The Caesar salad. It’s a restaurant staple, a potluck favorite, and a go-to for a quick and satisfying lunch. But beyond the standard romaine, croutons, and bottled dressing lies a world of variations and flavor profiles just waiting to be explored. This article delves into the classic Caesar, then branches out to offer you different takes on this beloved salad, guaranteed to elevate your meal game.

A few variations Caesar Salad, from the classic to some with added protein or a twist.

Recipe 1: Classic Caesar Salad

This is the most basic and traditional Caesar salad.

Ingredients:

  • For the Dressing:
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 pasteurized egg yolks (use pasteurized for safety) or 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
    • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salad:
    • 1-2 heads Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
    • 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
    • Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated, for garnish
    • Optional: Anchovy fillets

Instructions:

  1. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, mash the minced garlic and salt into a paste using the side of a knife or a mortar and pestle. This helps to release the garlic flavor and create a smoother dressing.
  2. Add the egg yolks (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to the garlic paste. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing. The dressing should thicken and become creamy.
  4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (more lemon juice for tang, more Parmesan for saltiness).
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce with enough Caesar dressing to coat the leaves evenly.
  6. Add the croutons and toss gently.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with shaved or grated Parmesan cheese and anchovy fillets (optional).

Recipe 2: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

This version adds grilled chicken for a heartier and more substantial meal.

Ingredients:

  • All the ingredients for the Classic Caesar Salad above, PLUS:
    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • Olive oil, for brushing
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Caesar dressing as directed in Recipe 1.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice or dice it.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.
  6. Add the croutons and sliced grilled chicken. Toss gently.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Recipe 3: Caesar Salad with Shrimp

Another protein-packed variation, using shrimp.

Ingredients:

  • All the ingredients for the Classic Caesar Salad above, PLUS:
    • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • Olive oil, for drizzling
    • Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Caesar dressing as directed in Recipe 1.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.
  6. Add the croutons and cooked shrimp. Toss gently.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Recipe 4: Lighter Caesar Salad (Using Greek Yogurt)

This recipe uses Greek yogurt to lighten up the dressing without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:

  • For the Dressing:
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
    • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salad:
    • 1-2 heads Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
    • 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
    • Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated, for garnish
    • Optional: Anchovy fillets

Instructions:

  1. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, mash the minced garlic and salt into a paste.
  2. Add the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to the garlic paste. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly. Because you are using Greek yogurt you will not have as thick an emulision, but the dressing will still be tasty.
  4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.
  6. Add the croutons and toss gently.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with shaved or grated Parmesan cheese and anchovy fillets (optional).

Tips for Great Caesar Salad:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste of your salad.
  • Don’t overdress the salad: Add the dressing gradually, tossing until the lettuce is lightly coated. Too much dressing will make the salad soggy.
  • Serve immediately: Caesar salad is best when served fresh. The croutons will soften if the salad sits for too long.
  • Make your own croutons: Homemade croutons are easy to make and taste far better than store-bought. Simply cube bread, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until crispy.
  • Adjust to taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings in the dressing to your liking.

Enjoy your Caesar salad!