Best Homemade Caesar Salad With Dressing

Homemade Caesar Salad is a  rich and tasty salad invented in 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico, by the Italian-born chef Cesare Cardini, from whom the dish took its name. Originally proposed as a side dish and prepared using some leftovers present in the kitchen, such as romaine lettuce , croutons, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, Worcestershire sauce and raw egg yolk, it has then been enriched and created in numerous variations over the years.

Here we offer you the version with chicken, particularly widespread and loved throughout the world, ideal to enjoy as a main dish for a light lunch, also convenient to take with you to the office or for an outdoor picnic .

What is Caesar Salad?

The Caesar salad, a classic dish known for its simple yet bold flavors, has an intriguing history that traces back to the 1920s. It was created by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini, who ran a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. The story goes that on a busy Fourth of July weekend, Cardini was low on ingredients and threw together what he had on hand—romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, eggs, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. He crafted a dressing tableside and served it to guests, and thus, the Caesar salad was born. The traditional Caesar salad features crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing made from emulsified egg yolks, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovies, topped with Parmesan cheese. This simple yet elegant combination has since become a staple in restaurants worldwide, often garnished with chicken, shrimp, or other additions, but always staying true to its rich, tangy dressing that defines the dish.

Tips for The Best Caesar Salad

• Start with high-quality chicken breast and season it well with salt and pepper before cooking. For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for at least 30 minutes. Cook the chicken over medium heat until it's golden brown and cooked through, then let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure juicy, tender pieces.
• Use day-old bread for the best croutons, as it crisps up better. Cut the bread into uniform cubes to ensure even browning. Toss the cubes in olive oil and a pinch of salt before cooking them in a hot pan. Stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve a golden, crispy texture.
• Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce for the best texture. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. Roughly chop or tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
• Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense and nutty flavor. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin flakes for garnish, adding a touch of elegance to the salad.
• Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. Toss the lettuce, chicken, croutons, and dressing together gently to ensure even coating. Serve immediately, as the dressing can quickly wilt the lettuce.

Is Caesar Salad Healthy?

Caesar salad can be both healthy and indulgent, depending on its ingredients and preparation. While it offers nutritious components like romaine lettuce and chicken, which provide vitamins and protein, the dressing and croutons can add significant calories, fat, and sodium. Using a lighter dressing, reducing the amount of cheese, and opting for whole-grain croutons can make it a healthier choice.

How Many Dressings are There for Caesar Salad?

The two main types of Caesar salad dressings are classic Caesar dressing and creamy Caesar dressing. The classic version is made with a base of raw egg yolks, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovies, resulting in a rich, emulsified dressing. The creamy version often includes mayonnaise or sour cream, which adds a thicker, creamier texture and can be a convenient alternative to the traditional egg-based dressing.

Do I Need to Add Anchovies to The Caesar Dressing?

Adding anchovies to Caesar dressing is traditional and enhances the umami flavor, giving the dressing its distinctive savory taste. However, it's optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor or have dietary restrictions. Anchovy paste is a convenient alternative that blends easily into the dressing.

Can I Bake The Chicken Instead of Grilling It?

Of course! Baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or air frying at 375°F (190°C) for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway, can result in juicy, evenly cooked chicken. Both methods are convenient and can be healthier alternatives to grilling.

Can I Use Another Protein?

Of course! Popular alternatives to chicken include shrimp, salmon, steak, tofu, and chickpeas. These options can be grilled, roasted, or pan-seared and add a delicious twist to the classic salad, providing variety and catering to different dietary preferences.

What Else Can I Add to Caesar Salad?

To enrich a Caesar salad, you can add ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, capers, roasted red peppers, or hard-boiled eggs. Nuts like walnuts or almonds, as well as fresh herbs like parsley or basil, can also enhance the flavor and texture. These additions provide extra nutrients, color, and a delightful variety of tastes.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Caesar salad can be partially made ahead of time by prepping ingredients like cooked chicken, dressing, and croutons separately. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the croutons crunchy. Tossing the salad with dressing in advance can cause the lettuce to wilt.

Can I Freeze Caesar Salad?

Caesar salad is not ideal for freezing, as the lettuce becomes soggy and loses its crispness, and the dressing may separate when thawed. However, components like cooked chicken and croutons can be frozen separately and added to fresh ingredients later. It's best to prepare and enjoy the salad fresh for optimal taste and texture.

What Can I Serve Along Caesar Salad?

Caesar salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats like steak or chicken, seafood such as shrimp or salmon, and pasta dishes. It's also great alongside soups like tomato or minestrone and crusty bread or garlic bread. For a lighter meal, it can be served with a simple vegetable dish or a side of fresh fruit.

How to Store Caesar Salad

The Caesar Salad can be stored in the refrigerator inside a special airtight container for up to 24 hours. Once you add the sauce, it is best to enjoy your Caesar salad within a few hours to prevent croutons from becoming soggy.

How to Make Caesar Salad

To prepare the caesar salad, first take care of the chicken: cut the breast into slices, place them on the already hot grill and wait until the side facing upwards becomes light. At this point, turn the chicken over to the other side and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, then cut it into strips and set aside.

Pour a drizzle of oil into a large pan, add the stale bread cut into cubes and a pinch of salt, then toast the bread, stirring continuously, until it is golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the accompanying sauce: collect the 25 ml of oil, the filtered lemon juice, the Worcestershire sauce, the mustard and the salt in a small bowl.

Mix with a hand whisk or a fork until you obtain a perfectly smooth and homogeneous sauce.

At this point, start assembling the salad: arrange the lettuce, previously rinsed, dried and chopped, on a plate, then the chicken and the bread croutons.

Remove the parmesan flakes and add them to the rest of the ingredients and mix carefully with two spoons, as to distribute all the ingredients.

Drizzle the salad with the dressing, then bring to the table and serve. Enjoy!