13 Classic Cesar Salad Recipes
I still remember the first time I tasted a Caesar salad as a kid during a family trip to Rome—yes, the birthplace of this iconic dish! The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and that perfect crunch from homemade croutons hooked me instantly. It wasn’t just a salad; it was a symphony of flavors that turned every meal into something special. Fast-forward to today, and I’ve spent countless evenings in my kitchen experimenting with twists on the classic, perfecting dressings from scratch and swapping proteins to suit every mood.
Lately, I’ve been on a Caesar kick, recreating it for weeknight dinners and impressing friends at barbecues. With rising interest in customizable salads amid busy lifestyles, these recipes blend nostalgia with modern health perks—like boosted protein or plant-based options. Whether you’re a purist or love a remix, Caesar salads remain timeless for their versatility and crave-worthy creaminess.
Traditional Caesar Salad
The ultimate classic starts with fresh romaine hearts tossed in a homemade dressing of anchovies, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 heads romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 2 anchovy fillets, 1 garlic clove, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt/pepper, 2 cups croutons.
Whisk yolk, mustard, garlic, anchovies, and lemon; slowly emulsify with oil. Toss with chopped romaine, cheese, and croutons. Benefits: High in vitamins A and K from greens, plus probiotics from cheese for gut health.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Elevate the original with juicy grilled chicken breasts sliced atop the greens. Ingredients (serves 4): Traditional base + 1 lb chicken breasts, olive oil, salt/pepper, lemon zest.
Grill seasoned chicken 6-7 min per side; slice and add to dressed salad. Benefits: Lean protein boost (30g per serving) for muscle repair and satiety.
Shrimp Caesar Salad
Succulent grilled shrimp brings a seafood twist to the creamy classic. Ingredients (serves 4): Traditional base + 1 lb large shrimp, 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning.
Sauté shrimp 2-3 min until pink; chill and toss in. Benefits: Omega-3s from shrimp support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Vegan Caesar Salad
A plant-powered version using tahini and capers for umami. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 heads romaine, 1/2 cup vegan Parmesan, 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tbsp capers, 1 garlic clove, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, croutons.
Blend dressing ingredients; toss with greens and toppings. Benefits: Dairy-free, rich in healthy fats for sustained energy.
Kale Caesar Salad
Massage hearty kale for tenderness in this nutrient-dense spin. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 bunch kale, traditional dressing (vegan option), 1/2 cup Parmesan, croutons.
Remove stems, massage kale with salt 5 min; dress and top. Benefits: Kale’s antioxidants fight oxidative stress; more fiber for digestion.
Quinoa Caesar Salad
Swap croutons for protein-packed quinoa bowls. Ingredients (serves 4): Traditional base + 1 cup cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes.
Cook quinoa, fluff, and mix into dressed romaine. Benefits: Complete plant protein (8g per cup) for vegetarians; gluten-free.
Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad
Silky smoked salmon adds luxury and smoke-kissed flavor. Ingredients (serves 4): Traditional base + 8 oz smoked salmon, capers, dill.
Flake salmon over tossed salad; garnish with herbs. Benefits: High omega-3s for brain health; low-cal luxury protein.
Steak Caesar Salad
Seared flank steak for a hearty, steakhouse vibe. Ingredients (serves 4): Traditional base + 1 lb flank steak, balsamic glaze.
Sear steak 4 min per side, rest, slice thin; top salad. Benefits: Iron-rich red meat combats fatigue; B vitamins for energy.
Chickpea Caesar Salad
Canned chickpeas roasted crisp for vegetarian crunch. Ingredients (serves 4): Traditional base + 2 cans chickpeas, smoked paprika, olive oil.
Roast chickpeas 20 min at 400°F; add to salad. Benefits: Fiber-packed (12g per serving) for blood sugar control.
Pasta Caesar Salad
Twirl fusilli into a picnic-perfect cold salad. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz cooked fusilli, traditional dressing, romaine, tomatoes.
Cool pasta, toss with greens and dressing. Benefits: Carbs for energy; makes a filling meal-prep option.
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Roasted sprouts for earthy, caramelized depth. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb Brussels sprouts, traditional dressing, bacon bits (optional).
Roast halved sprouts 25 min at 425°F; dress warm. Benefits: Sulforaphane in sprouts aids detoxification.
Avocado Caesar Salad
Creamy avocado chunks double down on richness. Ingredients (serves 4): Traditional base + 2 ripe avocados, lime.
Dice avocado; gently fold into dressed salad. Benefits: Healthy monounsaturated fats for heart and skin health.
Spicy Caesar Salad
Jalapeños and chili flakes heat up the classic. Ingredients (serves 4): Traditional base + 2 sliced jalapeños, 1 tsp chili flakes.
Infuse dressing with heat; toss with peppers. Benefits: Capsaicin boosts metabolism; adds excitement without calories.
These 13 Caesar variations prove the salad’s endless adaptability—grab your apron and whisk up a batch today for a fresh take on dinner that’s as nourishing as it is nostalgic!
