Fresh Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing & Crispy Romaine (Print Version)

Craft a vibrant Homemade Caesar Salad from scratch! My easy, creamy dressing recipe and crispy romaine tips make for a classic, fresh side.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Dressing Essentials

01 - 2 large garlic cloves, minced (or 3-4 if you love garlic!)
02 - 1 large egg yolk (pasteurized, or substitute 2 tbsp mayonnaise)
03 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
04 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
07 - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

→ Salad Base

08 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces

→ Crouton Components

09 - 2 cups day-old bread, torn or cubed
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
12 - Pinch of salt
13 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those croutons going. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab that day-old bread and tear or cut it into rustic, bite-sized pieces – I like mine a bit irregular, gives them character, you know? Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, a minced garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and some pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet. This is where I always forget to set a timer, so seriously, do it! Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until they're golden brown and perfectly crunchy. The kitchen starts to smell amazing right about now, like a fancy bakery!
02 - Now for the star: the Homemade Caesar Salad dressing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, minced garlic (at least two cloves, maybe three if you're like me!), Worcestershire sauce, and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This is where the magic happens, and honestly, don't rush it. I once tried to do this while distracted and ended up with a split dressing – total bummer! Keep whisking until it’s all combined and looking a little creamy. It should smell tangy and garlicky, making your mouth water.
03 - This step is key for that luscious texture. While continuously whisking the egg yolk mixture, slowly, and I mean <em>slowly</em>, drizzle in the olive oil. Start with just a few drops at a time, letting it incorporate fully before adding more. It should start to thicken and get beautifully creamy. If you add the oil too fast, it'll break, and you'll have a sad, oily mess – I've been there, trust me! Keep going until all the olive oil is incorporated and your Homemade Caesar Salad dressing is thick and glossy. It should look like liquid gold, honestly.
04 - Once your dressing is emulsified, it's time to season it up. Stir in a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a good few grinds of black pepper. Give it a taste. Does it need more lemon? More garlic? A pinch more salt? This is <em>your</em> Homemade Caesar Salad, so adjust it to your liking! I often add another dash of Worcestershire because I love that savory depth. Don't be shy about tasting, it’s how you learn what works for you.
05 - While the dressing hangs out, let's get the lettuce ready. Wash your romaine lettuce thoroughly, making sure there's no grit hiding anywhere. Then, and this is important, dry it <em>really</em> well. A salad spinner is a lifesaver here! Tear or chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Soggy lettuce is the enemy of a good Homemade Caesar Salad, so take your time with this step. I love the crisp sound the romaine makes as I'm tearing it; it just screams fresh!
06 - Finally, the best part – assembly! In a large bowl, add your dried romaine lettuce. Pour a good amount of your glorious Homemade Caesar Salad dressing over the top. Toss gently to coat every leaf. You want every piece of lettuce to have a little kiss of that creamy goodness. Add your crispy homemade croutons and a generous sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give it one last gentle toss and serve immediately. The vibrant green of the lettuce, the golden croutons, and that creamy dressing... it just looks so inviting!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skimp on drying the lettuce! Soggy greens will ruin your Homemade Caesar Salad, no matter how good the dressing is.
02 - If you have leftover dressing, it'll keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just give it a good whisk before serving.
03 - For a bolder flavor, try roasting a whole head of garlic and adding a clove or two to the dressing instead of raw garlic.
04 - Serving with a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top of the croutons adds a surprising and delicious warmth.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Whisk
02 - large mixing bowl
03 - small bowl
04 - baking sheet
05 - salad spinner

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 8g

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