A fresh, crisp Caesar salad is the perfect companion to a rich Christmas dinner. Whether you’re serving prime rib, roasted turkey, or baked salmon, this classic salad adds brightness, crunch, and a touch of elegance to your holiday table. This Christmas-ready version keeps the traditional flavors you love—creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and plenty of Parmesan—while adding a few optional festive enhancements to make it worthy of your holiday menu. It's simple, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins (for homemade croutons, optional)
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 1 large salad

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped or torn
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups croutons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional holiday add-ins: shaved Parmesan ribbons, lemon zest, or toasted pecans

For the Caesar Dressing

  • 2 anchovy fillets (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 large egg yolk or 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for a no-raw-egg version)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Homemade Croutons

  • 3 cups cubed French or Italian bread
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Make the Homemade Croutons (Optional)

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
    Tip: Let them cool completely—they get crunchier as they cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Dressing

  1. On a cutting board, mash anchovies and garlic together with the flat side of a knife to create a smooth paste.
  2. Transfer to a bowl and whisk in mustard, lemon juice, egg yolk (or mayo), and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing becomes thick and creamy.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
    Holiday Tip: Add a pinch of lemon zest for a brighter Christmas flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  1. Place chopped romaine in a large serving bowl.
  2. Add grated Parmesan and croutons.
  3. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss until the leaves are lightly coated.
  4. Finish with cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan.
    Best Practice: Toss the salad right before serving so the greens stay crisp at the holiday table.

Step 4: Optional Christmas Upgrades

  • Add toasted pecans or walnuts for a festive crunch.
  • Sprinkle in dried cranberries for a sweet-savory twist.
  • Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or smoked salmon for a heartier Christmas lunch menu.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values

  • Calories: 285
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g

Conclusion

This Caesar Salad Recipe brings a fresh, vibrant touch to any Christmas feast. With crunchy lettuce, creamy homemade dressing, and a few festive enhancements, it’s an easy dish that pairs beautifully with all your holiday favorites. Make the dressing ahead, prep your greens, and toss just before serving for a truly restaurant-quality Christmas Caesar salad. It’s simple, reliable, and guaranteed to shine on your holiday table.

RecipesHoliday RecipesChristmas Recipes