The Best Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad featuring crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, savory anchovies, and a tangy lemon-garlic dressing, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add garlic to olive oil and let stand for several hours to infuse the flavor.
- Heat 1/4 cup of garlic-infused oil in a small skillet and sauté the cubed stale French bread until browned on all sides to make croutons.
- Set the croutons aside to cool.
- Cook 2 eggs in boiling water for 1 minute, then cool and peel.
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, crushed garlic, black pepper, and salt.
- Gradually add 3/4 cup olive oil to the lemon mixture, whisking constantly to make the dressing.
- Add diced anchovy fillets to the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine romaine pieces with the dressing, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss gently to coat evenly and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing. If you're short on time, store-bought croutons can be used instead of making your own. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. For a twist, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, similar to the Spicy Shrimp And Pasta Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Caesar salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a complete meal. It also works well as a side dish alongside Italian dishes or seafood recipes. For an additional crunch, serve with a side of crispy baked potatoes or a simple tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the salad components separate. Place the dressing, croutons, and lettuce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, combine and toss with fresh dressing. Note that the croutons will lose their crunch if stored with the salad, so add them just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Caesar Salad contains roughly 3254 calories, with 48g protein, 494g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (130% of the Daily Value), iron (125% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before using, whisk it again to recombine the ingredients, as they may separate while stored.
Is it safe to use raw eggs in the dressing?
If you're concerned about using raw eggs, you can substitute with pasteurized eggs or use a commercial Caesar dressing that doesn't contain raw eggs. Alternatively, you can skip the eggs altogether for a similar flavor profile.
What kind of lettuce is best for Caesar salad?
Romaine lettuce is traditional for Caesar salads due to its crisp texture and ability to hold up against the dressing. However, you can also mix in other greens like kale or arugula for a different taste and nutritional boost.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).