Master Julia Child’s Classic Caesar Salad Recipe at Home
Julia Child’s caesar salad transforms mundane greens into a spectacular culinary symphony that sparks pure delight.
Crisp romaine leaves become a vibrant canvas for this legendary recipe’s robust flavors.
Tangy anchovies and zesty garlic create an irresistible dressing that elevates simple ingredients to gourmet heights.
Each carefully crafted bite promises a sensory explosion of texture and taste.
The magic lies in perfectly balanced components that mingle with extraordinary grace.
Generations of food lovers have celebrated this iconic dish for its elegant simplicity and bold character.
Check out this mouthwatering creation and experience a salad that’s so much more than just leafy greens.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal
Servings: 4
Julia Child Caesar Salad Ingredient Checklist
For Crouton Base:
Baguette: Choose a fresh, crusty loaf with a soft interior for perfect texture transformation.
Olive Oil: Select a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich, aromatic flavor enhancement.
Minced Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for a more vibrant and pungent taste profile.
Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated cheese for maximum melting and flavor intensity.
For Zesty Dressing:
Dijon Mustard: Pick a smooth, tangy variety that adds depth and slight heat to the dressing.
Worcestershire Sauce: Choose a classic brand for that signature umami and complex flavor kick.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Use ripe, juicy lemons for bright, citrusy notes that balance the dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar: Select a good quality vinegar to provide a subtle acidic undertone.
Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Seek freshly ground options for maximum flavor and aromatic punch.
For Salad Base:
Romaine Lettuce: Pick crisp, bright green leaves with minimal browning for ultimate freshness.
Salad Bowls and Tools for Julia’s Caesar
Baking sheet: Flat metal tray for even baking of croutons.
Sharp knife: For slicing baguette into uniform pieces.
Mixing bowl: Large container for whisking dressing ingredients.
Whisk: Tool for blending and emulsifying dressing smoothly.
Measuring spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
Cutting board: Stable surface for slicing bread.
Serving bowl: Large dish for tossing and presenting salad.
Garlic press (optional): For mincing garlic quickly and evenly.
Step-by-Step for Julia Child’s Caesar Salad
Craft Crispy Crouton Delight
Toast Bread Slices Transform fresh baguette into golden, crunchy bites by cutting into uniform pieces. Spread them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle zesty garlic across the surface. Bake until edges turn golden brown and edges become irresistibly crisp. After removing from oven, dust with parmesan for extra flavor.
Whip Up Tangy Dressing Create a flavor explosion by blending garlic, mustard, and bright lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Slowly incorporate olive oil while whisking vigorously to develop a silky smooth texture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the dressing sings with balanced flavor.
Assemble Spectacular Salad Tear crisp romaine into rustic pieces, creating a vibrant green base. Drench leaves with your homemade dressing, ensuring every morsel gets coated. Scatter warm, crunchy croutons across the top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to capture maximum taste and texture. Enjoy your restaurant-quality Caesar salad straight from your kitchen!
Crouton and Anchovy Tips
Crunch Enhancement Techniques: Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or whole wheat for unique crouton textures. Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme to infuse extra flavor into your crunchy bread cubes.
Dressing Flavor Boosters: Add anchovy paste for an authentic caesar salad depth or swap red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist. Roast garlic beforehand to mellow its sharp bite and create a richer, more complex dressing profile.
Temperature Timing Tricks: Ensure lettuce is cold and crisp before assembling to maintain salad's refreshing quality. Dress salad just before serving to prevent soggy leaves and preserve optimal crunchiness.
Protein Power-Ups: Transform this classic salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy bacon bits. Vegetarian options like roasted chickpeas or tofu can provide satisfying protein alternatives for a hearty lunch or dinner option.
How to Serve Caesar Salad Like Julia
Elevate Salad Presentation: Serve the Caesar salad on a chilled platter to keep ingredients crisp and refreshing. Garnish with extra parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper for a professional touch.
Pair with Protein Power: Transform this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crispy shrimp on top. These protein additions create a satisfying and balanced dinner option.
Wine and Dine Companion: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy dressing and enhance the salad's bright flavors. The wine's acidity will beautifully match the zesty dressing notes.
Create Stunning Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted lamb, or as a starter course for dinner parties. The classic Caesar salad works wonderfully as a versatile side that impresses guests with minimal effort.
Storage Advice for Leftover Caesar Salad
Preserve Peak Freshness: Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their satisfying crunch. Keep them away from humidity to prevent sogginess.
Quick Dressing Storage: Refrigerate homemade caesar dressing in a sealed glass jar for 3-4 days. The flavors will meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious blend.
Smart Salad Preparation: Prepare lettuce and dressing separately until serving time. Wash and thoroughly dry romaine lettuce, storing in a crisp container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, keeping leaves fresh for 3-4 days.
Advance Meal Planning: Chop ingredients and make croutons and dressing a day ahead. Assemble salad just before serving to prevent wilting and preserve the perfect texture of crisp lettuce and crunchy croutons.
Julia Child’s Caesar Salad celebrates classic French-American cuisine with crisp romaine lettuce, garlicky croutons, and a rich, creamy dressing whisked to perfection. Diners savor each tangy bite of this legendary recipe that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
1 head romaine lettuce (large or 2 small)
½ French baguette, thinly sliced (¼ inch thick)
⅓ cup parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved)
2 tbsps parmesan cheese (grated)
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
2 small garlic cloves (1 tsp, minced)
1 tsp garlic (minced)
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 ½ tsp red wine vinegar
½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
1/8 tsp black pepper (plus more to serve)
Instructions
Crouton Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut baguette into uniform cubes, coating thoroughly with olive oil and minced garlic for enhanced flavor and aroma.
Toasting Croutons: Spread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even golden-brown coloration and crisp texture. Immediately sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan while warm, then cool completely.
Dressing Creation: Whisk together minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar in a mixing bowl. Gradually stream in olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a smooth, emulsified consistency. Season with sea salt and black pepper according to taste.
Salad Assembly: Wash and tear romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a large serving bowl, drizzling prepared Caesar dressing and gently tossing to ensure even coating without bruising the leaves.
Final Presentation: Fold cooled, crispy croutons into the dressed salad. Garnish generously with shaved or shredded parmesan cheese, creating an elegant and flavorful finish.
Notes
Crouton Crafting Technique: Ensure uniform bread cube sizes for even toasting and consistent crunch, which prevents burnt or undercooked spots.
Olive Oil Coating Strategy: Lightly but thoroughly coat bread cubes to achieve golden-brown color without excessive greasiness.
Dressing Emulsion Secret: Whisk ingredients vigorously while slowly streaming olive oil to create a smooth, perfectly blended sauce that clings beautifully to lettuce.
Temperature Timing Tip: Remove croutons immediately after achieving golden-brown color and sprinkle parmesan cheese while still warm to help cheese adhere and enhance overall flavor profile.
Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.
Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care.
After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.
Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.
Michael Thompson
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care.
After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.
Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.