10 Classic Cesar Salad Recipes

I still remember the first time I tasted a Caesar salad as a kid during a family trip to Rome—ironically, where it wasn’t even invented! The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and those crunchy croutons hooked me instantly, turning a simple side into my ultimate comfort food. Fast-forward to today, and I’ve spent countless evenings in my kitchen experimenting with homemade versions, tweaking the classic dressing to perfection after one too many store-bought disappointments.

Lately, I’ve been on a mission to revive the Caesar salad’s glory amid our busy lives, proving it’s not just nostalgic but a versatile powerhouse packed with nutrients from greens and lean proteins. Whether you’re craving the original or a modern twist, these recipes bring that restaurant magic home without the fuss.

Traditional Cesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

This timeless recipe captures the essence of the original with fresh romaine hearts, anchovy-infused dressing, and golden croutons. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 heads romaine lettuce (chopped), 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 anchovy fillets (minced), 1 garlic clove (minced), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 1/2 cup croutons, salt and pepper. Whisk together the dressing ingredients, toss with chopped romaine and Parmesan, then top with croutons. It’s ready in 15 minutes and provides a probiotic boost from the fermented elements while being low-carb and satisfying.

The beauty of this salad lies in its balance of creamy, umami flavors that curb cravings without heaviness—perfect for weeknight dinners or as a light lunch that keeps you energized.

Grilled Chicken Cesar Salad

Elevate the classic with juicy grilled chicken for added protein. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 chicken breasts, 2 heads romaine (chopped), 1/2 cup Cesar dressing, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup croutons, olive oil, salt, pepper. Grill chicken seasoned with salt and pepper for 6-7 minutes per side, slice, and toss with romaine, dressing, cheese, and croutons. High in lean protein (over 30g per serving), it supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.

This version transforms the salad into a complete meal, ideal for fitness enthusiasts seeking a flavorful, guilt-free option under 400 calories.

Shrimp Cesar Salad

A seafood twist featuring plump shrimp for a light, oceanic flair. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb shrimp (peeled), 2 heads romaine (chopped), 1/2 cup Cesar dressing, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup croutons, garlic powder, lemon zest. Sauté shrimp in garlic powder for 2-3 minutes, then combine with dressed romaine, cheese, and croutons. Omega-3-rich shrimp boosts heart health and reduces inflammation.

Quick to prepare in 10 minutes, it’s a refreshing summer staple that’s low-fat yet luxurious.

Vegan Cesar Salad

Plant-based perfection using tahini for creaminess. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 heads romaine (chopped), 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp capers (for umami), 1/2 cup chickpeas (roasted), salt. Blend dressing, toss with romaine and chickpeas, sprinkle nutritional yeast. Dairy-free and fiber-packed, it aids digestion and is fully vegan.

This inclusive recipe proves classics can be cruelty-free without sacrificing taste—great for gut health.

Kale Cesar Salad with Lemon Twist

Hearty kale stands in for romaine, massaged for tenderness. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 bunch kale (chopped), 1/2 cup Cesar dressing, extra lemon juice, 1/4 cup Parmesan (or vegan alt), 1/2 cup croutons, 1 avocado (sliced). Massage kale with dressing and lemon, add toppings. Kale’s vitamins A, C, and K supercharge immunity and detox.

A nutrient-dense upgrade that’s chew-resistant and perfect for meal prep.

Quinoa Cesar Salad Bowl

Grain-boosted for sustained energy. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 cup quinoa (cooked), 2 heads romaine (chopped), 1/2 cup Cesar dressing, 1/4 cup Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup croutons. Mix cooled quinoa with dressed greens and toppings. Complete protein from quinoa promotes satiety and steady blood sugar.

Ideal for vegetarians needing hearty fuel—ready in 20 minutes.

Smoked Salmon Cesar Salad

Luxurious with omega-rich salmon. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz smoked salmon, 2 heads romaine (chopped), 1/2 cup Cesar dressing, 1/4 cup Parmesan, capers, 1/2 cup croutons. Flake salmon over tossed salad. Heart-healthy fats improve brain function and mood.

An elegant brunch option that’s no-cook and indulgent yet light.

Bacon and Egg Cesar Salad

Hearty with crispy bacon and soft-boiled eggs. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 4 eggs (soft-boiled), 2 heads romaine, 1/2 cup Cesar dressing, 1/4 cup Parmesan. Cook bacon and eggs, toss with dressed greens. Protein and healthy fats enhance focus and fullness.

A brunch favorite that nods to BLT vibes while staying classic.

Brussels Sprouts Cesar Salad

Roasted sprouts add earthiness and crunch. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb Brussels sprouts (halved, roasted), 2 heads romaine (chopped), 1/2 cup Cesar dressing, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup croutons. Roast sprouts at 400°F for 20 minutes, combine. Sulforaphane in sprouts fights inflammation and cancer risk.

Winter-ready with extra vitamins for robust health.

Buffalo Chicken Cesar Salad

Spicy kick with buffalo-sauced tenders. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb chicken tenders (buffalo-sauced), 2 heads romaine, 1/2 cup Cesar dressing (mixed with hot sauce), 1/4 cup Parmesan, celery. Bake or fry chicken, toss everything. Metabolism-boosting spice plus protein for weight management.

Game-day winner that’s bold and balanced.

These 10 Cesar salad recipes prove the classic never gets old—grab your ingredients and whip one up tonight for a fresh, flavorful win that fits any lifestyle!