Romaine Caesar Salad with Homemade Garlic Croutons

Name: Romaine Caesar Salad with Homemade Garlic Croutons
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4 side salads
Cuisine: Italian-American inspired
Ingredients: 200 g romaine lettuce; 50 g day-old bread for croutons; 50 g Parmesan; 2 tbsp olive oil for croutons; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil for dressing; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 whole pasteurized egg yolk; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper

Crisp romaine, Parmesan and warm garlicky croutons get a light lemon Caesar-style dressing.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 28 minMakes 4 side salads

Jump to Recipe

Crisp romaine, Parmesan and warm garlicky croutons get a light lemon Caesar-style dressing. The source calls for two-minute eggs in the dressing; use pasteurized egg yolk if preparing an uncooked dressing, and serve the salad promptly. Dry the lettuce thoroughly so the sauce clings without watering down. Keep extra dressing cold and add croutons at the table. Cube bread and cook in crouton oil with crushed garlic until golden; cool. Whisk pasteurized egg yolk, lemon juice and dressing oil; fold in half the grated Parmesan and season. Wash and dry romaine well; tear into bite-size pieces. Coat leaves lightly with dressing and add croutons just before serving. Top with remaining Parmesan and black pepper; serve immediately.

Romaine Caesar Salad with Homemade Garlic Croutons

How to tell when it is ready

Croutons crisp, romaine dry and lightly coated.

Tips

Dry lettuce completely.
Use pasteurized yolk in uncooked dressing.
Cool croutons before mixing.
Dress only when ready to eat.

Troubleshooting

If dressing is thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water.
If lettuce wilts, dress smaller batches at serving.

Substitutions

Use a suitable hard vegetarian cheese if avoiding animal rennet.
Use ready-made plain croutons when time is short.

Variations

Add a little Dijon mustard to the dressing.
Replace half the romaine with crisp little gem lettuce.

Serving suggestions

Serve as a starter.
Pair with grilled chicken as a separate option.
Offer extra Parmesan.
Add lemon wedges on the side.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Store dry leaves, croutons and dressing separately; refrigerate dressing and use within 1 day.

Storage

Store dry leaves, croutons and dressing separately; refrigerate dressing and use within 1 day.

Food safety

Use pasteurized egg yolk for uncooked Caesar-style dressing; keep chilled.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a two-minute boiled egg?

Use pasteurized egg for this uncooked dressing; a two-minute boil is not a reliable safety step.

How should I store romaine caesar salad with garlicky croutons?

Store dry leaves, croutons and dressing separately; refrigerate dressing and use within 1 day.

Serve as a starter. Store dry leaves, croutons and dressing separately; refrigerate dressing and use within 1 day.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Romaine Caesar Salad with Homemade Garlic Croutons