Delia Smith Caesar Salad Recipe

This classic Caesar salad is crisp, creamy, and beautifully balanced, with crunchy croutons, fresh romaine, and a rich, savoury dressing. The texture is light yet satisfying, with plenty of bite and a smooth, garlicky finish. It is an easy recipe that suits beginners and confident cooks alike. From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes.

Ingredients

For the croutons

• 2 thick slices white bread, crusts removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, lightly crushed

For the dressing

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the salad

• 1 large cos lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 40g Parmesan cheese, shaved

How to Make Delia Smith Caesar Salad

• Prepare the croutons: Preheat a small oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Cut the bread into cubes and toss with the olive oil and crushed garlic. Spread on a baking tray and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
• Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. Gradually whisk in the olive oil to form a thick, glossy dressing.
• Season the dressing: Stir in the grated Parmesan and Worcestershire sauce. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go.
• Assemble the salad: Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl. Add the dressing and toss gently until every leaf is lightly coated.
• Finish and serve: Scatter over the croutons and shaved Parmesan. Serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the croutons are crunchy.

Tips

How do I keep the lettuce crisp?

Make sure the lettuce is completely dry before dressing it. Excess water will thin the dressing and soften the leaves.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made a few hours in advance and kept chilled. Bring it back to room temperature and whisk briefly before using.

What bread works best for croutons?

Day-old white bread or sourdough gives the best crunch and absorbs the oil evenly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or prawns for a fuller meal
• Pair with a simple soup for a light lunch
• Enjoy as a starter before a pasta or roast dinner

Storage

Room temperature

This salad is best eaten immediately and should not be left out once dressed.

Refrigerator

Undressed lettuce and dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the lettuce and dressing will lose their texture.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated fat: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Delia Smith Caesar Salad Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: SaladCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

A classic Caesar salad with crisp cos lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a rich, creamy Parmesan dressing.

Ingredients

• 2 thick slices white bread

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small garlic clove

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tsp lemon juice

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 large cos lettuce

• 40g Parmesan, shaved

• Salt and black pepper

Directions

• Preheat oven and prepare croutons.
• Whisk egg yolk, mustard, garlic, and lemon juice.
• Gradually whisk in olive oil until thick.
• Stir in Parmesan and Worcestershire sauce.
• Toss lettuce with dressing.
• Add croutons and shaved Parmesan, then serve.

Notes

• Dry lettuce thoroughly before dressing.
• Use fresh eggs for best flavour and safety.
• Serve immediately for best texture.