This easy homemade Caesar salad recipe is a classic dish loved by many for its perfect balance of flavors: crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, tangy homemade dressing. This simple Caesar salad recipe is easy to make and an excellent choice for a light lunch or a delicious side dish. With homemade dressing and fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect way to enjoy this classic salad at home.

Fresh homemade Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons

I love making this Caesar salad when I want something fresh and simple for lunch, especially during the warmer months. It’s quick, flavorful, and the homemade dressing makes it extra special. One of the reasons I always choose to make my dressing is that I can control exactly what goes into it.

Store-bought dressings often contain preservatives or extra sugars, but with my homemade version, I get the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors without any added extras I don’t want for the healthy eating lifestyle I enjoy. The best part is adjusting the ingredients to suit my taste, whether I like it a little more garlicky, lemony, or cheesy. Whether having it as a light meal or serving it alongside dinner, this Caesar salad always hits the spot and feels like a special treat!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Simple to Make: Easy-to-follow steps make this Caesar salad a breeze to prepare.
Crisp Romaine Lettuce: The fresh, crunchy base is perfect for the salad’s texture.
Homemade Dressing: Rich and creamy, with a flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. My creamy Caesar salad dressing is made with no anchovy paste and doesn’t require using a food processor or immersion blender to blend the ingredients.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in just a few minutes for a perfect salad every time!

Homemade Caesar salad with creamy dressing drizzled over fresh romaine lettuce and topped with parmesan and croutons.

A small bowl of creamy homemade Caesar salad dressing made with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan.

Ingredients to Make Caesar Salad

Romaine Lettuce – Use a fresh head of romaine lettuce for the best texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-cut, bagged romaine lettuce is a convenient option, but nothing beats the freshness of a whole head of lettuce. Be sure to wash and dry the leaves thoroughly before chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
Parmesan Cheese – For the most authentic and flavorful Caesar salad, always grate your own parmesan cheese off a block. Pre-grated parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that affect the texture and flavor.
Croutons – Croutons are a must for that satisfying crunch. You can easily purchase store-bought croutons, but homemade croutons are simple to make.
Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is essential for adding a touch of seasoning and flavor to the salad.
Homemade Dressing – While you can always opt for store-bought Caesar dressing, homemade dressing is so simple to make and adds an unbeatable freshness to your salad.

Kitchen Essentials (affiliate links): Salad Bowl with Tongs

How to Make an Easy Homemade Caesar Salad Recipe

Follow these simple steps to make a delicious Caesar salad with homemade dressing!

If you’re using my creamy homemade Caesar salad dressing recipe, go ahead and make that in a small bowl first.
Next, wash and dry your romaine lettuce. If you’re using a whole head, place it on a cutting board and trim off the tough ends, then tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. If you’re using pre-cut, bagged romaine, rinse it thoroughly and pour it into a large bowl.
Toss the romaine lettuce with the homemade Caesar dressing in a large salad bowl, ensuring each leaf is lightly coated.
Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again to combine.
Top the salad with your homemade croutons or store-bought ones, and give the salad one final toss.
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan, creamy dressing, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if desired.

More Salad Recipes

If you love this recipe, here are a few more favorite salad recipes and dressings:

Easy Homemade Caeser Salad Recipe

This easy homemade Caesar salad is the perfect balance of crisp romaine lettuce, creamy homemade dressing, and crunchy croutons. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it's ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish. With fresh ingredients and a delicious homemade dressing, this salad will become your new go-to recipe!

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

1 head of romaine lettuce chopped, or pre-shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese shaved
¼ – ½ teaspoon black pepper
Caeser dressing, homemade or store-bought
croutons

Instructions

If you’re using my creamy homemade Caesar salad dressing recipe, go ahead and make that in a small bowl first.
Next, wash and dry your romaine lettuce. If you’re using a whole head, place it on a cutting board and trim off the tough ends, then tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. If you’re using pre-cut, bagged romaine, rinse it thoroughly and pour it into a large bowl.
Toss the romaine lettuce with the homemade Caesar dressing in a large salad bowl, ensuring each leaf is lightly coated.
Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again to combine.
Top the salad with your homemade croutons or store-bought ones, and give the salad one final toss.
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan, creamy dressing, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if desired.

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About Sarah

Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.

I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.

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