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Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons

This classic Caesar salad with sourdough croutons is a timeless vegetarian-friendly dish that balances crisp textures with bold, savoury flavours. The secret lies in the homemade dressing, which uses salty anchovies, sharp lemon and tangy Dijon mustard to create a rich coating for the fresh romaine leaves. Using sourdough for the croutons adds an extra layer of crunch and a slight tang that elevates the salad from a simple side to a satisfying main.

Ideal for a light lunch or as a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, this recipe is incredibly quick to assemble once the dressing is whisked together. To keep the leaves crisp, ensure you only toss the salad just before serving. Finish with a generous grating of Parmesan and fresh parsley for a vibrant, professional-looking dish that everyone will enjoy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons

  • 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 30ml Worcestershire sauce

  • 80ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 180ml grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 2 large hearts of cos lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (about 1800g )

  • 1 1/2 cups sourdough croutons

  • Chopped fresh Italian parsley

Whisk first 6 ingredients in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil, then 1/2 cup cheese.

Toss lettuce, croutons, 1/4 cup cheese, and dressing in bowl. Sprinkle with parsley and season to taste with pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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