cesar salad recipe

Struggling to make a salad that actually feels satisfying? This cesar salad recipe is crisp, creamy, and full of bold flavor without being heavy. It’s built on fresh romaine, crunchy croutons, and a simple homemade dressing that comes together in minutes. I usually whisk the dressing right in a small bowl while the lettuce dries, and dinner feels halfway done already. It works for busy evenings, relaxed family meals, or even as a light lunch on warmer days. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and no complicated steps make this one easy to come back to again and again.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Tired of bland salads that leave you hungry an hour later? This one has crunch, creaminess, and enough flavor to feel like a real meal. The dressing is smooth and rich with just the right balance of tang and salt. It coats the lettuce without drowning it.

Ingredients

2 large romaine hearts, chopped (for 2 people use 1; for more than 4, add more evenly)
1 cup croutons
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Worried about soggy lettuce? Wash and dry the romaine well, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl and keep chilled. In a small bowl, mash the garlic and anchovies together until smooth and paste-like.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Not sure how to build the dressing? Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, and salt to the garlic mixture. Whisk until creamy and smooth. The dressing should look thick but still pourable.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Concerned about overdressing? Pour half the dressing over the lettuce first. Toss gently until the leaves are lightly coated and glossy. Add more dressing only if needed. For smaller portions, start with even less to avoid excess.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Want that classic finish? Sprinkle grated Parmesan and croutons over the top. Toss once more gently so everything is evenly mixed. Serve immediately for best crunch. If doubling for a crowd, toss in batches so leaves stay crisp.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Need something quick but still homemade? The dressing can be mixed ahead and kept in the fridge for a few days. The lettuce can be washed and dried earlier in the day. When dinner comes around, just toss and serve. It’s simple, flexible, and easy to pair with whatever else you’re cooking.

Tips & Tricks

Worried about watery salad? Make sure the lettuce is fully dry before tossing. Extra water thins the dressing. If making a half batch for 2 people, use a smaller bowl so the dressing coats evenly. For larger groups, dry lettuce in batches.
Unsure about anchovies? Mash them very finely so they blend into the dressing without chunks. If doubling the recipe, taste before adding extra salt since anchovies add natural saltiness.
Adding croutons too early? Toss them in right before serving so they stay crunchy. For smaller servings, reduce croutons slightly if you prefer more greens. For larger bowls, increase evenly to keep texture balanced.
Making extra dressing? Store it separately and only toss what you need. If preparing for 2 people, mix half and save the rest. When feeding more than 4, whisk dressing in a bigger bowl to keep it smooth.

Variations

Meaty Version
Want to turn it into a full meal? Add sliced grilled chicken breast on top. For 2 servings, use one small chicken breast. If serving more than 4, cook extra pieces and slice evenly over the salad just before serving.

Vegetarian Option
Looking to skip anchovies? Leave them out and add a bit more Parmesan for depth. For half batches, adjust cheese carefully so flavor stays balanced. For larger servings, increase cheese evenly without overpowering the dressing.

Ingredient Swap
Out of romaine? Use crisp iceberg or a mix of romaine and baby spinach. For smaller portions, keep the same dressing ratio. For bigger gatherings, mix greens evenly so every bowl has good texture.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Craving more boldness? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra lemon zest. For 2 people, start small and taste. When scaling up, increase seasoning slowly and adjust after tossing.

Serving Suggestions

Warm with Ice Cream
Need a simple dessert idea? Serve a thick slice slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For 2 people, one small loaf is plenty. For gatherings, bake two loaves and slice just before serving for a cozy table moment.
With Grilled Protein
Need a simple dinner plate? Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak. For 2 people, one salad bowl works well as a side. For larger families, double the greens so everyone gets a generous portion.
As a Light Lunch
Looking for an easy midday meal? Add a slice of crusty bread on the side. If cooking for more than 4, prepare extra croutons so texture stays balanced across servings.
Family-Style Bowl
Hosting friends casually? Serve in a large shallow bowl so the toppings are visible. If feeding a crowd, toss the salad in batches to keep it crisp instead of overcrowding one bowl.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Wondering how long it keeps? Store undressed lettuce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate in a jar. For small batches, use smaller containers. For larger amounts, divide into portions.
Reheating
Thinking about reheating? This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If adding warm protein, heat that separately and place on top just before serving.
Freezing
Can you freeze it? Freezing is not recommended since lettuce loses texture. Instead, prepare only what you need. For bigger gatherings, wash greens in advance rather than freezing.
Make-Ahead Tips
Trying to plan ahead? Make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and keep chilled. Wash and dry lettuce earlier in the day. Toss everything together right before serving for best crunch.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
Rest Time: : 0 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 of 4 portions):
Calories: 280–340
Protein: 7–10g
Contains calcium from Parmesan and vitamin A from romaine.
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion size..

FAQs

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

The lettuce may not have been dried well.

Yes, simply leave them out or add extra Parmesan.

Add a small splash of lemon juice or water to thin it.

Conclusion

Looking for a simple salad that doesn’t feel boring? This cesar salad recipe brings together crisp greens, creamy dressing, and crunchy toppings in a way that feels comforting and fresh at the same time. It’s easy to adjust for two people or double for a full table, and the dressing can be made ahead for busy nights. Once you try making it at home, you’ll see how quickly it becomes part of your regular routine. Save it, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy sharing it with the people around your table.