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Caesar salad has always been one of my favorite types of salads, so I figure it’s about time I post my go-to concoction for it! Sometimes I just make a super simple version consisting of romaine lettuce, caesar dressing, and black olives, but then other times I go all out and make this version which also has mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, croutons, marjoram, and garlic. Trust me, you’ll LOVE this version!

Ingredients

Romaine lettuce

Caesar dressing – I prefer Primal Kitchen caesar dressing because it’s made using avocado oil but it tastes like authentic caesar dressing in my opinion. You can use code CHRISTINE for 10% off their products!

Black olives – I know some people don’t like olives so I won’t be offended if you omit them. You do you!

Croutons – I buy caesar seasoned croutons specifically.

Parmesan cheese – The classic cheese for Caesar salad!

Mozzarella – Adding some shredded mozzarella adds a little unique twist and a touch of sweetness.

Optional additions: Dried marjoram and granulated garlic. I have been obsessed with marjoram lately! It’s very similar to oregano, but is milder in flavor and a bit sweeter. It’s not overwhelming at all, so it adds the perfect depth of flavor that’s super subtle. Then garlic makes everything better, right?!

This Caesar Salad recipe can be as simple or as complicated as you want. The options are limited for creating the flavor exactly how you want it!

Method

Chop up the romaine lettuce and put in a large bowl.
Toss in the caesar dressing.
If you want, you can add in a few pinches of dried marjoram and 1/4-1/2 tsp granulated garlic.
Add the black olives, croutons, shredded mozzarella, and shaved parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
Sprinkle with a few extra croutons, breaking them up a little if desired (I love doing this personally!)
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Modifications for caesar salad

There are plenty options for modifications that can be done to this recipe. Here are some examples:

Add anchovies for an authentic Caesar salad.
Toss the greens in some fresh squeezed lemon juice for a little tanginess. It’ll also preserve the greens a little more.
Add a touch of stone ground mustard or dijon mustard for extra depth.
Use minced fresh garlic cloves instead of granulated garlic for a bigger kick and more powerful flavor. If you love garlic, then this would be a treat!
Omit the olives if you’re not a fan. Although olives add a nice touch of saltiness, if you don’t like their flavor, then no problem. You can omit them. Feel free to add a few pinches of salt to the salad if omitting!
Get creative with the cheese: You can use any cheese you want for Caesar salads. Although I chose mozzarella and parmesan, you can use whatever you fancy, such as pecorino Toscano (tastes pretty similar to parmesan), gorgonzola, sharp white cheddar, etc.
Add other leafy greens into the mix for more flavor and nutrients. I think arugula specifically is a delicious choice because of the light peppery taste it would add. Or you can even fully sub the romaine lettuce for your favorite leafy green such as mixed greens, spinach, arugula, etc.

How to implement Caesar salad into a meal

You have many options for how to eat Caesar salad!

Eat it as an appetizer before meals. This is super common at restaurants. It’s a delicious appetizer!
Eat it as a side for any meal such as pasta (check out my Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bowls!), pesto chicken, pizza, spaghetti, bolognese, sandwiches, hamburgers, wraps, etc.
Eat it as a snack during the day. I love how crunchy and refreshing Caesar salads are, so it’s always been a go-to snack for me. Don’t kick it til you try it!
Make it an entree by adding chicken, salmon, cod, mahi-mahi, etc.

Specific entrees that pair well with Caesar salad:

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Chicken Parmesan (gluten-free)

Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Caprese Pesto Pasta

Tomato Basil Stuffed Bell Peppers

I hope you love this Caesar Salad! Please be sure to leave a comment and review down below. Your support and encouragement means the world to me. Thanks so much!!

Caesar Salad

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Author: Christine Manes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side, Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

10 oz romaine lettuce (about 8–9 cups or 3 small/2 large romaine hearts)

1/4 cup caesar dressing (65 grams)

1/3 cup black olives (45 grams), more to taste

1/2 cup croutons (27 grams)

1/4 cup freshly shredded mozzarella (35 grams)

1/3 cup shaved parmesan cheese (40 grams)

Optional: A few pinches of dried marjoram

Optional: 1/2 tsp granulated garlic

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Instructions

Chop up the romaine lettuce and put in a large bowl.
Toss in the caesar dressing.
If you want, you can add in a few pinches of dried marjoram and 1/2 tsp granulated garlic.
Add the black olives, croutons, shredded mozzarella, and shaved parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
Sprinkle with a few extra croutons, breaking them up a little if desired (I love doing this personally!)
Serve immediately and enjoy!