Print

Crisp Classic Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Homemade Croutons

crisp classic Caesar salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy Caesar salad featuring fresh romaine, a creamy homemade dressing with anchovies, and crunchy homemade croutons made from day-old bread. Perfect for a fresh, flavorful meal in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (crusty bread like baguette or sourdough)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (for croutons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for croutons)
  • Salt, to taste (for croutons)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, optional (for croutons)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (for dressing)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for dressing)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crunchy. Set aside to cool.
  2. While croutons bake, wash and dry romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large salad bowl.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped anchovies, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
  4. Add cooled croutons and grated Parmesan to the romaine. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all leaves evenly.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice or salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

For crisper croutons, toast a bit longer but avoid burning. Prepare dressing a few hours ahead for better flavor melding. Dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Keep salad components separate if prepping in advance. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten dressing or gluten-free bread for croutons if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, homemade croutons, easy salad recipe, classic Caesar, quick salad, romaine lettuce, anchovy dressing

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crisp-classic-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-homemade-croutons-guide/