 1920s. Legend has it that Cardini created the salad out of necessity during a busy Fourth of July rush when kitchen supplies were running low. With only romaine, eggs, olive oil, Parmesan, and a few pantry staples, he whipped up what would become one of the most beloved salads in history.
While the classic version remains popular, variations have taken the Caesar Salad into exciting new territories. Many home cooks now opt for a creamy mayo-based dressing (like this recipe) over the traditional raw egg and oil emulsion. Others spice it up with added proteins such as blackened shrimp, grilled salmon, or even crispy bacon.
Want to go vegetarian? Swap the Worcestershire sauce for a vegetarian version or use miso paste for that umami boost. Craving crunch? Add roasted chickpeas or seeds. Gluten-free eaters can enjoy the salad with gluten-free croutons or skip them altogether in favor of extra Parmesan shavings.
🥗 Making Caesar Salad a Meal
Though it’s often served as a starter, Caesar Salad has all the makings of a main dish. To bulk it up, here are a few meal-worthy ideas:
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Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap – Fill a whole wheat tortilla with Caesar salad and grilled chicken.
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Salmon Caesar Bowl – Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a satisfying grain bowl.
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Steakhouse Caesar Salad – Top with seared skirt steak and caramelized onions.
Pair your meal with crusty garlic bread and a glass of iced tea for a restaurant-style lunch at home.
🛒 Smart Shopping Tip
You can save even more on your Caesar Salad ingredients by shopping store brands or hitting up sales at your local grocery store. Romaine often goes on BOGO specials, and you can stock up on shredded Parmesan and croutons when they hit clearance or combine with digital coupons. Don’t forget to check rebate apps like Ibotta for salad dressing offers or crouton cashback!
Also, for your homemade dressing, consider buying a bulk-sized jar of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce—these pantry staples will last you multiple batches and other recipes, saving money in the long run.
If you’ve made this salad, tell us how you customized it! Did you add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @YesWeCoupon for a chance to be featured.