Creamy Caesar Dressing for Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. With its combination of crisp romaine, savoury Parmesan, and crunchy croutons, it’s a staple on tables everywhere. But what if you could enjoy all the richness of a traditional Caesar with a lighter, egg-free twist? My version features a creamy Caesar dressing made with Skyr or Greek yogurt, giving you that luxurious texture and bold flavour without the need for raw eggs. This salad is perfect whether you’re making a quick lunch or serving a crowd at dinner.

The History of Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad isn’t just another item on a menu—it’s a dish with a story, a true classic that has stood the test of time. The tale of its creation is as timeless as the salad itself. In the 1920s, Italian-American restaurateur Cesare Cardini, in Tijuana, Mexiko, found himself in a bind on a busy Fourth of July weekend. With limited ingredients on hand, he crafted a simple salad using crisp romaine lettuce, garlic, crunchy croutons, freshly grated Parmesan, and a dressing made from olive oil, raw egg, and Worcestershire sauce. What started as a resourceful improvisation quickly became a sensation, loved for its bold flavours and satisfying simplicity.

Fast forward to today, and my version of this classic swaps out the raw egg for Skyr or Greek yogurt, making the dressing just as creamy and luxurious, but with a fresh, tangy twist. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and modern taste. It’s perfect for when you want something familiar yet a bit different. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favourite in your recipe rotation!

Why This Classic Salad Is So Beloved

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-made Caesar Salad. It’s a dish that’s rich, indulgent, and never skimps on flavour. The foundation is always the same—crisp romaine, freshly grated Parmesan, and those perfectly crunchy croutons. Often topped with grilled chicken, it transforms from a side salad into a hearty main course. But the real magic? It’s in the dressing. Traditionally made with egg yolk, the dressing is a creamy, savoury delight that pulls everything together. In this version, yogurt steps in to add a tangy richness that makes the dressing even more irresistible. It’s easily the best-ever creamy Caesar dressing recipe.  It’s this balance of flavours and textures that keeps Caesar Salad a favourite, year after year.

What Makes This Creamy Caesar Salad Special

This Caesar Salad recipe features a quick and simple homemade dressing and croutons that elevate the dish to a new level of deliciousness. This Caesar Salad stands out because of its creamy, egg-free dressing. By using Skyr or Greek yogurt, I’ve managed to keep the dressing rich and tangy, while making it a bit lighter and safer to store. Anchovy fillets add that essential umami punch, and freshly grated Parmesan brings in the depth and nuttiness that’s key to a great Caesar. Paired with homemade sourdough croutons, this salad has the perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Essential Salad Ingredients and Why They Matter

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a Caesar Salad that’s both classic and elevated, making it a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts:

• Romaine Lettuce: The crisp, sturdy leaves are perfect for holding up to the rich dressing, providing the classic crunch in every bite.
• Skyr or Greek Yogurt: The star of the creamy, egg-free Caesar dressing, offering a smooth texture with a tangy kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the necessary salty, nutty flavour that defines a good Caesar Salad.
• Anchovy Fillets: A salty, savoury deliciousness. These bring the essential umami depth to the dressing, balancing the tanginess of the yogurt and lemon. If you don’t have access to anchovies, just add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the dressing.
• Ciabatta or Sourdough Bread: The base for homemade croutons that add crunch and texture, soaking up the dressing without becoming soggy.

Pro Tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavours in your salad.

Homemade Croutons for Caesar Salad

The homemade croutons are a true highlight of this Caesar Salad. Made from cubed sourdough ciabatta, they’re toasted to golden perfection with just the right amount of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. The result? Croutons that are irresistibly crunchy on the outside, with a slight chew in the center. They perfectly soak up the creamy dressing without losing their texture, ensuring that each bite delivers that satisfying, flavourful crunch that makes this salad so special.

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing (Egg-Free)

This creamy Caesar dressing recipe is a game-changer. It’s egg-free, made with Skyr or Greek yogurt for a light yet luscious texture, and enriched with freshly grated Parmesan. A mix of tangy Dijon mustard and bright lemon juice balances the richness, while anchovies bring that essential umami depth. The result is a smooth, rich dressing that’s incredibly easy to whip up, delivering all the classic Caesar flavour you love, with a fresh, modern twist.

How to Adapt This Caesar Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe

This Caesar Salad recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the anchovies and add a touch more mustard or capers to maintain that umami flavour. 
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the croutons or skip them altogether and add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for crunch.
• Extra Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon make great additions if you’re looking to make this salad more filling.

