This Easy Caesar Salad Recipe is unbelievably simple! Whether you’re a salad newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll be tossing up a creamy, crunchy bowl of deliciousness in nearly no time. Plus, we have one super easy way of elevating this classic that you won’t want to miss.
Table of Contents
What is Easy Caesar Salad?
Caesar salad is a timeless classic and we make this one super easy to prepare! We toss crisp, fresh romaine lettuce in a creamy, garlicky dressing that’s both deliciously rich and a touch tangy. Then we top it off with crunchy croutons that add a fun crunch to each bite, and sometimes a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese because who can resist that, right?
But there is just one slight twist in our version of this tasty salad. We kick it up by adding some tahina to the dressing, giving it an irresistible flair of Middle Eastern flavor. While you can omit it if you don’t have it handy, we promise that if you do use it you’re likely to never go back to a standard Caesar salad!
While we love the flavors of a satisfying Caesar salad, we also love how versatile it is! It can be a side dish that complements a variety of main courses, or it can stand alone as a satisfying meal when topped with baked chicken or shrimp. Whether we serve it in a simple bowl at a family dinner or dressed up with toppings for a special occasion, this Caesar salad is always a hit in our house.
Ingredients You Need
For the Dressing
- Minced Garlic Cloves– These tiny flavor powerhouses add a punch of zesty, aromatic goodness to the dressing, making each bite of your Caesar salad irresistibly delicious!
- Anchovy Paste– A little anchovy paste goes a long way in Caesar dressing, giving it a deep, umami flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Tahina – Also called tahini, this creamy ground sesame paste takes this Caesar dressing to the next level with its nutty and earthy flavor.
- Dijon Mustard– Dijon mustard adds a touch of tanginess that balances the richness of the dressing.
- Worcestershire Sauce– This savory sauce brings even more umami to the table.
- Fresh Lemon Juice– Lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar– A splash of red wine vinegar provides a subtle tanginess that brightens the dressing up!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil– This premium olive oil is the heart of the dressing, giving it a smooth richness that ties all the flavors together.
- Sea Salt Or To Taste– A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavors of the dressing.
- Black Pepper Plus More To Serve– Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice and depth. Reserve a little extra to sprinkle on top for the perfect finishing touch.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese– Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that complements the creamy dressing, and it’s perfect for sprinkling on top of your salad, too!
For the Salad
- Romaine Lettuce, Chopped– Fresh and crisp, romaine lettuce provides the perfect, classic base for the creamy dressing and toppings.
- Shredded Or Shaved Parmesan Cheese– Extra parmesan cheese, either shredded or shaved, adds rich cheesiness to the salad.
- Croutons– Crispy croutons add a crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy dressing.
How to Make The Best Caesar Salad
- Make the Dressing. Add the garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar to a food processor, and pulse to combine. Then, with the food processor running, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil, allowing it to combine and emulsify. Add water as needed until your desired consistency is achieved. Then, add the salt, pepper, and grated parmesan, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Put the Salad Together. Add the chopped lettuce, shaved parmesan, and croutons to a large salad bowl. Top with the dressing and toss to evenly coat the lettuce.
- Serve. Sprinkle more ground black pepper over top and serve immediately on its own or as a side dish.
Variations
- Lettuce– Instead of traditional romaine, you could use kale for a different texture and flavor. You can also swap some or all of the Romain for spinach.
- Cheese– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a tangy blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Protein– Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even smoked salmon to turn the salad into a more filling main dish. For a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas or tofu.
- Croutons– Mix up your croutons by using different types of bread, like sourdough, whole grain, or even a gluten-free option. You can also try flavored croutons, like garlic or herb.
- Dressing– Customize the dressing by adding a bit more of the anchovy paste or reducing the amount for a milder flavor.
- Garlic– Experiment with roasted garlic instead of raw minced garlic for a different flavor profile.
Can I Store Leftovers?
We don’t recommend storing leftovers for too long since the salad greens can easily become soggy. But you can store the dressing and use it whenever you’re ready to make the salad.
Place the dressing in an airtight container and store for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Avoid freezing the dressing — it’s unlikely to retain the same consistency when thawed.
More Easy Salad Recipes
Searching for more simple salads? We have no shortage of amazing salad recipes that are super-satisfying!
Black Bean and Corn Salad with Sweet and Spicy Dressing
Fig Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas
The Best Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 2 small garlic cloves minced (1 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons tahina
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper plus more to serve
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Salad:
- 1 large Romaine lettuce head or 2 small heads Romaine, chopped
- 1/3 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a food processor, combine the minced garlic, anchovy paste, dijon mustard, tahina, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Pulse until the mixture combines.2 small garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons tahina
- Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to create an emulsion. Add water as needed until the deisred consistency is acheived.1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Add the sea salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated.1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
Assemble the Salad:
- Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl.1 large Romaine lettuce head
- Add the shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons to the lettuce.1/3 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese, 1 cup croutons
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the lettuce is well coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately with extra black pepper, if desired.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Super! Bravo!
🍀❤️🍀
Hi,
This came out great! I added the tahini in step one. I didn’t see it listed in the steps anywhere. Love your dishes, thank you for sharing!
Thank you for catching that, Gina! We updated the recipe.
We’re so glad you’re enjoying the recipes!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Hi ladies this sounds amazing. only thing is what can I substitute the anchovy paste for? 🤔 Thank you