Dinner

Best Caesar Salad Recipe with Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe

Name: Best Caesar Salad Recipe with Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon anchovy paste; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish; Croutons, for garnish

Byluca Carter February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

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Introduction

Caesar salad is a timeless classic that’s both refreshing and flavorful. This recipe features a creamy dressing made from scratch, which perfectly complements crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an easy way to elevate any meal.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a fresh Caesar salad placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has a base layer of crisp, green romaine lettuce with varying shades of light to medium green. Scattered on top are crunchy, golden-brown croutons. The salad is sprinkled with a generous amount of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese shavings, giving it a light, fluffy texture. A fork with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl on the left side. In the background, there is a small block of Parmesan cheese with some shavings around it. The setting features a beige cloth under the bowl and the overall scene has bright, natural lighting that highlights the freshness of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon anchovy paste

1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
Croutons

Instructions

Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until ingredients are fully blended.

Step 2: Add mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese to the same bowl. Whisk again until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Place the chopped romaine lettuce on a serving plate. Drizzle the dressing over the lettuce, then garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and croutons.
Step 4: Optionally, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper on top for an extra touch of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
If you can’t find anchovy paste, use finely chopped anchovy fillets or omit it for a milder taste.
Toast your own croutons with garlic and herbs for added crunch and flavor.

Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best served fresh, but you can keep dressed lettuce chilled for a few hours before serving. If storing separately, keep lettuce and dressing in different containers to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

A large white bowl holds a fresh Caesar salad with layers starting from a base of bright green romaine lettuce leaves with a mix of lighter and darker shades. On top, golden-brown croutons are evenly spread, adding a crunchy texture. The salad is finished with finely shredded white cheese scattered across the top, some melting slightly into the lettuce. A wooden fork and spoon rest inside the bowl on one side, partially hidden by the salad. Beside the bowl, on a white marbled textured surface, there is a small block of cheese with some cheese shavings around it, and a light brown cloth is partly visible under the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it before serving as ingredients may separate.

What can I use if I don’t have anchovy paste?

If you don’t have anchovy paste, you can use finely chopped anchovy fillets or omit it altogether. The anchovy adds a savory depth, but the dressing will still be delicious without it.