Quick Keto Caesar Salad (No Croutons)

Ever wondered if you could enjoy a rich, creamy Caesar salad while staying keto?

Let me tell you something – you absolutely can, and it’s ridiculously simple.

This Keto Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing delivers all the classic flavors you crave without the carb-heavy croutons. I’ve perfected this recipe over countless dinner parties where guests couldn’t believe something this satisfying was actually low-carb.

Quick Keto Caesar Salad (No Croutons)

What it is:

A classic Caesar salad reimagined for keto dieters, featuring crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a rich, homemade dressing with zero grain-based croutons.

Key features:

One-bowl preparation, naturally gluten-free, perfect for meal prep

KEY INFO

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes (optional protein/cheese crisps)
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty level: Easy
Dietary tags: Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free, Grain-free

Net carbs: 1.5g per serving
Healthy fats: 12g per serving

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Essential tools:

• Large salad bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Simple alternatives:

• Mason jar instead of bowl for dressing (shake vigorously)
• Food processor for ultra-smooth dressing
• Garlic press instead of mincing by hand

INGREDIENTS

For the salad:

• 8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (340g)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (30g), plus extra for garnish
• 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced (optional – substitute grilled shrimp or omit)

For the keto Caesar dressing:

• 1/4 cup sugar-free mayonnaise (60ml)
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (30ml)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (15ml)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5ml)
• 3 anchovy filets, minced (or 1 tbsp anchovy paste)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (5ml) [check label for sugar]
• 2 garlic cloves, minced to paste
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Optional keto “croutons”:

• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan for cheese crisps (50g)
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (35g)

METHOD

1. Make garlic paste by mincing garlic with a pinch of salt, then mashing with the flat side of your knife until smooth.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl – mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, anchovies, Worcestershire, garlic paste, and pepper.
3. Taste and adjust – the dressing should be creamy and tangy. Add more lemon juice for brightness or Parmesan for richness.
4. Prepare cheese crisps (if using) by spreading small piles of shredded Parmesan on parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
5. Wash and dry lettuce thoroughly – soggy greens will water down your dressing.
6. Toss lettuce with just enough dressing to lightly coat each leaf. Don’t overdress!
7. Top with protein (if using), extra Parmesan, and your choice of keto-friendly toppings.
8. Serve immediately – this salad doesn’t wait around looking pretty.

CRUCIAL TIPS

For perfect dressing:

• Mash garlic to paste – chunks will overpower individual bites
• Whisk steadily while adding oil to prevent separation
• Start with less dressing – you can always add more

For crispy perfection:

• Spin lettuce completely dry – water is the enemy of good Caesar
• Check Worcestershire labels – many contain hidden sugars
• Make cheese crisps in small batches – they burn quickly

Storage secrets:

• Keep dressing separate until serving
• Store leftover dressing up to 1 week in the fridge
• Dressed salad must be eaten immediately

Common mistakes I see:

• Using sweet mayo (check those labels!)
• Overdressing the greens
• Skipping the anchovy (trust me, it makes the difference)

Scaling made simple:

• Double the dressing recipe – it keeps beautifully
• One large romaine heart serves 2 people generously
• Multiply protein portions by number of diners

Delicious variations:

• Vegetarian: Skip anchovies, add extra capers for brininess
• Dairy-free: Swap nutritional yeast for Parmesan
• Extra protein: Add hard-boiled eggs or grilled salmon
• Crunch factor: Try roasted nuts or seeds instead of cheese crisps

I’ve served this to die-hard carb lovers who didn’t miss the croutons for a second. The secret lies in that perfectly balanced dressing – rich enough to satisfy, tangy enough to brighten every bite.

Your keto journey just got a whole lot more delicious.