A crisp, classic Caesar salad recipe that’s restaurant-worthy and incredibly easy to make at home—including the best creamy dressing, loads of fresh Parmesan, crunchy homemade croutons, and no raw eggs. Perfect as a side or bulked up as a main dish (hello, grilled chicken or shrimp!). This is your go-to guide for the BEST homemade Caesar Salad—with make-ahead tips, serving ideas, and all the tricks for absolute flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is more than a side—done right, it’s a showstopper. Our classic recipe stays true to the real deal: crisp romaine lettuce, fresh-shaved Parmesan, golden croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing that’s truly irresistible (and egg-free for convenience). Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or looking to impress guests alongside cheesy baked ziti or a crowd-pleasing lasagna, this salad fits in any meal plan. Plus, you’ll find simple ways to turn it into a hearty main with just a few quick upgrades.
Caesar Salad Ingredients
The heart of a great Caesar salad: quality, freshness, and a hand-tossed finish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salad
- Romaine Lettuce: Fresh, cold, and crisp. Tear or chop into bite-size pieces so every leaf gets coated with dressing.
- Homemade Croutons: Cubed sourdough or baguette tossed in olive oil, garlic, and sea salt, then baked until golden.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shaved or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic flavor and texture.
For the Creamy Caesar Dressing (No Eggs!)
- Mayonnaise (for extra creaminess, instead of raw eggs)
- Garlic, minced
- Dijon Mustard
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Anchovy Paste (the secret to true Caesar depth—optional, but highly recommended!)
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step: How to Make The Best Caesar Salad
1. Prepare the Croutons
Homemade croutons make all the difference! Toss bread cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes until crunchy and golden.
2. Whisk the Creamy Caesar Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, Dijon, lemon juice, Worcestershire, anchovy paste (if using), Parmesan, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Chill for flavor development.
3. Build the Salad
Place chopped romaine in a large salad bowl. Top with warm croutons and a big sprinkle of Parmesan. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and gently toss, ensuring each bite delivers crunch and flavor.
4. Serve Immediately
Enjoy your Caesar salad as a side or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked tortellini for a satisfying meal.
Pro Tips & Variations
Protein Boosts: Top with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a quick, filling lunch.
Tortellini Upgrade: Add chilled, cooked tortellini for a heartier, crowd-pleasing version.
More Greens: Sub in kale or mixed greens for a twist, or combine with romaine for even more texture.
Vegan Adaptation: Skip Parmesan and anchovy, use vegan mayo, and add capers for briny flavor.
Meal Prep: Dressing holds for up to 5 days in the fridge; croutons stay crisp in an airtight container at room temp.
What Makes This Caesar Salad Stand Out?
Unlike some recipes, this version skips raw eggs without sacrificing flavor. Anchovy paste gives a true Caesar umami kick, while the homemade Greek yogurt swap (optional) lightens things up for anyone watching calories. Croutons are made from scratch—never store-bought, for unbeatable crunch.
Looking for perfect pairings? Serve this salad next to cheesy favorites like our Cheesy Baked Ziti or a soul-warming, classic Lasagna for a crowd-pleasing dinner family and guests will rave about.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Keep dressing refrigerated up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Homemade croutons store well for 3 days at room temperature.
- Prep lettuce ahead, but toss with dressing just before serving to keep it extra crisp.
- Leftover salad (dressed) is best eaten the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Caesar Salad without anchovies?
Yes, but you’ll miss classic depth. Try a bit of extra Worcestershire or a splash of soy sauce.
How do I make croutons extra crunchy?
Bake until crisp and golden; let cool completely before storing.
Is the dressing kid-friendly?
Absolutely! No raw egg, just creamy, zesty flavor everyone loves.
More Family-Favorite Salads To Try
If you love this Caesar, don’t miss our other go-to favorites—like cobb salad, Greek salad, and easy chicken caesar wraps.