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Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing & Croutons

A fresh, crisp Caesar salad with a creamy homemade dressing and golden, garlicky croutons. Customize it with or without anchovies for the perfect balance of flavor!
Servings 4 Servings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Large salad bowl
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Croutons

  • 3 cups cubed day-old bread sourdough or baguette
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Dressing

  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Croutons

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown.
  • Let cool completely before adding to the salad.

Make the Dressing

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
  • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture emulsifies into a creamy consistency.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan and optional anchovy paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Salad

  • In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the freshly grated Parmesan.
  • Add the cooled croutons and drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  • Finish with freshly ground black pepper and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Anchovy-Free Option: Omit the anchovy paste or substitute with an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Dairy-Free Variation: Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast and use a cashew-based dressing.
Storage: Keep dressing refrigerated for up to 3 days; croutons stay fresh for a week in an airtight container.
Calories: 350kcal
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keyword: anchovy-free Caesar dressing, best Caesar salad, Caesar salad recipe, Caesar salad with croutons, classic Caesar salad, creamy Caesar dressing, easy Caesar salad, fresh salad wrap, homemade Caesar dressing, homemade croutons, Light and Fresh, Under 30 min, Vegetarian