Allergens: Dairy | Egg | Gluten-Free Adaptable | Nut-Free | Low-Carb Friendly
Cuisine: Italian-American
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Despite its Roman-sounding name, Caesar Salad was created in Tijuana, Mexico in the 1920s by Italian-American chef Caesar Cardini. During a rush at his restaurant, Cardini improvised this now-iconic dish using simple pantry ingredients. The combination of romaine lettuce, a bold egg-based dressing, Parmesan, and croutons became an instant classic. It’s a prime example of how culinary history is shaped by creativity, scarcity, and good taste.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Salad:

• 1 large romaine heart, washed and chopped
• ½ cup croutons (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tbsp shaved Parmesan

Dressing (classic version):

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing:
   • Mash anchovies and garlic into a paste. Whisk in egg yolk, mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until thick. Stir in Parmesan. Season to taste.
2. Assemble Salad:
   • Toss romaine with dressing. Add croutons and Parmesan shavings. Serve chilled.

Dietary Substitutions & Allergen Swaps

• Egg-Free: Use vegan mayo instead of egg yolk.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons.
• Fish-Free: Skip anchovies and substitute with capers or miso for umami.

Chef’s Tips

• Chill your lettuce: Cold, crisp romaine makes the best base.
• Prep ahead: Dressing keeps in the fridge for 3 days.
• Upgrade croutons: Sauté cubed sourdough with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

Wine Pairing

A crisp, citrusy Chardonnay or Verdejo complements the tangy dressing and Parmesan. For a sparkling option, try Cava.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 180g)
Servings Per Recipe: 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Caesar salad always made with anchovies?
A: Traditionally yes, but you can leave them out or sub with capers or umami-rich miso.

Q: How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?
A: Up to 3 days in the fridge, tightly sealed. Use pasteurized egg for food safety.

Q: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or tofu to turn it into a full meal.

Q: Is Caesar salad keto-friendly?
A: Yes—just skip the croutons and use a low-carb Parmesan crisp instead.

Fresh, bold, and timeless—this Caesar Salad from scratch is everything you need in a classic. Make it, snap it, and tag @simplycookingx with #GlobalCuisineSeries to get featured!