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National Caesar Salad Day

Food · July 4

A day for the Caesar salad: crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, Parmesan and a garlicky, lemony dressing made rich with egg and anchovy.

National Caesar Salad Day falls on Sunday, July 4, 2027. That is 250 days away.

Caesar salad is romaine lettuce tossed in a sharp, creamy dressing, then finished with croutons and grated Parmesan. It is one of the few salads people order because they actually want it.

The dressing does most of the work. A classic version whisks together garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce and Parmesan, and many cooks add anchovies for a salty depth that rarely tastes fishy. The result clings to the leaves instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Romaine is the usual choice because its long, sturdy leaves stay crisp under all that weight.

Croutons bring the crunch. Homemade ones, cut from day-old bread and toasted in oil with a little garlic, tend to soak up dressing at the edges while staying firm in the middle. Some cooks serve the leaves whole so they can be eaten with the fingers, which is how the salad was often presented in its early days.

Today the Caesar shows up everywhere, from diners to steakhouses, and it takes toppings well. Grilled chicken, shrimp and salmon are common additions, and some kitchens char the romaine on a grill for a smoky version.

The salad is named after a person, Caesar Cardini, a restaurateur. It has nothing to do with the Roman emperor, though plenty of diners have assumed otherwise.

Ways to celebrate

• Try making Caesar dressing from scratch with garlic, lemon and Parmesan.
• Toast croutons from leftover bread in a skillet.
• Grill halved romaine hearts for a smoky Caesar.
• Share a favorite Caesar topping with friends or family.
• Look for a local spot known for its Caesar salad.

Dates

All national days on July 4

Also on July 4

• Independence Day
• National Barbecued Spareribs Day
• Sidewalk Egg Frying Day

Categories: Food days