Classic Caesar Salad Recipe – Garlic Olive Dressing & Homemade Croutons

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Classic Caesar Salad Recipe – Garlic Olive Dressing & Homemade Croutons

Hey everyone! There’s just something about a perfectly made Caesar salad, isn’t there? It’s classic, it’s satisfying, and honestly, it feels a little bit fancy even though it’s super easy to throw together. I first made this recipe when I was trying to impress a date (it worked!), and it’s been a go-to ever since. Today, I’m sharing my version with you – complete with a seriously delicious garlic-olive dressing and crispy homemade croutons. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average Caesar salad. We’re taking it up a notch with a homemade dressing bursting with flavour, and those croutons? Forget store-bought, you won’t go back! It’s the perfect side dish, a light lunch, or even a satisfying meal on its own. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Caesar salad:

• 1 romaine lettuce head
• 0.5 baguette
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon minced garlic
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 garlic cloves
• 4 kalamata olives
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things can really make or break a Caesar salad, so here are my tips:

• Kalamata Olives: These olives add a wonderful briny flavour that really elevates the dressing. You can find them in most supermarkets, usually in the olive or antipasto section. Don’t skimp – they make a difference!
• Worcestershire Sauce: This is a key ingredient for that umami flavour. Traditionally, Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so if you’re vegetarian, check the label or look for a vegan alternative (more on that in the variations section!).
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is always best. Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose which can affect the texture and flavour. A good quality Parmesan Reggiano is worth the splurge, but any good Parmesan will work.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Prep the romaine lettuce: Rinse the lettuce leaves thoroughly, drain well, and pat them dry. Then, chop or tear them into bite-sized pieces. I like to tear it – it just feels more rustic!
2. Make croutons: Cut the baguette into roughly 1-inch cubes. Toss them with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them – they can burn quickly!
3. Prepare the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the 3 garlic cloves, kalamata olives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing until evenly coated. Add the homemade croutons and a little extra shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overdress the salad! Start with a little dressing and add more as needed. You want the lettuce to be coated, not swimming.
• For extra flavour, rub the bowl with a cut garlic clove before adding the lettuce.
• Make sure your lettuce is completely dry. Wet lettuce will make the dressing watery.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Crouton Options: Use a gluten-free baguette or make croutons from gluten-free bread.
• Vegan Caesar Dressing Adaptation: Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo, use a vegan Worcestershire sauce, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Spice Level – Pepper Adjustment: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. My friend, Priya, loves a really peppery Caesar!
• Quick Weeknight Version: Skip the homemade croutons and use store-bought ones. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This Caesar salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Shrimp scampi
• Roasted vegetables
• A slice of crusty bread

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Don’t dress the lettuce until you’re ready to serve, or it will get soggy.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I make the croutons ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.
• What type of mayonnaise is best for Caesar dressing? I prefer a good quality full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavour and texture.
• Can I use a different type of lettuce? While romaine is traditional, you can experiment with other types of lettuce like little gem or butter lettuce.
• How can I adjust the saltiness of the dressing? Start with a small amount of salt and add more to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce are both salty, so go easy!
• Is Worcestershire sauce vegetarian/vegan? Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so it’s not vegetarian or vegan. However, many brands now offer vegan alternatives.

Enjoy making this classic Caesar salad! I hope it becomes a favourite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!