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

Caesar Salad Recipe

4.99 from 553 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
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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 creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

4.99 from 553 votes (476 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Taylor
    November 29, 2024

    Croutons were excellent. Reminded me of those miracle croutons from Ruby Tuesday … crunchy but somehow soft. Very good!

    Reply

  • Bradley Wagner
    November 6, 2024

    Boy, I’m not sure if I did something wrong or not. I followed the directions exactly (except for using bagged croutons), and it was so, so salty! I’m a saltaholic most of the time, but this was even too salty for me.
    I really wanted to love this recipe, so maybe I’ll tweak it next time and leave the salt out altogether.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 8, 2024

      HI Bradley, did you possibly double or mis-measure the salt? I don’t recall anyone mentioning this being overly salty and it is a very popular recipe. Also, you might love our creamy Caesar dressing.

      Reply

  • Emily
    October 21, 2024

    I made this last night to go with grilled chicken (for 3 teenagers and 2 adults) and my oldest said, “Mom – this is the best salad! Please make this again!” I followed your recipe except for adding a little extra garlic and using a mini prep food processor to make the dressing. Next time I might double the croutons (because half of them were gone by the time dinner was served) and add a little crushed red pepper before they go in the oven. Thanks!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 21, 2024

      That’s great to hear, Emily. Thank you so much for sharing.

      Reply

  • Susan Justitz
    October 8, 2024

    I haven’t tried this yet but it sounds delicious! My question is if I make the croutons in advance, how long do they stay fresh and how should I store them? thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 8, 2024

      Hi Susan! I will link my homemade croutons recipe here because I have detailed instructions on storing. I hope you love the recipe!

      Reply

  • Beth
    September 27, 2024

    This recipe was great. Everyone loved it. Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 27, 2024

      You’re welcome, Beth!

      Reply

  • JUDIE STEVENSON
    September 16, 2024

    Hey there Natasha,
    Love the Caesar dressing and croutons. I did add just a squirt of anchovy paste as you said I could. I already have your Cookbook. Love the meat loaf. It is always a pleasure to see your sweet smile. Thank you. Judie

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 16, 2024

      You’re so kind, thank you for your lovely comment, Judie!

      Reply

  • Wendy
    September 3, 2024

    Natasha, do you think I could substitute the red wine vinegar with balsamic?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 3, 2024

      Hi Wendy! The flavor profile is not the same but feel free to experiment. Let us know how it tastes.

      Reply

      • Nihla
        December 3, 2024

        Hi! Can I make the dressing without the dijon mustard?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 3, 2024

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

          Reply

  • Theresa Romero
    August 31, 2024

    I have been a fan for more than 5 yrs. Every recipe I tried has been great! Well except whenever I added or subtracted ingredients. I don’t like cooking but find it easier & satisfying when using Natasha’s recipes.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 31, 2024

      Thank you so much for sharing, Theresa!

      Reply

  • Connie
    August 12, 2024

    Nice salad dressing, but what about the raw egg so many use on caesars salads?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 13, 2024

      Hi Connie! It depends on your personal preference but we don’t usually use raw eggs in this recipe.

      Reply

  • Rani
    August 6, 2024

    Easy and delicious with space to add (bacon and grilled chicken tonight)! my kids loved the dressing too – lots of flavor without being too much!

    Reply

  • Nancy
    July 20, 2024

    This recipe is fabulous, especially the dressing! So good. I also like adding this grilled chicken I found on another site: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/perfectly-grilled-chicken-breasts.html

    Yum!

    Reply

  • Gee
    July 18, 2024

    Everyone talked about how “GOOD!” this salad was at a party I brought it to– including the teens and children. Thanks Natasha! You’re my go-to for awesome recipes.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 18, 2024

      That’s wonderful!

      Reply

  • Jamila
    May 18, 2024

    This recipe is a keeper. Made it last night and everyone loved it. I used homemade rye sourdough bread instead of baguette for the croutons and they were a hit.

    Reply

  • Linda
    May 10, 2024

    Hi, in the Caesar dressing you don’t list how much mayo to use?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 10, 2024

      Hi Linda, this recipe doesn’t call for mayonnaise.

      Reply

      • Tiara Brown
        October 12, 2024

        In your video, to get a visual on how to make it, there was mayo added.

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          October 12, 2024

          Hi Tiara! The recipe I have listed here is not the same. The video is for our Creamy Caesar salad dressing here. They are similar though.

          Reply

  • Char
    April 27, 2024

    How long will the Caesar dressing last if you make a batch for a couple of days?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 29, 2024

      Hi Char, 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.

      Reply

  • Cher
    April 24, 2024

    Hi, I apologize if it says and I missed it, but can you tell me how many this serves? I need to plan for 150 people and need to figure out what to multiply this recipe by! Thanks!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 25, 2024

      Hi Cher! Yes, the servings are mentioned at tbr top of the recipe card. You can increase the servings and it will convert the ingredients list for you.

      Reply

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