Easy Caesar Salad Recipe with Croutons

Whenever we go out to a restaurant and are asked if we want a garden salad or Caesar, we always say Caesar. So, we decided to make our own (easy) version at home. We came up with this Easy Caesar Salad Recipe with homemade Caesar dressing, crispy romaine lettuce, extra parmesan cheese and buttery croutons.

What You Need to Know – Easy Caesar Salad Recipe

Making your own caesar salad dressing at home is pretty easy and we think it tastes so much better than store bought.

Food Processor or Blender Helps

You can make the dressing by hand, but it’s best if you have a food processor or blender. Doing this by hand is a tedious and the dressing doesn’t get nearly as creamy or thick. Plus, the processor or blender really speeds things up.

An Egg-Free Dressing with Classic Ingredients

We’re cool with raw eggs, especially when we buy organic and local, but in this case, we decided to make an egg-free Caesar dressing. The rest of the ingredients are pretty classic – garlic, lemon, anchovy, parmesan and olive oil. We know some have an aversion to anchovies, but in this case, you don’t taste fishiness of any sort, instead it adds a savory flavor that we’re all used to when taking a bite of most Steakhouse Caesar salads. You can use whole anchovies or do what we did and use anchovy paste. We like to use the paste because we can easily place the top back on the tube and refrigerate for use another day. With whole anchovies, you’ll only require one or two from the package, so you’ll need to make a double batch of the dressing or find another use for them.

Homemade Croutons Are So Much Tastier

Once you’ve made the dressing, you can make our butter croutons. You’ll need day-old bread – that makes sure they are chewy and become crisp. It’s so easy. Just throw cubes of the bread into some hot butter and cook until golden brown.

There’s Always Room for More Parmesan Cheese

After everything is ready, toss some crisp romaine lettuce onto a plate, top with dressing, croutons and extra cheese.

Did you like our Easy Caesar Salad Recipe with Butter Croutons? If so, we bet you’ll love these:

• Simple Caesar Salad Pizza Recipe from Inspired Taste
• Caesar Salad Recipe from Simply Recipes
• Shaved Fennel and Arugula Salad Recipe from Inspired Taste
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe with Basil from Inspired Taste

Easy Caesar Salad Recipe with Croutons

 

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Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

5 mins

Total time

20 mins

 

An easy Caesar Salad Recipe with homemade Caesar dressing, crispy romaine lettuce, extra parmesan cheese and buttery croutons. You can make the dressing by hand, but it’s best if you have a food processor or blender. Doing this by hand is a tedious and the dressing doesn’t get nearly as creamy or thick. Plus, the processor or blender really speeds things up.

Created By: Joanne and Adam Gallagher

Serves: 4

Ingredients

FOR Caesar Salad Dressing

• 1 cup (31 grams) finely grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic (about 1 garlic clove)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or 1 to 2 anchovies, smashed and minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR Butter Croutons

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups cubed day-old rustic or hearty bread

FOR Caesar Salad

• 2 hearts romaine lettuce
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese shavings

Method

FOR Caesar Salad Dressing

1. Add parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl of a food processor or blender.
2. Turn the machine on and let it run for 15 to 20 seconds. Then, use a spatula to scrape down the sides. Turn the machine on and let it run for another 15 to 20 seconds.
3. Now, as the machine is running, drizzle in the olive oil. Scrape down the sides and add sour cream. Then, let the machine run for another 15 seconds to 20 seconds until thick and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Then, use immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator up to one week.

FOR Butter Croutons

1. To make the butter croutons, melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. When the butter begins to bubble, add bread cubes and cook, stirring occasionally until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Then, season with salt and pepper.

FOR Caesar Salad

1. Tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces. Serve lettuce either tossed with dressing or with dressing drizzled on top. Then, top with butter croutons and parmesan cheese shavings.

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About the Author

Adam

I'm Adam Gallagher and alongside my wife, Joanne, I photograph and share favorite recipes from our kitchen. Sharing our recipes began as a hobby, turned into a dream and now has become our business. I just love that.