Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?

You can, but you'll miss that distinctive Caesar flavor. For a vegetarian version, try substituting 1-2 tablespoons of rinsed capers, a splash of olive brine, or even a dash of soy sauce for that umami quality.

Why is my Caesar dressing too thick?

The dressing should be creamy but pourable. If it's too thick, add a little more lemon juice or a splash of water and whisk until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that it will thin out slightly when tossed with the lettuce.

How can I make this salad ahead for a party?

Prepare all components separately: make the dressing, bake the croutons, and wash/dry the lettuce. Store everything separately, then combine just before serving. If you must assemble ahead, leave the croutons out until serving time to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Are raw anchovies safe to eat in dressing?

The anchovies called for in this recipe are not raw - they're cured and packed in oil, which makes them perfectly safe to use without cooking. They add incredible depth of flavor without making the dressing taste "fishy."

Caesar Salad and Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Name: Caesar Salad and Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 cups hearty day-old bread, torn into 3/4-inch pieces; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 2 large Romaine hearts (or 1 head Romaine lettuce), chopped; 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 4 anchovies packed in oil, drained, minced, and mashed; 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan; 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp); Salt and freshly ground black pepper

This classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a rich, creamy dressing come together in a perfect balance of flavors that will transform your salad game forever. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes are truly the most satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentically Delicious: This dressing captures that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and umami flavors that makes Caesar salad so addictive.
Better Than Store-Bought: Once you make this dressing from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to the bottled stuff. The flavor difference is remarkable!
Customizable: Adjust the garlic, anchovies, or cheese to suit your taste preferences – this recipe is flexible while maintaining the classic Caesar profile.
Impressive Yet Simple: This recipe looks and tastes fancy enough for guests but is actually straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Day-old Bread: Using slightly stale bread makes the best homemade croutons – they absorb the oil perfectly and get wonderfully crisp without becoming too hard.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds flavor to the croutons and helps them achieve that perfect golden crunch.
Romaine Lettuce: The traditional choice for Caesar salad because of its crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor that stands up beautifully to the rich dressing.
Parmesan Cheese: Both the dressing and salad contain parmesan, providing that distinctive nutty, salty flavor. Always use freshly grated for the best taste.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing that gives it body and richness without the raw egg concerns of traditional Caesar dressing.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and helps emulsify the dressing ingredients.
Worcestershire Sauce: Provides depth and that umami quality that makes Caesar dressing so distinctive.
Anchovies: The secret ingredient that gives authentic Caesar dressing its signature flavor. They dissolve into the dressing and don’t taste “fishy” – just savory and rich.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds essential punchy flavor. Don’t skimp here!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some delicious twists on the classic:

Grilled Caesar: Lightly char halved romaine hearts on the grill for a smoky dimension.
Protein Additions: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a complete meal.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the anchovies and use capers instead for a similar briny flavor.
Kale Caesar: Substitute half or all of the romaine with torn kale leaves (massage them first with a bit of olive oil to tenderize).
Bread Variations: Try sourdough or garlic bread for the croutons for an extra flavor dimension.

How to Make Caesar Salad and Homemade Dressing

Step 1: Make the Croutons

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the torn bread pieces close together on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle slowly with olive oil, then toss until evenly coated. Spread the bread across the baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 15-20 minutes, tossing once halfway through.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the croutons bake, combine mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced and mashed anchovies, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of finely grated parmesan in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that anchovies and parmesan already add saltiness.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Place chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the lettuce and toss until every leaf is evenly coated. Add the freshly baked croutons and the remaining parmesan cheese, then toss again lightly.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Caesar salad is best enjoyed right after assembly when the lettuce is crisp and the croutons are still warm and crunchy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Mincing Anchovies: First mince them finely with a sharp knife, then use the side of the knife to mash them into a paste for the smoothest dressing.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your mayonnaise come to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dressing.
Dressing Consistency: If your dressing seems too thick, add a little more lemon juice or a splash of water to thin it to your desired consistency.
Crouton Secret: Tear the bread rather than cutting it for more rustic croutons with better texture and more surface area for toasting.
Lettuce Prep: Make sure your romaine is completely dry after washing to prevent diluting the dressing.

How to Serve

Caesar salad is versatile enough to complement almost any meal or stand on its own as a light lunch.

As a Starter

Serve before pasta dishes, grilled steaks, or roasted chicken for a classic restaurant-style experience.

As a Main Course

Top with protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon and serve with warm crusty bread on the side.

For a Crowd

Present on a large platter rather than tossing with dressing – allow guests to add their desired amount of dressing, croutons, and extra parmesan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep leftover croutons in a sealed bag at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dressing and croutons up to two days in advance. Wash and chop the romaine up to a day ahead, storing it with a paper towel in a sealed container to absorb moisture.

Freezing

The dressing doesn’t freeze well, but you can freeze the finished croutons in a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?

You can, but you’ll miss that distinctive Caesar flavor. For a vegetarian version, try substituting 1-2 tablespoons of rinsed capers, a splash of olive brine, or even a dash of soy sauce for that umami quality.
Why is my Caesar dressing too thick?

The dressing should be creamy but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice or a splash of water and whisk until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that it will thin out slightly when tossed with the lettuce.
How can I make this salad ahead for a party?

Prepare all components separately: make the dressing, bake the croutons, and wash/dry the lettuce. Store everything separately, then combine just before serving. If you must assemble ahead, leave the croutons out until serving time to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Are raw anchovies safe to eat in dressing?

The anchovies called for in this recipe are not raw – they’re cured and packed in oil, which makes them perfectly safe to use without cooking. They add incredible depth of flavor without making the dressing taste “fishy.”

Final Thoughts

This homemade Caesar Salad with its scratch-made dressing is one of those recipes that proves the extra few minutes of effort make all the difference. The combination of crisp romaine, savory dressing, crunchy homemade croutons, and nutty parmesan creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist. Whether served as a side or a main, this classic salad is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!