Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad

This Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad is a timeless side dish or light meal made with simple, bold ingredients. The crisp romaine leaves provide the perfect base for the rich and tangy Caesar dressing, while crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan add texture and depth.

It’s a go-to salad for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave something savory and satisfying. Serve it on its own, or top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crisp & Creamy: The perfect mix of textures and flavors.
2. Classic Favorite: Loved for its savory, garlicky dressing.
3. Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with a few ingredients.
4. Customizable: Add protein or extra veggies to make it a meal.
5. Perfect Side Dish: Pairs well with pasta, grilled meats, and more.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Salad:

1. Romaine Lettuce: Fresh and crunchy, the star of the salad.
2. Croutons: Adds crunch—use store-bought or homemade.
3. Parmesan Cheese: Shaved or grated for a salty, nutty flavor.
4. Optional Toppings: Grilled chicken, bacon bits, or cherry tomatoes.

For the Caesar Dressing (Homemade or Store-Bought):

1. Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Base for a creamy texture.
2. Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and tang.
3. Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify and adds flavor.
4. Garlic: Essential for bold Caesar flavor.
5. Anchovy Paste (Optional): Adds umami depth.
6. Parmesan Cheese: Thickens and flavors the dressing.
7. Olive Oil & Black Pepper: Finish the dressing with richness and bite.

Yield: Serves 2-4

Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad

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A crisp romaine Caesar salad with creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan—simple, savory, and satisfying.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup croutons
• ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing (Quick Homemade Option):

• ¼ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the dressing: Whisk together mayo, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Prep the lettuce: Rinse and chop the romaine, then dry well.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with dressing to coat it evenly.
4. Add toppings: Sprinkle with croutons and shaved Parmesan.
5. Serve immediately while crisp and fresh.
   

Notes

1. Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
2. Make It Dairy-Free: Use vegan Parmesan and a dairy-free dressing.
3. Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs.
4. Use a Shortcut: Store-bought Caesar dressing works in a pinch.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

2-4
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 220Total Fat: 16gCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 3gProtein: 7g

Best Ways to Serve This Salad

1. As a Side Dish: Great with steak, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
2. As a Main Dish: Add protein and serve with garlic bread or soup.
3. For Entertaining: A crowd-pleaser for dinner parties or potlucks.
4. In a Wrap: Toss in a tortilla with grilled chicken for a Caesar wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping it up

This Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad is a classic, flavorful, and versatile salad that comes together in minutes. Whether served as a side or main dish, it’s a go-to favorite for any meal.

Try it today and enjoy the perfect mix of crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory toppings!