If you have ever thought that making a Caesar salad from scratch was complicated, get ready to be pleasantly surprised by the Best Caesar Salad Recipe with Salad Dressing from Scratch. This delightful dish brings together the crisp freshness of romaine lettuce, the rich, tangy punch of a homemade dressing, and the satisfying crunch of croutons, creating a harmonious blend that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The magic lies in the dressing—made with simple, wholesome ingredients—you’ll never want to buy store-bought again.

Best Caesar Salad Recipe with Salad Dressing from Scratch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Believe it or not, this salad’s brilliance comes from just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each component plays its own vital role, whether it’s providing zest, creaminess, or that signature umami kick that makes Caesar salad so crave-worthy.

Lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity that brightens the dressing with a lively zing.

Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and a savory undertone that rounds out the flavors.
Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle tang and helps emulsify the dressing for smooth consistency.

Anchovy paste: The secret to authentic Caesar salad, this delivers umami richness without overpowering.
Garlic (minced): Injects bold, aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.

Salt & pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing every other ingredient.
Mayonnaise: Provides creamy body and richness, the perfect base for the dressing.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds sharp, nutty flavor that’s essential in Caesar salad dressing and garnish.

Romaine lettuce (chopped): Crisp and refreshing, this is the classic foundation of the salad.
Croutons: Give the final dish an irresistible crunch to contrast the creamy dressing.

How to Make Best Caesar Salad Recipe with Salad Dressing from Scratch

Step 1: Whisk the Lemon Juice and Flavor Base

Start by combining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and anchovy paste, along with a minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients well until they form a smooth, flavorful base that’s bursting with savory and tangy notes. This step lays the foundation for the dressing’s signature taste.

Step 2: Incorporate Creaminess with Mayo and Parmesan

Next, add 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Whisk everything together thoroughly so the dressing becomes creamy, thick, and perfectly balanced. The mayo brings luscious texture, while the Parmesan deepens the flavor profile, ensuring every bite of salad is rich and satisfying.

Step 3: Toss the Lettuce with Dressing

Place your chopped romaine lettuce on a large salad plate or bowl. Drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing generously over the greens. Using tongs or salad forks, gently toss the lettuce so each crisp leaf is coated evenly in the delicious dressing. This is the moment when simple leaves transform into a decadent salad experience.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

To finish, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and croutons over the top. If you enjoy a peppery kick, add a final dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. This final step adds layers of texture and flavor to elevate your salad to the ultimate comfort dish. Now dig in and enjoy every crunchy, creamy mouthful!

How to Serve Best Caesar Salad Recipe with Salad Dressing from Scratch

Garnishes

While Parmesan cheese and croutons are classic garnishes, you can also add a few anchovy fillets for an extra punch of umami or shaved hard-boiled egg for added creaminess. Freshly cracked black pepper not only heightens flavor but creates a beautiful visual contrast on the salad’s surface.

Side Dishes

This Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or seared shrimp for a satisfying protein boost. A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any remaining creamy dressing, making the meal feel complete without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual glass bowls to showcase its vibrant colors, or pile the greens high with a drizzle of dressing artfully zigzagged across the top for an eye-catching presentation. You can even layer the components in a clear trifle bowl for a festive look that’s sure to impress at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salad dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separate from the dressing in another container to avoid sogginess. When ready to serve again, toss fresh greens with the dressing for best texture.

Freezing

Because of the fresh ingredients and mayonnaise base, this dressing does not freeze well. For best results, prepare fresh or store refrigerated as suggested. Lettuce should never be frozen, as it loses its crispness and becomes watery when thawed.

Reheating

This salad and dressing are best enjoyed cold and fresh. There’s no need to reheat. If you want a warm meal, pair the salad with a hot main dish on the side instead.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing without anchovy paste?

Yes, you can omit the anchovy paste if you prefer a milder flavor or have dietary restrictions. However, it does add that unique umami depth that many consider essential to the classic Caesar taste.

Is mayonnaise necessary for the dressing?

Mayonnaise creates the creamy texture that binds the ingredients beautifully. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt, but the flavor and consistency will be slightly different.

How do I keep the lettuce crisp?

After washing, make sure to dry the romaine thoroughly with a salad spinner or clean towels. Store it chilled and un-dressed until ready to serve, which helps maintain that irresistible crunch.

Can this salad be made vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo, omit anchovy paste, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy note.

What’s the best way to make homemade croutons?

Toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crispy. Fresh croutons add an unbeatable crunch that store-bought can’t match.

Final Thoughts

Making the Best Caesar Salad Recipe with Salad Dressing from Scratch is not only satisfying but also brings that fresh, vibrant flavor straight to your table without any shortcuts. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find your salads transformed from simple side dishes to show-stopping star meals. So gather your ingredients, whisk up that luscious dressing, and dig into a classic that’s deliciously your own.