Classic Caesar Salad with crisp homemade croutons and a light caesar dressing – for when you want to impress your dinner guests.

If you love caesar recipes as much as we do, check out our creamy caesar dressing and caesar pasta salad.

Classic Caesar Salad in a bowl with homemade croutons, shaved parmesan and caesar salad dressing

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My son, David, is to thank for this recipe. He is 9 years old and took kids cooking classes at Sur La Table where he learned and fell in love with this caesar salad recipe, so we re-created it at home together.

Caesar Salad Recipe Ingredients:

Caesar salad is easy, classic and the ingredients are simple. You’ll need:

  • 1 large or 2 small heads of romaine lettuce
  • Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
  • Crisp croutons – homemade can be made several days ahead. The recipe below makes enough for 2 salads.
  • Caesar salad dressing – homemade is best and here is our favorite store-bought dressing in a pinch

Ingredients for caesar salad with romaine lettuce, crouton ingredients, and caesar salad ingredients

How to Make Croutons:

The crunchy homemade garlic croutons really elevate this salad, making it look and taste quite fancy. The cheese crusted onto each little toast will have you snacking on these croutons!

  • Cut baguette in half lengthwise and slice into 1/4″ thick pieces and place on baking sheet.
  • Combine 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil with minced garlic. toss breads with garlic infused oil and 2 Tbsp parmesan.
  • Spread Evenly and Bake to desired crispness.

How to make croutons with sliced bread and garlic infused olive oil

Parmesan Garlic croutons on baking sheet

How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing:

The caesar salad dressing comes together so fast and all you need is a bowl and whisk. This Caesar dressing is light, healthy and packs so much fresh flavor without needing much salt at all.

  • Whisk together minced garlic, dijon, Worcestershire, lemon juice and red wine vinegar.
  • Whisking while adding oil emulsifies the dressing for a smooth and creamy (not oily) consistency.
  • Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste.

Click here if you prefer a creamy Caesar dressing.

How to make caesar salad dressing whisking ingredients together in a bowl and whisking while adding olive oil

How to Make Caesar Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of your ingredients and toss gently to coat the lettuce in caesar dressing. This recipe makes enough croutons for two full salads so you’ll have them ready to go for round 2!

Cook’s tip: to get those lovely parmesan shavings, all you need is a block of parmesan and a potato peeler (Amazon affiliate link). It’s easy peasy!

How to Make Caesar Salad tossing with 2 spoons in a bowl

More Romaine Salad Recipes to Discover:

Romain Salad with croutons, parmesan and caesar dressing

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Caesar Salad Recipe

4.99 from 542 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Caesar Salad recipe in a bowl with romaine, croutons, parmesan cheese and caesar dressing
Classic Caesar Salad with crisp homemade croutons and a light caesar salad dressing. 
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 servings as a side salad

For the Croutons:

  • 1/2 French Baguette, cut in half and thinly sliced (1/4" thick)
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp minced garlic, 2 small cloves
  • 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Caesar Salad dressing:

For the Caesar Salad:

  • 1 large romaine lettuce, (or 2 small heads romaine)
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved

Instructions

How to Make Croutons:

  • Preheat oven to 350˚F. Cut the baguette in half lengthwise through the top of the baguette then slice diagonally into 1/4" thick pieces. Place the breads onto a baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1 tsp of finely minced garlic. Drizzle the garlic oil over the croutons and sprinkle the top with 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese.
  • Toss until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer over the baking sheet and bake at 350˚F until light golden and crisp (10-12 minutes), or to desired crispness.

How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, dijon, Worcestershire, lemon juice and red wine vinegar.
  • Slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil while whisking constantly.
  • Whisk in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, or season to taste.

How to Make Caesar Salad:

  • Rinse, dry and chop or tear the romaine into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large serving bowl and sprinkle generously with shredded parmesan cheese and cooled croutons. Drizzle with caesar dressing and toss gently until lettuce is evenly coated.

Notes

Note on Nutrition Label - the croutons recipe makes enough for 2 full salads or 8 servings which is reflected in the "per serving" nutrition label. 

Nutrition Per Serving

289kcal Calories9g Carbs4g Protein26g Fat4g Saturated Fat9mg Cholesterol596mg Sodium56mg Potassium680IU Vitamin A1.9mg Vitamin C135mg Calcium0.8mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Caesar Salad Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
289
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
26
g
40
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Cholesterol
 
9
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
596
mg
26
%
Potassium
 
56
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
9
g
3
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
680
IU
14
%
Vitamin C
 
1.9
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
135
mg
14
%
Iron
 
0.8
mg
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Caesar Salad, Caesar Salad Recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 289

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • JimboJones
    February 10, 2024

    Followed the recipe exactly with the addition of anchovies from a tin and added the oil from the tin to the dressing. What a winner. Delicious! This recipe will go into the rotation permanently! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 10, 2024

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Cheryl
    December 31, 2023

    To the romaine lettuce, Parmesan, and croutons I add sliced boiled egg and sliced red onions.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 31, 2023

      Sounds great!

