Origin of Caesar Salad
The origin of the Caesar Salad is a bit of a mystery, but most culinary historians agree that it was invented in the early 1920s by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini. Cardini owned a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, where he would serve American tourists during the prohibition era.
Legend has it that on July 4th, 1924, Cardini ran out of ingredients and had to make do with what he had on hand, which included romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and a few other pantry staples. He tossed it all together with a dressing made from garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, and olive oil, and the Caesar Salad was born.
Over the years, the recipe has been modified and adapted by different chefs, but the original recipe remains a classic and beloved dish.
Caesar Salad Recipe
Course: SaladsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes290
kcal15
minutes25
minutesUnleash your taste buds with this mouth-watering Caesar Salad recipe! Learn the secret ingredient that makes it irresistible!
Ingredients
2 heads of romaine lettuce
1/2 cup of croutons
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut a loaf of bread into small cubes and toss them with some olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
- While the croutons are baking, wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large bowl.
- Mixing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the romaine lettuce and toss to coat the leaves evenly.
- Add the croutons and grated parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss again.
- Serve
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- To add some protein, consider topping the Caesar salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Cooking time is actually the Baking time.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
The nutritional value will depend on the exact ingredients and serving size used. However, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a classic recipe that serves four people.
| 290 | 24g | 14g | 6g |
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
➤ Show Full Nutrition Label
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
Serving Size300g
- Amount Per ServingCalories290
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
24g
37%
- Saturated Fat 4g 20%
- Cholesterol 5mg 2%
- Sodium 330mg 14%
- Total Carbohydrate
14g
5%
- Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 6g 12%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Dressing of Caesar Salad
Because people sometimes get confused while preparing the dressing, So I have decided to put it down here for greater clarity. The following are the ingredients that make up the dressing for this salad.
Caesar Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Dressing Preparation
To make the Caesar salad dressing, follow these steps:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
- Once the dressing is well combined, you can pour it over the romaine lettuce and other salad ingredients before tossing.
Remember to adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious salad!
Dietary Information for Caesar Salad
| Dietary Restriction | Modification |
|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan parmesan substitute. |
| Gluten-free | Use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely. |
| Vegan | Omit the egg yolks and anchovies from the dressing, and use a vegan mayonnaise substitute. |
| Keto | Use a keto-friendly crouton substitute or omit them entirely, and reduce the amount of lemon juice in the dressing to lower the carb count. Also, adjust the amount of oil used to fit your macros. |
Storage Tips for Caesar Salad
If you have leftover salad, here are some tips on how to store it properly.
Store the salad and dressing separately: Store the salad and the dressing in separate airtight containers. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy and the dressing from overpowering the flavors.
Keep it chilled: Store both the salad and dressing in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. If you have added protein or other toppings, store them separately as well.
Use within 1-2 days: Caesar Salad tastes best when it is fresh, so try to consume it within 1-2 days of making it. After that, the lettuce may start to wilt and the flavors may not be as vibrant.
Add fresh toppings: If you’re planning on storing it for later, consider adding fresh toppings such as croutons, nuts, or cheese just before serving to maintain their crunch and texture.
Don’t freeze: It does not freeze well due to the lettuce’s delicate texture. So, avoid freezing it and instead, make only as much as you need for a single meal.
My Advice
When making this salad, it’s important to use fresh and crisp lettuce to achieve the perfect texture and taste. Make sure to wash the lettuce leaves thoroughly and dry them completely before tearing them into bite-sized pieces.
When preparing the dressing, don’t skimp on the garlic and lemon juice, as they add essential flavor elements to the salad. For a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
Additionally, feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost. Lastly, before serving, give the salad a final toss to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed, and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and croutons for an extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caesar Salad can be a healthy and nutritious meal option if made with fresh, whole ingredients and a light dressing. However, the addition of fried croutons and excessive amounts of dressing can make it less healthy.
Traditional Caesar Salad contains anchovies, which are not vegetarian. However, there are many vegetarian and vegan alternatives to traditional Salad that use substitutes for anchovies.
Yes, you can make Caesar Salad ahead of time, but it’s best to keep the dressing and salad separate until you’re ready to serve it. This will prevent the lettuce from wilting and becoming soggy.
Yes, you can use bottled Caesar Salad dressing, but be sure to check the label for added preservatives and other ingredients. Homemade dressing typically tastes better and is healthier.
Yes, you can make Caesar Salad gluten-free by using gluten-free croutons or omitting them altogether. Additionally, you can substitute soy sauce or tamari for Worcestershire sauce, which often contains gluten.
Victoria Cornell is an experienced entrepreneur and blogger. She loves to write about a variation of topics including, motherhood, recipes and mindset and manifestation!
