9 Things About Caesar Salad You Probably Didn't Know

The Caesar salad has nothing to do with Julius Caesar

The Caesar salad has a history that many might mistakenly attribute to Emperor Julius Caesar. However, the truth is that there is no actual connection between the famous Roman figure and the Caesar salad.

While it's likely that Julius Caesar would have enjoyed a serving of the greens topped with dressing, the salad is actually the creation of chef and restaurateur Caesar Cardini. He developed the recipe at his Tijuana establishment, Caesar's Bar and Grill, in 1924. Legend has it that during a 4th of July celebration, the kitchen was running low on supplies, prompting Cardini to improvise with whatever ingredients were available. The outcome was a delicious dish that has become a timeless culinary classic.

Caesar salad has its own holiday on July 4th

Not to be overshadowed by the iconic Independence Day, the Caesar salad has its own special day — and it falls on July 4th as well. Caesar Salad Day was established to honor the invention of this beloved dish, which took place on July 4, 1924. This day not only marks its creation but also serves as an ideal accompaniment for summer barbecues. What better way to enjoy the holiday than by relaxing with a large bowl of Caesar salad? Honestly, the garlic flavor will have you feeling like you're witnessing fireworks!

The original recipe did not contain anchovies

There is much discussion about the use of anchovies in Caesar dressing. Advocates for their inclusion often argue that anchovies were a key ingredient in the original recipe. While this claim seems reasonable, it is not entirely correct. In fact, Caesar Cardini used Worcestershire sauce in both his original and bottled recipes. This doesn’t imply that Worcestershire sauce is the better choice for Caesar salad—it's best to try both versions and determine which one you prefer.

The world's largest Caesar salad weighed in at a little over three tons

Feeling peckish? You might be yearning for a massive bowl of Caesar salad — and who could blame you? It's absolutely scrumptious. However, even a hundred of the hungriest individuals on the planet would be no match for the largest Caesar salad ever made.

As reported by Guinness World Records, the record-breaking Caesar salad was crafted by Canirac restaurant in Tijuana on October 20, 2007. This colossal creation required the efforts of a team of 160 people and weighed an astonishing 3.287 tonnes. The ingredients included 2,538 kg of lettuce, 200 kg of cheese, an incredible 68 kg of croutons, and a staggering 480 kg of dressing. Not even a Brontosaurus — or an entire herd of them — could finish it!

Caesar salad is primarily responsible for an increase in romaine lettuce production

Once upon a time, the unassuming Romaine lettuce was overlooked, with Iceberg reigning supreme until Caesar's ascent. In 2017, an astonishing 43.2% of lettuce consumed in America was Romaine, establishing it as the most favored variety. Today, nearly 80,000 acres are dedicated to Romaine farming, largely due to fast food chains opting to enhance Caesar salads with grilled chicken, branding them as health-conscious choices. Cheers to locally grown produce and a thriving economy!

A traditional Caesar salad only contains one larger crouton and no grilled chicken or bacon

Indeed, the chicken Caesar salad can be found at nearly every restaurant, often accompanied by generous amounts of crispy bacon. It serves as an ideal meal or appetizer, depending on the portion size. However, it's important to note that the traditional Caesar salad contained no meat whatsoever—no chicken, no bacon, nothing at all. The original version didn't even include croutons; instead, it featured a single large crouton, quite different from the small ones that Caesar enthusiasts are accustomed to. Apologies to the meat lovers out there; while we understand your need for protein, this wouldn't have been acceptable to Cardini. Fortunately, most restaurants are happy to customize your Caesar salad with added meat.

It was originally served as a finger food

Although we now understand that Caesar salad was originally meatless, there's an even more unusual aspect to how it was enjoyed. In reality, it was scarcely regarded as a salad. Caesar salad was more akin to a finger food. Instead of chopping the leaves, diners would grasp them by the stems and eat them directly. While it may not be on par with PF Chang's lettuce wraps, we find the concept of deconstructed eating quite appealing.

You should always use raw egg

Caesar dressing is truly the secret behind the widespread adoration of Caesar salad. There are countless interpretations of what constitutes the ideal dressing. One thing is certain: eggs are essential. While many people choose to use cooked eggs, the best Caesar dressing is made with raw eggs. If you're concerned about salmonella, there's no need to worry. The acidity of lemon juice usually eliminates any harmful bacteria. Besides, we’re fairly confident that Arnold Schwarzenegger consumed a dozen raw eggs daily, and he turned out just fine.

Caesar, in addition to the Cobb, introduced meal-sized salads

Before their invention, salads were typically served as side dishes rather than hearty main courses. However, with the introduction of delightful salads like Caesar and Cobb, people craved them in larger, more satisfying portions. The irresistible flavor of Caesar made it especially popular, leaving everyone wanting more. It's lunchtime office salads for everyone!