Classic Caesar Salad
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This Classic Caesar Salad with homemade dressing is crisp, creamy, and exactly what you want when you’re craving something simple that still feels a little special. The dressing is smooth and tangy with just the right bite of garlic and parmesan, coating every piece of romaine perfectly. Tossed with crunchy croutons and shaved cheese… it’s clean, classic, and hard to stop eating.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE FOR CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD
- No cooking required, just mix and toss
- Creamy, balanced dressing that actually clings
- Simple ingredients, big flavor
- Easy to prep ahead
- Feels like a restaurant salad at home
Classic Caesar Salad
This is the kind of recipe I keep in my back pocket. No cooking. No fuss. Just a bowl, a whisk, and a few good ingredients.
And honestly… this classic Caesar salad dressing is the whole thing. It’s creamy, a little tangy, just enough garlic. Nothing overpowering. It just works.
Now, if you really want this salad to hit the way it should, make your own garlic herb croutons. It’s a small step, but it changes everything.
And one more thing: dry your lettuce. I know I keep saying it, but I mean it. Wet lettuce will ruin a perfectly good Caesar.
Keep it simple. Let the ingredients do their job. The payoff is there every time.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Mayonnaise: Keeps the dressing smooth and stable without dealing with raw eggs.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is best here. It brightens everything and balances the richness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Anchovy Paste: Optional, but it gives that classic Caesar depth. Not fishy, just savory.
- Garlic: A fresh clove really matters here. Jarred minced garlic isn’t fine enough, and the flavor is more pungent.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for the dressing so it blends smoothly, then shaved when topping for texture.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and sturdy… perfect for holding onto that creamy dressing.
VARIATIONS
Grilled Chicken Caesar: Add sliced grilled chicken to make it a full meal.
Shrimp Caesar: Top with grilled or sautéed shrimp.
Bacon Caesar: Crispy bacon pieces add a salty, smoky bite.
Extra Lemon: Add a little more lemon juice for a brighter dressing.
No Anchovy: Skip it and add a splash more Worcestershire instead.
Lighter Dressing: Use a little less mayo and add a splash of water or lemon juice.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Pair classic Caesar salad with our Chicken Parmesan or Baked Ziti for a cozy dinner.
- Serve alongside our Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta for balance.
- Add to a casual spread with our Baked Italian Sliders.
- Serve with our Chicken Gnocchi Soup for a comforting meal.
- Enjoy with simple Lemon Pasta for a light lunch or dinner.
CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD RECIPE FAQ
No, but it adds depth to any classic Caesar salad dressing recipe. You can skip it or replace it with extra Worcestershire if needed.
Yes. Store it in an airtight container o(r jar) the fridge for up to 1 week. Whisk before using as it might separate.
It happens sometimes. Let it sit at room temp for a bit and then whisk, or add a tiny splash of lemon juice or water to loosen it up.
Store it undressed and toss everything right before serving. Also, be sure to dry the lettuce really well so it stays crisp instead of wilting.
I’ve made Caesar salads every which way over the years… raw egg, no egg, bottled dressing, homemade.
This easy yet classic Caesar salad recipe is the one I come back to. It’s reliable.
Using mayonnaise takes all the guesswork out of it. You still get that rich, creamy texture, but without worrying about emulsifying eggs or whether it’s going to break. It just comes together the way it should.
And the balance matters. Lemon, garlic, parmesan… none of it should take over.
When it’s right, you don’t notice one thing. You just keep eating.
DONNA’S PRO TIPS
- Taste the dressing before tossing. Adjust salt, lemon, or garlic as needed
- Always start with less dressing, then add more if it looks dry.
- Toss gently so the lettuce stays crisp.
- Use fresh parmesan for the best flavor. Grated for the dressing, shaved for the salad.
- Chill the dressing slightly before using if you like it extra refreshing.
- Add croutons right before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Keep extra dressing on the side for serving.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Medium Mixing Bowl: For whisking the classic Caesar salad dressing together.
- Whisk: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Large Salad Bowl: Gives you room to toss everything evenly.
- Salad Tongs: Gentle tossing without crushing the lettuce.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping the romaine.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) THE QUICK VERSION
- Quick, no-cook Caesar salad with homemade dressing
- Mayo-based dressing is easy and reliable
- Fresh lemon and parmesan balance the richness
- Dry lettuce well — it makes a big difference
- Toss lightly and don’t overdress
- Anchovy adds depth but is optional
- Dressing keeps for up to 1 week
- Simple, classic, and always works
Classic Caesar Salad (Homemade Dressing)
Ingredients
Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, optional
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (about ½ teaspoon)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1 ounce)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups homemade croutons, LINK TO OUR RECIPE
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved (about 2 ounces)
Instructions
- MAKE DRESSING: In a medium bowl whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, 1 small garlic clove, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- PREP LETTUCE: Place 1 large head romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Make sure the lettuce is completely dry for best results.
- TOSS SALAD: Pour about ¾ of the dressing over the lettuce and toss gently until evenly coated.
- ADD TOPPINGS: Top with 1 1/2 to 2 cups homemade croutons and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
- SERVE: Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published May 2026
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
