Caesar Salad: The Best Classic Recipe for Fresh Flavor - Olivia Maze Recipes

Question 1

What is in a classic Caesar salad?

Accepted Answer

A traditional Caesar salad includes romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, Parmigiano-Reggiano, black pepper, and sometimes anchovies. The dressing typically contains egg yolk, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, anchovies or Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan. These ingredients come together to create the creamy, tangy, and savory flavor the salad is known for.

Question 2

Is Caesar salad healthy or high in calories?

Accepted Answer

A Caesar salad can be healthy when prepared with balance. Romaine lettuce is low in calories and high in vitamins, but the dressing contains fats from oil, egg, and cheese. Adding lean protein like grilled chicken or shrimp boosts its nutritional value and makes the salad more filling. If you want a lighter version, simply use less dressing, choose baked croutons, or incorporate Greek yogurt in the dressing.

Question 3

Why is Caesar salad called “Caesar”?

Accepted Answer

The salad is named after its creator, Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American chef who developed it in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1924. The name has no connection to Julius Caesar or ancient Rome. Cardini’s restaurant became famous among Hollywood visitors, and the dish quickly spread across the United States.

Question 4

Can you make a vegan Caesar salad dressing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A vegan Caesar dressing typically replaces Parmesan with nutritional yeast, anchovies with capers or seaweed, and eggs with cashews, tahini, or vegan mayonnaise. These ingredients still offer the tangy, savory, and creamy flavor that defines a Caesar dressing while keeping it completely plant-based.

Question 5

What protein tops go best with Caesar salad?

Accepted Answer

Popular protein options include grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, salmon, and tofu. Grilled chicken remains the most common choice because it balances perfectly with the creamy dressing, while shrimp creates a lighter, fresh variation. For a hearty meal, steak adds rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Question 6

Does Caesar salad always include anchovies?

Accepted Answer

Not always, but anchovies are very common in modern recipes. While the original version likely did not include them directly, chefs quickly adopted anchovies for their umami depth. If you prefer a milder flavor, anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce offers a similar savory profile without the intensity.

Question 7

How long does Caesar salad last after dressing?

Accepted Answer

A fully assembled Caesar salad lasts about 6–24 hours in the refrigerator, depending on how much dressing is added. For best texture, toss the salad just before serving. When stored separately, romaine lasts up to 4 days, and homemade dressing stays fresh for 3–5 days.

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