Mary Berry Caesar Salad Recipe

This Mary Berry Caesar Salad is a fresh, flavorful take on the classic salad. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, shavings of Parmesan, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing come together to create a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Whether served as a side or topped with chicken for a main course, this salad is a timeless favorite with a British twist.

What is Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad?

Mary Berry’s version of Caesar salad focuses on simple, fresh ingredients combined with a creamy, savory dressing made from scratch. The salad features romaine lettuce, homemade or store-bought croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing with garlic, lemon, mustard, and anchovy paste—capturing the essence of the original while keeping it approachable for home cooks.

Other Popular Salad Recipes

• Jamie Oliver’s Greek Salad
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad
• Jamie Oliver Cucumber Salad
• Jamie Oliver’s Asian Noodle Salad
• Jamie Oliver Tuna Niçoise Salad

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Creamy and Tangy Homemade Dressing – Easy and flavorful
• Perfect Side or Light Main – Works for lunch or dinner
• Better Than Bottled – No preservatives or artificial ingredients
• Customizable – Add chicken, eggs, or bacon for variation
• Quick and Easy – Ready in 15–20 minutes

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Caesar Salad

For the salad:

• Romaine Lettuce (2 heads, chopped or leaves separated)
• Croutons (1–2 cups, homemade or store-bought)
• Parmesan Cheese (50g / ½ cup, shaved or grated)

For the dressing:

• Mayonnaise (4 tbsp)
• Grated Parmesan (2 tbsp)
• Garlic (1 small clove, crushed)
• Dijon Mustard (1 tsp)
• Anchovy Paste (½ tsp, or 1 anchovy fillet mashed)
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, freshly squeezed)
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Optional: Add grilled chicken breast, soft-boiled eggs, or crispy bacon to turn it into a main dish.

Equipment Needed

• Salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Garlic press (optional)
• Vegetable peeler (for shaving Parmesan)

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Caesar Salad

Step 1: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the lettuce

Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Tear or chop into bite-sized pieces if needed, or leave whole for presentation.

Step 3: Toss the salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, croutons, and a generous amount of dressing. Toss well until the leaves are lightly coated.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Top with Parmesan shavings and serve immediately. Add optional proteins if using.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Caesar Salad

• Grilled Chicken or Salmon – Makes it a full meal
• Soft-Boiled Eggs – Adds richness and protein
• Garlic Bread – Perfect for a light dinner combo
• Roast Potatoes or Wedges – For a hearty plate
• Crispy Bacon Bits – Adds smoky crunch
• Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Water – For a refreshing pairing

Expert Tips for the Best Caesar Salad

• Use Fresh Romaine – For the best crunch
• Dry the Lettuce Well – Wet leaves dilute the dressing
• Add Dressing Gradually – You can always add more
• Make Dressing Ahead – Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Homemade Croutons Are Best – But quality store-bought ones work too

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Caesar Salad

• Add Avocado Slices – For creaminess
• Use Greek Yogurt in Dressing – For a lighter option
• Make it Vegetarian – Skip anchovy and add extra mustard
• Add Pasta or Quinoa – To bulk it up
• Use Baby Kale or Spinach – For a twist on texture

Best Practices to Store Leftovers

• Store Undressed Salad Separately – To avoid soggy leaves
• Refrigerate Dressing in an Airtight Container – Lasts up to 3 days
• Refresh with a Bit of Lemon Juice – If dressing thickens
• Avoid Freezing – Not suitable due to fresh ingredients
• Keep Croutons Dry – Store in a separate airtight container

Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 4 servings without add-ons)

• Calories: ~220
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~6g
• Protein: ~7g
• Fiber: ~2g

FAQs

Can I make Mary Berry Caesar Salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing and wash the lettuce in advance. Keep the lettuce dry and store the components separately, tossing them together just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

What can I use instead of anchovy paste?

If you don’t have anchovy paste, you can use 1 mashed anchovy fillet or substitute with a little Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.

Is Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad dressing safe to eat during pregnancy?

Yes, her version does not contain raw egg, making it safe for pregnant women when using pasteurized mayonnaise.

How long does the Caesar dressing last in the fridge?

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before using again.

Final Words

This Mary Berry Caesar Salad is a timeless classic made easy and delicious with creamy dressing, crisp greens, and bold flavors.

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