The Only Caesar Salad Recipe You'll Ever Need

The Only Caesar Salad Recipe You'll Ever Need is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 340 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 37 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $9.31 total, $2.33 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Ciabatta Bread (cut into ½‑inch cubes)
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for tossing croutons)
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced for croutons)
  • 0.25 tsp Salt (for croutons)
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground for croutons)
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (coarsely grated for salad (large‑hole grater))
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated for dressing (fine grater))
  • 4 Anchovy Fillets (canned, minced into a paste)
  • 1 Egg Yolk (large, room temperature; use pasteurized if desired)
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 0.5 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, drizzled slowly into dressing)
  • 12 oz Romaine Hearts (about two hearts, washed, dried, cut into 1‑inch pieces)

Instructions

  1. Cube the Bread

    Trim the ciabatta and cut it into roughly ½‑inch cubes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make Garlic‑Infused Oil

    Combine ¼ cup olive oil, the minced garlic clove, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper in a small bowl and whisk until blended.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Toss Bread with Oil

    Add the bread cubes to the oil mixture and toss until each piece is lightly coated.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Bake Croutons

    Spread the coated cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in a pre‑heated 350°F oven until golden brown and crunchy, stirring once halfway through.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Grate Parmesan Cheese

    Using the large‑hole side of the box grater, grate ½ cup Parmesan into a bowl for the salad; then grate an additional ¼ cup fine Parmesan for the dressing.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Mince Anchovies and Garlic

    Finely mince the anchovy fillets into a paste, then add the remaining garlic clove and mince together until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Prepare the Dressing Base

    In the same mixing bowl, whisk together the raw egg yolk, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, the minced anchovy‑garlic paste, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp table salt until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Emulsify the Dressing

    Very slowly drizzle ½ cup olive oil into the yolk mixture while whisking continuously until the dressing thickens and becomes glossy.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Finish the Dressing

    Stir in the fine‑grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Prepare the Lettuce

    Wash the romaine hearts, pat dry, then cut each heart lengthwise and slice into 1‑inch pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Assemble the Salad

    In a large serving bowl, combine the romaine pieces, the coarse‑grated Parmesan, and the warm croutons. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently with tongs until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
340
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
28g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains raw egg, Contains fish, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Egg, Fish (anchovies), Dairy (parmesan), Gluten (ciabatta)

Last updated: July 22, 2026

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The Only Caesar Salad Recipe You'll Ever Need

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

A step‑by‑step guide to America’s Test Kitchen’s ultimate Caesar salad, featuring homemade garlic‑infused croutons, a classic emulsified dressing with anchovies, and perfectly tossed romaine. This recipe balances bold, punchy flavors with a creamy, silky texture for a restaurant‑quality salad at home.

MediumItalian-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
37m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.31
Total cost
$2.33
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Baking croutons to a golden, crunchy texture without burning.
  • Slowly drizzling oil into the yolk mixture to achieve a stable emulsion.
  • Mincing anchovies into a fine paste for even flavor distribution.
  • Ensuring lettuce is completely dry before tossing with dressing.

Safety Warnings

  • Raw egg yolk carries a risk of salmonella; use pasteurized eggs if concerned.
  • Hot baking sheet will be very hot; use oven mitts when removing croutons.
  • Handle anchovies carefully; they are salty and can cause eye irritation if crushed near the face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Caesar salad in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Caesar salad was created in 1924 by Italian immigrant restaurateur Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico, and quickly became a staple of Italian‑American dining. Its blend of crisp romaine, anchovy‑rich dressing, and Parmesan reflects classic Italian flavors adapted for American palates.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Caesar salad in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Traditional Caesar uses romaine, anchovies, Parmesan, and a raw‑egg yolk dressing. Regional twists include adding grilled chicken in the Southwest, using kale instead of romaine in the Pacific Northwest, or swapping Parmesan for Pecorino Romano in New York delis.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Caesar salad traditionally served in Italian‑American restaurants?

A

It is typically presented on a chilled platter with the romaine leaves tossed in dressing, topped with generous croutons, shaved Parmesan, and sometimes a garnish of lemon wedges. The salad is served immediately to preserve the crunch.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Caesar salad traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?

A

Caesar salad is a popular starter for holiday meals, business lunches, and dinner parties because it is elegant yet quick to prepare. It often appears on festive menus for Thanksgiving and New Year’s gatherings.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic Caesar salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients are romaine hearts, anchovy fillets, raw egg yolk (or pasteurized yolk), Parmesan cheese, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and extra‑virgin olive oil. Substitutes can include anchovy paste, pasteurized yolk, Pecorino Romano, or a milder oil, but each change alters the signature flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Caesar salad?

A

Caesar salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak, seafood pasta dishes like linguine with clams, and classic Italian appetizers such as bruschetta or antipasto platters.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Caesar salad at home?

A

Common errors include over‑baking croutons until they burn, adding oil too quickly which breaks the emulsion, using too much salt from anchovies, and tossing wet lettuce which prevents the dressing from adhering.

technical
Q

Why does this Caesar salad recipe use a raw egg yolk instead of mayonnaise?

A

A raw egg yolk provides a richer, silkier emulsion and allows the oil to bind more smoothly, giving the dressing its classic glossy texture. Mayonnaise adds a different flavor profile and can mask the sharpness of anchovies and garlic.

technical
Q

Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the dressing can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator; give it a quick whisk before using to re‑emulsify if it has separated.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America’s Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

America’s Test Kitchen specializes in rigorous, science‑based cooking tutorials that test recipes repeatedly to deliver reliable, fool‑proof methods for home cooks, covering a wide range of cuisines and techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America’s Test Kitchen’s approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

America’s Test Kitchen focuses on detailed explanations of why each step works, uses precise measurements, and often includes equipment recommendations, whereas many other channels rely more on visual cues and less on the underlying food science.

channel

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