Classic Caesar Salad Recipe: A Timeless Favourite with a Zesty Twist

Few salads have reached the iconic status of the Caesar salad. With its crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, savoury Parmesan, and tangy, creamy dressing, this dish continues to be a staple on restaurant menus and home tables alike. Whether enjoyed as a side or made hearty enough to serve as a main, the Caesar salad strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and bold flavour.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Caesar salad, what makes it unique, and how to make a classic version at home with a few tips for customisation.

🥬 The Origins of Caesar Salad

Despite popular belief, the Caesar salad is not named after Julius Caesar. Instead, it was created by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini in the 1920s. The story goes that Cardini threw together the dish during a busy Fourth of July weekend in 1924 at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, using what little he had on hand.

The original salad included whole romaine leaves, garlic, coddled eggs, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese no anchovies! These ingredients were tossed together tableside and served as a finger food.

🧄 What Makes a Caesar Salad Unique?

The Caesar salad is all about balance. Each component plays a specific role:

• Romaine Lettuce – Crunchy and fresh, it acts as the base and provides texture.
• Caesar Dressing – Creamy, zesty, and umami-rich, thanks to anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan.
• Croutons – Toasted bread cubes that add crunch and absorb the dressing.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, salty flavour.
• Optional Additions – Grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, or poached eggs to turn it into a meal.

🥗 Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing:

• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets (or 1½ tsp anchovy paste)
• 1 egg yolk (or 1 tbsp mayonnaise as a substitute)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a bowl, mash the garlic and anchovies into a paste.
   • Add the egg yolk (or mayo), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk well.
   • Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Assemble the Salad:
   • Place chopped romaine in a large bowl.
   • Add croutons and grated Parmesan.
   • Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
3. Serve Immediately:
   • Garnish with extra cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
   • Serve as a side dish or top with grilled chicken or prawns for a main course.

🔄 Customising Your Caesar Salad

1. Add Protein:
Grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy bacon, or even steak slices turn this side into a satisfying entrée.

2. Swap the Greens:
Try kale, butter lettuce, or baby spinach for a different texture or flavour.

3. Egg-Free Dressing:
Replace the egg yolk with 1–2 tablespoons of mayonnaise for a safer alternative without compromising on creaminess.

4. Homemade Croutons:
Cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, and bake until golden for unbeatable freshness.

🍴 Caesar Salad Serving Tips

• As a Starter:
  Serve a small portion alongside pasta, steak, or pizza for a classic combo.
• As a Meal:
  Top with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a poached egg for a hearty and balanced plate.
• As a Party Dish:
  Mini Caesar salads served in romaine cups make for elegant appetisers.

🌿 Healthier Caesar Salad Alternatives

While the original recipe is rich and indulgent, there are plenty of ways to make it lighter:

• Use Greek yoghurt in the dressing for added protein and reduced fat.
• Skip the croutons or use wholegrain alternatives.
• Add chickpeas or lentils for plant-based protein and fibre.

📦 Storing Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store components separately:

• Dressing: Keeps in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Lettuce: Store washed and dried in a sealed bag with a paper towel to stay crisp.
• Croutons: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Avoid dressing the salad in advance, as the lettuce will wilt quickly.

🇬🇧 A British Twist on the Caesar Salad

While the Caesar salad hails from across the pond, UK food lovers have embraced it wholeheartedly. Add a local twist by:

• Using mature English cheddar instead of Parmesan.
• Substituting anchovies with finely chopped smoked mackerel.
• Serving it with warm roast chicken and a soft-boiled egg for a hearty lunch.

Final Thoughts

The Caesar salad’s enduring popularity lies in its perfect combination of textures and savoury flavours. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or give it a personal spin, it’s a salad that never goes out of style.