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Fresh Classic Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Homemade Creamy Dressing

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A fresh classic Caesar salad featuring crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a rich, homemade creamy dressing with garlic and anchovies. Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for quick meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 to 1½ cups croutons
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 3 to 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly (about 5 minutes). Tear into bite-sized pieces by hand and place in a large salad bowl.
  2. Make croutons if homemade: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut day-old bread into ½-inch cubes. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt, and optional garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp, tossing halfway through. Let cool (about 15 minutes). Alternatively, toast bread cubes in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped anchovies, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper (about 3 minutes). Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Stir in grated Parmesan until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Drizzle about half the dressing over the romaine and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf (about 2 minutes). Add croutons and remaining dressing as desired, then sprinkle with ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the romaine and crunch of the croutons. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

If dressing is too thick, thin with a teaspoon of water or lemon juice. Use a microplane for garlic to avoid harsh chunks. Anchovies are key for authentic flavor but can be substituted with capers or soy sauce for vegetarian versions. Prepare dressing ahead but keep salad and croutons separate until serving to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, homemade dressing, creamy dressing, romaine lettuce, croutons, anchovies, quick salad, easy recipe

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/fresh-classic-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-homemade-creamy-dressing/