Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Caesar Salad: Is It an Italian Dish or an American Invention?

The Caesar Salad has transcended its humble beginnings to become a staple on menus around the world. Originally created by Caesar Cardini in 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico, the salad is a perfect blend of crispy romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Its origin, though rooted in a simple moment of necessity, has sparked debates about whether it’s an Italian dish or an American invention

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Romaine lettuce
  • Garlic (2 cloves, finely chopped)
  • Olive oil (1/3 cup)
  • Lemon juice (3 tablespoons)
  • Raw egg (1 egg, coddled)
  • Croutons (1 cup, toasted)
  • Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated)
  • Anchovies (optional, often included in modern versions)

Instructions

  1. Clean and dry the romaine lettuce, then tear into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, and the coddled egg to create the dressing.
  3. Add the romaine lettuce to the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and croutons over the salad.
  5. Toss everything gently once more before serving.
  6. Optionally, top with anchovies for added flavor.

Notes

  • For a safer alternative, use pasteurized eggs in the dressing.
  • To enhance the flavor, let the dressed salad sit for a few minutes before serving.
  • Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
  • Author: Billie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: Caesar Salad, Italian Salad, American Salad, Tijuana Salad, Fusion Cuisine, Salad Recipe, Healthy Salad, Romaine Lettuce, Caesar Dressing, Cardini.