A fresh and satisfying salad with crispy chicken, crunchy croutons, and a rich dressing
How to make a homemade Caesar salad that beats any restaurant version

Caesar salad is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. With fresh romaine lettuce, juicy sautéed chicken, crispy croutons, and a homemade crème fraîche dressing, this version is both easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it as a light dinner, a lunch, or even as a side dish, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of creamy, salty, crunchy, and savory elements makes every bite irresistible.

The Secret to a Perfect Caesar Salad

The key to a truly great Caesar salad is balancing flavors and textures. The crisp romaine leaves provide a fresh base, the homemade croutons add crunch, and the Parmesan delivers that deep umami taste. The dressing ties it all together—a smooth, tangy mix of sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon, garlic, and Parmesan that coats the salad beautifully without being too heavy.

For the best croutons, use day-old bread and toss it with olive oil, thyme, and salt before baking until golden brown. If you want to take the dressing up a notch, you can blend in an anchovy fillet for an even more authentic taste.

Customizing Your Caesar Salad

This Caesar salad is easy to adjust based on your preferences. You can swap the romaine lettuce for iceberg or crisp lettuce if you prefer a milder crunch. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought croutons or pre-cooked chicken to make the process even faster.

For extra flavor and variation, consider:

• Adding crispy bacon for a smoky touch
• Swapping chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist
• Mixing in avocado or cherry tomatoes for added freshness
• Serving it with a slice of rustic bread for a more filling meal

Can I make this salad ahead of time? What’s the best way to store leftovers? How can I make this salad more filling?

Caesar salad with homemade croutons and crème fraîche dressing

Caesar salad is one of those salads that is always a hit at home; simple and with few ingredients, but ingredients that just go well together in a salad that just tastes delicious! Caesar salad consists of fresh romaine lettuce tossed in a homemade crème fraîche dressing, grilled chicken, plenty of parmesan, and crispy croutons on top – yum, what a winner.

Jump To Recipe

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the croutons, cook the chicken, and mix the dressing in advance. Just store everything separately and toss together before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken, dressing, and croutons separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad itself is best enjoyed fresh, as the dressing can make the lettuce wilt.

How can I make this salad more filling?
To make it heartier, serve it with a side of grilled bread, quinoa, or roasted chickpeas. You can also add more protein like boiled eggs, smoked salmon, or even grilled steak.