Easy Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons

This easy Caesar salad with sourdough croutons is a fresh, flavorful take on a classic favorite. Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy homemade dressing, and crunchy, garlicky sourdough croutons come together for a satisfying dish. Whether as a light meal or a side dish, this Caesar salad is sure to impress with its simple yet bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy, Flavorful Croutons – Sourdough croutons add the perfect crunch and tangy flavor.
  • Creamy & Tangy Dressing – Made with simple ingredients for an authentic Caesar taste.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
  • Customizable – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies for variety.
  • Healthier than Store-Bought – No preservatives, just fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sourdough Croutons:

  • Sourdough bread (cut into bite-sized cubes)
  • Olive oil or melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

For the Caesar Salad:

  • Romaine lettuce (chopped)
  • Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved)
  • Anchovy fillets (optional, for a traditional flavor)

For the Dressing:

  • Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

Make the Sourdough Croutons:

  1. Preheat the Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss the Bread – In a bowl, mix sourdough cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add Parmesan if using.
  3. Bake – Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden and crispy. Let cool.

Prepare the Caesar Dressing:

  1. Mix the Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Salad:

  1. Toss the Lettuce – In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine with dressing and mix well.
  2. Add Toppings – Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, add croutons, and toss again.
  3. Serve Immediately – Enjoy as is or top with grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Dairy-Free Option – Skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free Caesar dressing.
  • Extra Crunch – Add toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds.
  • Keto-Friendly – Replace croutons with crispy bacon bits or roasted nuts.
  • Lighter Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the dressing.
  • Spicy Caesar – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

  • Croutons: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Dressing: Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Shake before using.
  • Salad: Best enjoyed fresh. If storing, keep croutons separate to maintain crispness.

FAQs

Easy Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons

Can I make the croutons ahead of time?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

What’s the best bread for croutons?

Sourdough works best for its chewy texture and tangy flavor, but any sturdy bread will work.

Do I have to use anchovies in the dressing?

No, but they add a traditional umami flavor. You can substitute with a bit of Worcestershire sauce.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing has fresher flavors and fewer additives.

What’s the best way to make this salad a full meal?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for extra protein.

How do I keep my croutons crispy?

Store them in a dry, airtight container, and avoid mixing them with the salad until serving.

Can I make the dressing without mayonnaise?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a lighter, tangier dressing.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free bread for the croutons.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado make great additions.

Can I use bagged romaine lettuce?

Yes, for convenience, but fresh-chopped romaine gives the best texture.

Conclusion

This easy Caesar salad with sourdough croutons is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With homemade croutons, a creamy dressing, and crisp romaine, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal or side dish. Try it with grilled chicken for a protein boost or keep it simple for a classic taste. Either way, it’s a winner!

Print
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Easy Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons

Easy Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Caesar Salad is made with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy sourdough croutons, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing. It’s a fresh and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sourdough Croutons:

  • 2 cups (120g) sourdough bread, cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano or thyme (optional)

For the Caesar Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 23 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)

For the Salad:

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sourdough Croutons

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss sourdough cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano (if using).
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing

  1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add water as needed to thin the dressing to desired consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing until coated.
  2. Add sourdough croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Top with extra black pepper and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and dairy-free yogurt.
  • Storage: Store leftover croutons in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Make-Ahead: Keep the salad and dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

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