A Hollywood-Inspired Classic with a Healthy Twist
There’s something nostalgic and timeless about a really good Caesar salad—and this one, made with my dear friend and Hollywood legend Dyan Cannon, might just be my favorite of all time. We created this together as the first in our Caesar Salad Series, and I promise, it’s everything you love about a classic Caesar but made with clean, flavorful ingredients that support wellness (especially for us women over 50!).
Crunchy romaine, garlicky homemade croutons, creamy umami-packed dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add a squeeze of lemon and some black pepper, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy salad that’s perfect for entertaining or just upgrading your weekday lunch.
Classic Ceasar Salad
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Ingredients
Classic Caesar Salad Ingredients
- 1 large head Romaine lettuce chopped
- ½ cup Homemade Sourdough Croutons see ingredients below
- Classic Caesar Salad Dressing see ingredients below
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Classic Caesar Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small clove Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Anchovy paste
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tbsp water to thin as needed
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Homemade Sourdough Croutons
- 1 cup whole grain or sourdough bread cubes
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- red pepper flakes optional
- sea salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
Make The Croutons
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and garlic powder, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, salt and pepper and spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes- tossing half way through, until golden and crispy.1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil, ½ tsp Garlic powder, 1 tsp dried parsley, red pepper flakes, sea salt, pepper, 1 cup whole grain or sourdough bread cubes
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste, and Parmesan. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing emulsifies. Stir in water as needed to reach desired consistency. Season with black pepper and sea salt.¼ cup Mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 small clove Garlic, 1 tsp Anchovy paste, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil, 1-2 tbsp water, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp sea salt
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the dressing until evenly coated.1 large head Romaine lettuce, Classic Caesar Salad Dressing
- Add the croutons and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Toss lightly to combine.½ cup Homemade Sourdough Croutons, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Finish with extra black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.1 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper, Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
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More About This Recipe
Kitchen Tools You’ll Want
- Large salad bowl
- Baking sheet (for croutons)
- Whisk
- Garlic press or microplane
- Mason jar or glass container (for dressing storage)
Cooking Tips
- Use sourdough or whole grain bread for your croutons—they’re more flavorful and hold up beautifully in the salad.
- If anchovy paste makes you hesitate, start with a small amount and build up—it adds depth without being fishy.
- Toss the salad right before serving to keep the croutons crisp!
Nutrition
The Health Benefits of the Classic Caesar Salad
- Olive Oil & Anchovy Paste: Both are rich in heart-healthy omega-3s and monounsaturated fats that reduce inflammation and support brain health. Studies have actually linked olive oil to improved cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women.
- Garlic: Known for boosting immunity and reducing inflammation—something our bodies appreciate more with each passing year.
- Parmesan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast: Both are great sources of calcium, which is vital for maintaining bone density as we age.
- Romaine Lettuce: It’s low in calories but high in vitamins A and K for healthy vision and bones.
Final Thoughts
This Caesar salad is so much more than a side dish—it’s a little moment of joy on a plate. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, serving it for Sunday dinner, or enjoying a quiet lunch with yourself (because yes, you deserve that!), it brings comfort, crunch, and a whole lot of flavor. Making it from scratch might seem like an extra step, but trust me, the freshness is unmatched—and knowing exactly what’s going into your food just feels good. Dyan and I had the best time creating this one together, and I hope it brings the same joy and nourishment to your table. Let me know if you give it a try—I love hearing how you make these recipes your own!