Classic Caesar Salad

Name: Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 heads romaine lettuce; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1/2 lemon, juiced; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp prepared horseradish; 5 oz cheese garlic croutons; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping

A classic Caesar salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce coated in a creamy homemade dressing enhanced with horseradish and topped with crushed cheese garlic croutons. This restaurant-quality salad comes together quickly with fresh ingredients and requires no raw eggs.

🌍American 🏷️Caesar salad 🏷️Salad 🏷️Romaine 🏷️Creamy dressing Parmesan

🏷️

🏷️Croutons

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dianakonfederatonTikTok

Total

15 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dianakonfederat

-0:00

dianakonfederatonTikTok

Ingredients

3 heads romaine lettuce
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp prepared horseradish
5 oz cheese garlic croutons
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for toppingoptional

11 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Trim the ends off the romaine lettuce and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2
Place the chopped lettuce in a salad spinner, wash thoroughly, and spin until completely dry.
3
For extra dryness, lay the spun lettuce on paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.
4
In a large salad bowl, begin making the dressing by adding mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar.
5
Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
6
Add the shredded Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
7
Mince the garlic clove using a garlic press and add it to the dressing.
8
Add the prepared horseradish.
9
Stir all dressing ingredients together until well combined and creamy.
10
Add the dry, chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl with the dressing.
11
Toss the salad to coat the lettuce evenly.
12
Place the croutons in a plastic bag and crush them into smaller pieces with a meat tenderizer.
13
Add the crushed croutons and extra shredded Parmesan cheese to the salad.
14
Toss one final time and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Mince the garlic finely and let it sit in the vinegar for 2-3 minutes before mixing with mayo to mellow its raw bite.
Dry the romaine thoroughly after washing—excess water dilutes the dressing and makes the salad soggy.
Crush the croutons just before serving by hand into uneven pieces; this creates better texture variation than whole croutons.
Toss the salad gently to coat evenly without bruising the leaves; about 1-2 minutes of light tossing is sufficient.

Substitutions

Red wine vinegar → white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice (use slightly less lemon juice already in recipe if substituting)
Dijon mustard → whole grain mustard (adds texture but keeps the same pungency)
Prepared horseradish → omit entirely for a traditional Caesar, or use 1 tsp fresh grated horseradish root for sharper flavor

Storage & make-ahead

Store dressed salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before the lettuce begins to wilt; prepare dressing separately and dress just before serving for best crispness.

Common Questions

Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?

Yes. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Whisk before serving as it may separate slightly.

What does the horseradish do in this Caesar dressing?

Prepared horseradish adds a sharp, peppery bite that cuts through the richness of the mayo and adds depth without overpowering the classic Caesar flavor.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise-based dressing?

You can use Greek yogurt for half the mayo to lighten it, but the mayo base is central to this creamy version. For an anchovy-based Caesar, use a different recipe.