Carrabba’s Caesar Salad Recipe

Carrabba’s Caesar Salad is more than just lettuce tossed in dressing it’s a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that makes it a restaurant favorite. This salad is an elevated classic, featuring crisp romaine lettuce, rich parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and a silky Caesar dressing that’s both bold and elegant.

While it may look simple on the plate, creating a Caesar dressing with the right texture and flavor can be surprisingly tricky. The secret lies in mastering the emulsion a process that combines oil, lemon juice, and other ingredients into a smooth, creamy sauce with Mashed Potatoes.

In this recipe, you’ll learn both the authentic Carrabba’s-style Caesar dressing technique and a quick “cheat” version for busy weeknights. Either way, you’ll end up with a Caesar salad that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.

My Personal Experience With This Carrabba’s Caesar Salad Recipe

The first time I tried making Caesar salad from scratch, I underestimated how much technique went into the dressing. I quickly learned that it’s all about patience especially when drizzling in the olive oil for that perfect emulsion.

After a few tries, I nailed the texture and flavor, and I realized why Carrabba’s Caesar Salad stands out: it’s fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The anchovies (or Worcestershire sauce if you prefer) give that subtle umami kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Now, I make this salad regularly. Some days, I take the time to do the full classic version; other times, I whip up the quick blender method. Either way, it’s always a crowd-pleaser at my dinner table.

Ingredients Required for Carrabba’s Caesar Salad Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Carrabba’s Caesar Salad

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 oil-packed anchovy fillets
• ½ tsp coarse salt
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 raw egg yolk
• ¼–½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large heads romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1½ cups homemade or store-bought croutons
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 anchovy fillets

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large wide wooden salad bowl
2. Whisk
3. Forks (for mashing garlic and anchovies)
4. Salad spinner or clean kitchen towel
5. Food processor or blender (for quick version)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes (for croutons, if making fresh)
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Copycat Carrabba’s Caesar Salad Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Carrabba’s Caesar Salad in a delicious way.

1. Prepare the Dressing Base: In a large, wide salad bowl, mash 2 peeled garlic cloves and 4 oil-packed anchovy fillets (or Worcestershire sauce) with ½ tsp coarse salt using two forks until a smooth paste forms.

2. Build the Emulsion: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 raw egg yolk (or 1 tbsp mayonnaise) to the bowl. Whisk well until combined.

3. Incorporate the Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in ½ cup extra virgin olive oil while whisking constantly. This gradual process creates a creamy, thick emulsion. Season with ¼–½ tsp black pepper.

4. Toss the Lettuce: Add 2 large heads of chopped romaine lettuce (washed and thoroughly dried) to the bowl. Gently toss to evenly coat the leaves without bruising them.

5. Add Cheese & Croutons: Sprinkle in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and toss lightly. Add 1½ cups croutons just before serving to preserve their crunch.

6. Quick “Cheat” Version (Optional): In a blender, combine ¼ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 1 clove garlic, and 2 anchovies (or Worcestershire sauce). Blend until creamy, then toss with lettuce, cheese, and croutons.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Carrabba’s Caesar Salad

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Carrabba’s Caesar Salad deliciously

1. With Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
I love slicing freshly grilled chicken, still warm, over the crisp lettuce. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy Caesar dressing.

2. Alongside Garlic Butter Shrimp
Trust me, those tender, garlicky shrimp sitting next to a cold Caesar salad is a match made in heaven.

3. Topped with Blackened Salmon
A slightly spicy, crispy-skinned salmon fillet adds richness and turns the salad into a hearty meal.

4. With Freshly Baked Focaccia
I can never resist tearing into warm, olive oil–brushed focaccia alongside my salad.

5. Paired with a Bowl of Tomato Basil Soup
On cooler days, this is my go-to combo: warm soup and a cool, crunchy Caesar.

6. As a Side for Steak Night
A juicy ribeye and a Caesar salad are my definition of an indulgent dinner.

7. Topped with Crispy Prosciutto
Just bake thin slices until crisp, crumble them over the salad, and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

8. With a Glass of Chardonnay
That buttery, lightly oaked wine complements the dressing’s tang perfectly.

9. As a Base for a Pasta Salad
Toss some chilled penne into the Caesar and suddenly it’s a picnic favorite.

10. With Roasted Vegetables
I love adding warm roasted asparagus or zucchini for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Carrabba’s Caesar Salad Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Dry your lettuce well
Wet leaves make the dressing slide right off. Use a towel or salad spinner.

2. Mash garlic and anchovies well
This makes your dressing smooth, not chunky.

3. Go slow with the oil
Pour a little at a time while whisking so the dressing gets creamy.

4. Taste as you go
Add more lemon, salt, or pepper if you think it needs it.

5. Use fresh Parmesan
It melts into the dressing better and tastes amazing.

6. Make croutons fresh
Toast bread with olive oil for extra crunch and flavor.

7. Serve right away
Lettuce gets soggy if it sits too long in dressing.

8. Try the no-egg version
If you don’t want raw egg, use mayonnaise instead.

9. Don’t skip the mustard
It helps the dressing mix and adds flavor.

10. Add your favorites
Chicken, shrimp, or salmon can turn this into a full meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Carrabba’s Caesar Salad Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep lettuce, croutons, and dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.

FAQs on this Copycat Carrabba’s Caesar Salad Recipe

When you give this Carrabba’s Caesar Salad Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I make this salad without anchovies?

Yes! We’ve done it many times. You can use Worcestershire sauce instead. It gives a similar savory flavor without the fishy taste.

2. Do I have to use raw egg yolk in the dressing?

Not at all. If you prefer, we use mayonnaise instead. It still makes the dressing creamy and safe to eat.

3. Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! We sometimes make the dressing a day ahead. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and whisk it before tossing with lettuce.

4. How do I keep my croutons crispy?

We’ve learned it works best to store them separately and add just before serving. Otherwise, they get soggy.

5. What’s the best lettuce to use?

Romaine is our favorite it’s crisp and holds the dressing well. Other lettuces get too soft and don’t mix as nicely.

6. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

You can, but we notice freshly grated cheese gives a richer, creamier flavor. It’s worth the extra effort.

7. Can I make a large batch for a party?

Yes! Just keep the lettuce and dressing separate until serving. Toss everything together at the last minute.

8. Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely. We love grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon on top for a full meal.

9. How do I fix a dressing if it breaks or looks curdled?

We add a little water and whisk slowly. It usually comes back together into a smooth, creamy texture.

10. Can I make a quick version on busy nights?

For sure! We often use a blender with mayo, garlic, anchovies (or Worcestershire), Parmesan, and lemon juice. It’s fast and just as tasty.

Carrabba’s Caesar Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor when prepared with care. Whether you go for the authentic hand-whisked dressing or the quick blender version, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in minutes. Try it tonight, share it with friends, and watch it disappear from the table just like at Carrabba’s!

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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