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Creamy Classic Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Homemade Dressing Perfect for Dinner

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A quick and easy creamy classic Caesar salad with homemade dressing, perfect for a fresh and indulgent dinner or lunch. Features crisp romaine, homemade croutons, and a rich, tangy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup homemade croutons (see instructions below)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp anchovy paste (or 2 anchovy fillets mashed; optional but recommended)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Croutons: Cut about 2 cups of day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread cubes, sprinkle with a pinch of garlic powder and salt, and toss often until golden brown and crispy—about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. Wash and Chop the Romaine: Remove outer leaves if wilted. Rinse the head thoroughly in cold water, spin dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with towels. Chop into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large salad bowl.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, anchovy paste, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Add lemon juice, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the mixture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy and slightly thick but pourable.
  4. Toss the Salad: Pour about half of the dressing over the chopped romaine. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all leaves. Add croutons and a little extra Parmesan, then drizzle more dressing if you like it more saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Serve Immediately: Caesar salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the lettuce crisp and the croutons crunchy. Plate up and garnish with extra Parmesan shavings if desired.

Notes

If you prefer, reserve some croutons and Parmesan for topping just before serving to keep the texture contrast perfect. If the dressing separates, whisk again before adding to the salad. Use day-old bread for croutons for best texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use vegan mayo instead of anchovies and cheese. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, homemade dressing, creamy Caesar, classic salad, easy salad recipe, romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan, quick dinner

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/creamy-classic-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-homemade-dressing-perfect-for-dinner/