Caesar salad

Crisp romaine tossed in a garlicky, lemony dressing with parmesan and crunchy croutons. It is a classic first course.

Caesar salad

Caesar salad (2): Geoff Peters from Vancouver, BC, Canada, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

The salad was created in Tijuana, Mexico, in the 1920s by an Italian-born restaurateur. It became world famous and is now served in restaurants everywhere.

Explore the cuisine of Mexico.

Recipe

Make Caesar salad at home

Serves 4Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 hearts romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 cups croutons
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, mashed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Black pepper

How it's made

  1. Mash the garlic and anchovy to a paste in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk in the yolk, lemon juice, mustard and Worcestershire.
  3. Slowly whisk in the oil to make a creamy dressing.
  4. Tear the romaine into pieces and add to the bowl.
  5. Toss with dressing, half the Parmesan and croutons.
  6. Top with remaining cheese and black pepper.

Variations

  • Chicken Caesar: grilled chicken on top.
  • Egg-free: use mayonnaise in the dressing.
  • Kale Caesar: with sturdy kale leaves.

Cook’s tip: Dry the lettuce thoroughly so the dressing clings.

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About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • Caesar salad (2): Geoff Peters from Vancouver, BC, Canada, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)