Easy Caesar Salad Recipe
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Aug. 18, 2026
This easy Caesar salad recipe is genuinely the only one my kids will eat. It takes just minutes to make, and the dressing is so good that you’ll want to make extra to keep in fridge. This caesar salad is creamy, crunchy, and full of bold flavors you just can’t get at any restaurant or store.
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Amy’s Notes
I’ve been in love with Caesar salad for years now, but store-bought bottles just don’t cut it anymore. This homemade version is under 10 ingredients and ready in about 20 minutes. Here’s why it’s a staple in my house:
- Super creamy: This ingredients for the dressing creates a perfectly thick base without messing with raw eggs.
- Umami punch: Real anchovy paste gives it that authentic, savory depth without tasting fishy at all.
- Prep ahead: I like to double the dressing so weeknight meals are a breeze.
Pair it with our Crispy Garlic Bread or serve it alongside this Easy Grilled Lemon Chicken Breast for a complete dinner. I hope you love this!
What is Anchovy Paste?
Anchovy paste is a smooth, salty paste made from ground anchovies, usually blended with oil and seasonings. It’s used in small amounts to add a rich, savory flavor to sauces, dressings, marinades, and other dishes without adding noticeable pieces of fish. In dressings, it does not taste fishy at all.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Real Mayonnaise: Creates a quick, emulsified creamy base without raw egg yolks.
- Anchovy Paste: Delivers essential savory umami flavor easily from a store bought tube.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the rich dressing.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for dressing, freshly shaved for topping. Freshly grated is 10x better than store-bought powdered parmesan!
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens up the richness with clean acidity.
Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken, juicy shrimp, or crisp bacon bits.
- Dressing Swap: Swap in full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangy bite.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite GF bread to make croutons, or try roasted chickpeas for crunch.
- Check out our Chinese Chicken Salad or Warm Chorizo Spinach Salad for more delicious salad ideas!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the homemade Caesar dressing.
- Add the lettuce to the serving bowl and then pour the Caesar dressing over the top. Mix to combine well.
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
- Make Dressing Ahead: Whisk the dressing up to 1 week in advance and store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge.
- Keep Greens Crisp: Wash and thoroughly dry romaine lettuce using a salad spinner. Store dry leaves with a paper towel in a ziplock bag.
- Dress Before Serving: Only toss lettuce with dressing right before serving to keep leaves crisp.
- Storage: If you have leftover salad dressing, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Easy Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup real mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons real anchovy paste
- 2 heaping tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 head fresh romaine lettuce, washed/dried, and torn
- ⅓ cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese
- 4 cups good quality croutons, homemade ones are the best
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the garlic, mayo, anchovy paste, grated parmesan, Worcestershire, mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk to combine well.
- Add kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Chill.
- When ready to serve, add torn lettuce into a large serving bowl.
- Drizzle desired amount of dressing and toss.
- Add shaved parmesan and toss gently. Top with croutons. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Variations: Try tossing in desired amount of bacon bits at the end. Try adding cherry tomatoes, sliced in half.
- This recipe is part of our Easy Salad Recipes collection.
- Storage: If you have leftover salad dressing, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition (per serving)
What to Serve With Caesar Salad?
Other Vegetables & Sides
Pair with Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad or French Bread Recipe for a flavorful side dish.
Main Dishes
Serve alongside Grilled Steak Tacos or 10-Minute Garlic Shrimp. Or choose one of our tried and true delicious pizza or pasta recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but you’ll miss out on that authentic flavor depth! Real anchovy paste gives the dressing a savory umami punch without tasting fishy at all. If you must skip it, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of extra Parmesan.
Store leftover dressing in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick whisk before drizzling if it separates slightly.
Fresh Romaine lettuce is always the gold standard here. It delivers that satisfying, crisp crunch that holds up under thick dressing. In a pinch, crisp Iceberg works too,
Swapping half (or all) of the mayo for full-fat Greek yogurt adds a lovely tangy bite while lightening things up.
You can make Caesar dressing completely ahead of time. Cover airtight and keep it chilled until ready to use. Dressing stays fresh for up to 10 days.
Yes, this Caesar dressing and salad are gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free croutons.
More to Cook & Eat
- Basil Pesto Recipe: There’s nothing like the flavor of making your own pesto sauce.
- Homemade Spaghetti Sauce: Skip the jarred stuff at the grocery store and make your own right at home.
- Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe: Why stop at salad? You can literally use the Caesar dressing for this pasta salad, too.
- Bacon Bread: The flavor of this bread is the perfect complement to the salad.