      Reply

  • Natalia
    December 7, 2023

    Excellent! Will definitely make this again. I made this salad for a special family dinner, made the homemade dressing and fresh croutons and there were no leftovers! I even noticed teenagers eating it that normally don’t eat any greens, saying it was looking too good not to try! 🙂 thank you once again for an amazing recipe!

    Reply

  • Natalia
    December 7, 2023

    Made it for a special family dinner to serve with your other delicious dish – Tuscan shrimp, and mashed potatoes. Excellent! I had no leftovers and everyone made compliments on this salad! Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 7, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Natalie! So glad it was a hit.

      Reply

  • Julie Vincent
    November 9, 2023

    Hi Natasha,
    I would like to make this to take to a Thanksgiving gathering. How far in advance can I make this? Or should I bring the salad dressing and toppings along to mix it together before serving?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 9, 2023

      Hi Julie, the homemade crisp croutons an be made several days ahead. The salad can be made ahead, it should last at least a few days to a week in the fridge, I wouldn’t mix the dressing until you’re ready to serve though. We gobbled this recipe up and didn’t have enough to store to truly test the freshness in the fridge.

      Reply

  • Karen Price
    October 19, 2023

    I have dry mustard, but I do not have any Dijon mustard. Can I use dry mustard in its’ place?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 20, 2023

      Hi Karen, we found other forms of mustards will over power this dish and gound dijon mustard given the perfect balance. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Poncke
    October 9, 2023

    You’ve left out ansjovis for the dressing, which is literally the only ingredient that makes a real authentic ceasar dressing.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 9, 2023

      The Worcestershire sauce contains it.

      Reply

      • Gail Carberry
        February 10, 2024

        While anchovies do make a great Caesar salad, the original recipe does not call for them. Julia Child’s recipe is from the owner of the restaurant in New York who came up with the recipe. I enjoy both versions.

        Reply

  • mary
    October 3, 2023

    This is my go to cesar salad every time. Family of 12 love it.

    Reply

  • Robert Getty
    September 25, 2023

    Sorry but it’s not truly a Caesar salad without anchovies!!

    Reply

    • Gloria Whaley
      October 7, 2023

      Some of my relatives are allergic to fish so this recipe is great for my family. I even have to make my own Worcestershire sauce as it contains anchovies. — Personally, I do like the anchovies in Caesar salad, but this recipe is a winner.

      Reply

  • Erin White
    September 20, 2023

    Excellent! I added grilled chicken breast and doubled the dressing. (Wish I could add a picture 📸)

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 20, 2023

      We’re so glad that you loved it!

      Reply

  • Catherine
    September 6, 2023

    Not your original caesar salad, but it does come shining through with all the beautiful flavors. It is also quick and doesn’t take a lot of ingredients to be a winner.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 6, 2023

      Thank you for your good comments and feedback, Catherine!

      Reply

  • Joan
    July 29, 2023

    This recipe is a keeper! I am glad it does not have anchovies in this recipe. I cut the recipe in half as it was just my husband and myself and it came out perfect. My husband raved about it. I am excited to make the homemade crotons!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 30, 2023

      That’s great, Joan! I’m glad you both enjoyed it!

      Reply

    • Mrinalini
      August 6, 2023

      Yes. I totally agree with Joan. The recipe is a keeper. Thank you for not including the anchovies 🙂
      I also want to say, i have tried a lot of your wonderful recipes and my favorite Tiramisu. Your recipe was such a crowd pleaser. Thank you !!!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        August 6, 2023

        Glad that you’re enjoying them!

        Reply

  • Parker
    July 26, 2023

    This salad is soo good I’ve made it like 3 times in just a few weeks!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 26, 2023

      So glad to hear that, Parker!

      Reply

  • Beverly Ann Clark
    May 12, 2023

    I made the Cesar salad dressing. OMG is it delicious!! Then again, I have made quite a few of her recipes. All are so good and so easy!! Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 12, 2023

      I’m so glad you love the recipes! Thank you.

      Reply

  • Anita
    May 12, 2023

    I add some mayo to the dressing (maybe a tablespoon or more depending on taste) because I love the creaminess it adds. Otherwise I add everything as listed and it’s one of my favorite salad dressings! I use it for most of my salads!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 12, 2023

      Sounds great, Anita! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • MKim
    April 30, 2023

    This is a lighter version of the traditional Caesar salad dressing but faithful to its essential flavors. My husband and I really enjoyed it and will be the go to Caesar salad dressing going forward!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 30, 2023

      I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Samara Kaminski
    April 25, 2023

    Worst Caesar Dressing I have ever had. I had to search for another recipe which was much better.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 25, 2023

      What was it exactly that you didn’t like about the recipe? We’d like for you to be specific when you give your feedback so we know what went wrong. Thanks.

      Reply

  • Jennifer Floyd
    April 25, 2023

    Just made this with blackened chicken. The salad dressing is super delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 25, 2023

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Jennifer!

      Reply

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