caesar salad with homemade dressing

This Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is now officially on my list of family favorites. A classic, for sure. And not one that I share without lots of experimenting and taste-testing.

For years, I’ve been trying different formulas for just the right flavor and texture. What you see here, folks, is what I like to call success. The real deal.

What you need to make your classic caesar salad with homemade dressing…

• Hearts of romaine
• Garlic
• Anchovies
• Coarse kosher salt
• Egg yolks
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Parmigiana Reggiano
• Freshly ground black pepper

Before we get started on the star of the show, let’s talk lettuce.

Of course, romaine lettuce is the standard fare. In my household, the hearts of romaine are always the first choice. It’s almost as if those leaves are designed to stand up to the creaminess of the dressing.

It’s a great idea to get your lettuce prepared early …cut into bite-size pieces, rinse thoroughly then spin-dried. This stainless steel salad spinner is a bit pricey, but wins my vote. 

The classic method to prepare caesar salad is in a large wooden bowl, just before serving.

• The surface of the bowl is treated with a light coating of fresh garlic.
• The anchovies are then added along with coarse salt.
• A quick mashing with the tines of a fork break it all down so that you end  up with anchovy paste.
• The perfect method if you are looking for that bold flavor without biting into large pieces of fish.

• The egg yolks, lemon juice, mustard, and worcestershire sauce are then added to the bowl where they are well incorporated.
• Continuously whisk the mixture, while the olive oil is slowly streamed in.
• You’ll be amazed by the creaminess.
• The parmesan is then blended in, topped off with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.

This is when your Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing all comes together.

• The prepared romaine is added to the bowl.
• A quick toss will coat each and every leaf.
• Each serving is then transferred to its waiting plate or bowl where it is topped off with shaved parmesan. 

Let’s talk about what I like to call my “make ahead” method…

When my gang gathers in my kitchen for one of our casual dinners, I’m all about having the maximum time to enjoy just being with them. This salad is often requested and I’m happy to oblige. I make the dressing (double batch, at least) early in the day along with prepping the romaine lettuce.

Since most of our dinners are buffet style, this fits right in. I set up a mini-salad bar with all of the fixin’s and everyone makes their own freshly made salad as they like.

Make this Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing your own …there are so many ways to enhance this already awesome dish.

• Top it off with additional anchovies, either whole or chopped.
• Upgrade to a full meal with the addition of grilled shrimp, chicken or steak.
• Offer the addition of roasted peppers or tomato wedges.
• Our Balsamic Roasted Mini-Peppers are truly delicious on this salad.
• Of course, no one will turn down some grilled bread or homemade croutons.

If you’re lucky, you’ll have some of that delicious dressing leftover for tomorrow. I just wouldn’t count on it. Just in case, it will keep in the fridge for several days.

Enjoy your new favorite – Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing.

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