Introduction
On a sunny afternoon in Rome, Lina Vexley recreated a classic she once tasted in a small Italian café — the Caesar Salad. She remembered how the crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons perfectly balanced each other. Back in her kitchen, she set out to craft her version — simple, fresh, and full of flavor. Each bite carried the same charm that made her fall in love with it years ago. For Lina, this salad is more than a recipe — it’s a timeless comfort dish that turns humble ingredients into a moment of pure satisfaction and elegance.
Classic Caesar Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Baking tray
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped and washed
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shaved or grated
- 1 cup croutons homemade or store-bought
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Wash and chop romaine lettuce. Set aside to dry.
- Prepare croutons: cut bread into cubes, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until golden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with half of the dressing. Add croutons and Parmesan, then drizzle the remaining dressing on top.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make the Recipe
Making a Caesar Salad at home is both simple and rewarding. Begin by preparing your fresh romaine lettuce — wash it thoroughly and pat it dry to maintain its signature crunch. While the lettuce rests, make the croutons. Cut day-old bread into cubes, drizzle them with olive oil, and toast in the oven for about 5–7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until golden and crisp.
Next comes the heart of this dish — the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a creamy, tangy base that defines the Caesar flavor. For a more traditional touch, you can add a small amount of anchovy paste for depth. Adjust seasoning to taste — the goal is a perfect balance of richness and zest.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped romaine with half of the dressing to ensure even coating. Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese, then drizzle the remaining dressing over the top. Gently mix to keep the lettuce crisp and the croutons crunchy.
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of black pepper. You can also elevate it by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Every bite should feel light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced — creamy, salty, and crunchy all at once. The Caesar Salad’s timeless charm lies in its simplicity — a classic that never goes out of style.
Conclusion
The Caesar Salad by Lina Vexley is more than a meal — it’s a symbol of culinary simplicity done right. Crisp lettuce, rich dressing, and crunchy croutons combine to create harmony in every forkful. Whether served as a starter or a main dish with added protein, it remains a universal favorite for its balance of freshness and flavor. For Lina, this salad embodies comfort, elegance, and tradition — a dish that connects the joy of eating well with the art of keeping things beautifully simple.