5 Essential Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Caesar Salad

1. Prep Ingredients in Advance: When it comes to making a great Caesar Salad, a little prep goes a long way. Start by washing, drying, and chopping your romaine lettuce—getting that crisp, clean base ready to go. Next, grate the Parmesan fresh; the difference in flavour is worth the extra step. Lastly, bake your croutons until they’re golden and crunchy, then let them cool completely. This ensures they stay perfectly crisp when tossed with the creamy dressing, preventing them from getting soggy too soon. With everything prepped and ready, assembling your salad will be a breeze, and the final result will be nothing short of delicious.
2. Dry Your Romaine Thoroughly: Make sure your Caesar dressing stays rich and flavourful by thoroughly drying your romaine lettuce. After washing, give the leaves a spin in a salad spinner or gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. The drier the leaves, the better the dressing will cling, delivering that perfect, bold Caesar flavour in every bite.
3. Emulsify the Dressing Slowly: To achieve that smooth, creamy texture in your Caesar dressing, take your time with the olive oil. Slowly drizzle it in while continuously whisking the other ingredients. This gradual process helps the dressing emulsify properly, resulting in a luxurious consistency that clings beautifully to the romaine and croutons, making every bite rich and satisfying.
4. Balance the Dressing-to-Lettuce Ratio: For the perfect Caesar Salad, it’s all about balancing the dressing with the lettuce. Start by adding a bit of dressing to your romaine, then toss gently. Gradually add more dressing, tossing as you go, until the leaves are evenly coated but not overwhelmed. This approach gives you control over the salad’s richness, ensuring every bite is just right—flavourful, but not too heavy.
5. Serve Immediately After Tossing: To get the best texture and flavour from your Caesar Salad, it’s important to serve it right after tossing the lettuce with the dressing and croutons. This ensures the croutons stay crispy and the romaine remains perfectly crisp. Following this tip helps keep each component—dressing, lettuce, and croutons—just right, so every bite is as fresh and delicious as possible.

Caesar Salad FAQ

Exploring Delicious Caesar Salad Variations

We all know and love the classic Caesar Salad for its crisp romaine, savoury Parmesan, and creamy dressing, but why settle for just one version? There’s a whole world of possibilities when it comes to putting a fresh spin on this timeless favourite. Whether you’re craving something a little lighter, heartier, or just different, these variations offer something new and delicious to try. Dive in and explore these favourite twists on the classic Caesar, and find your next go-to recipe!

• Fennel Caesar Salad
• Classic Caesar Salad with Roasted Chicken
• Caesar Pasta Salat (vegan)
• Vegan Caesar Salad with Mixed Seeds & Herbs

5 from 1 vote

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Creamy Caesar Dressing for Caesar Salad: Quick, Simple, and Delicious

Best-ever creamy Caesar dressing for Caesar salad, featuring tangy yogurt for a rich, indulgent twist on the traditional recipe for Caesar salad. Egg-free.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Category American

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 4 as side

Calories 320 kcal

Autor Elle

Ingredients

For the croutons:

• 2-3 slices of ciabatta or other rustic sourdough bread, cubed
• Olive oil
• Sea salt

For the dressing:

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons creamy Skyr or Greek yogurt
• 15 g parmesan cheese, freshly grated (2-3 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 2 anchovies, mashed into a paste with a fork
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (2 tablespoons)
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil,

For the salad:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
• Croutons (homemade or store-bought)
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to garnish
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

Make the dressing:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, anchovies, yogurt, parmesan, mustard, vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Make the toasted croutons:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F /175°C (155°C fan-assisted) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the cubed sourdough on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss the bread cubes to coat evenly, then spread them out in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until the croutons are golden and crispy on the outside but still slightly chewy in the center. Let them cool to room temperature.

Assemble the salad:

1. When you are ready to serve, assemble the salad: Add the romaine leaves to a large bowl. Drizzle with caesar dressing and toss gently. Gently toss in the croutons and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with a final sprinkle of Parmesan and a few generous grinds of black pepper.

   TIP: If the head of romaine is especially large, add 2/3 of the lettuce then toss with the dressing and gradually add more lettuce and dressing until you reach your desired dressing-to-lettuce ratio.

2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Storage Tip: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Before using, give it a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
• Crisp Lettuce Tip: To keep your romaine lettuce crisp, trim the outer leaves and the stump, then rinse and thoroughly dry the leaves. Lay or loosely roll them in clean dish towels and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad. This method helps maintain the lettuce’s freshness and crunch.
• Protein Tip: If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or crispy bacon works wonderfully with this salad.

For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.

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