Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, crunchy croutons.

This classic Caesar salad features crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a rich, tangy dressing made with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic. The creamy dressing, with optional anchovies for added depth, perfectly coats the lettuce, creating a savory and satisfying dish. Ideal as a starter or side, it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Serve it alongside pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or a hearty soup for a well-rounded, delicious dining experience that’s both elegant and comforting.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1-2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)

For the Croutons (if homemade)

• 2 cups cubed day-old bread (French or Italian bread works well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Make the Croutons (if homemade)
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Let cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing
   • In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. If using anchovies, add them now and whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad
   • In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan, and croutons.
4. Dress the Salad
   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the lettuce evenly.
5. Serve
   • Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy the salad immediately.

This Caesar salad is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, with a perfect balance of crisp lettuce, savory dressing, and crunchy croutons. It makes a great starter or side dish for any meal, and you can easily add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.