The History of Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad—much like mashed potatoes—makes a perfect pairing for a premium steak. This classic dish is one of our specialties at DC STEAKHOUSE. You can enjoy it as a starter, a side dish, or even a main course if you’re craving a lighter meal. The Caesar salad just celebrated its 100th birthday, so let’s take a look at the history of this restaurant favorite.
Where Did Caesar Salad Come From?
If you’re a fan of a Caesar salad, have you ever wondered how it got its name? It is a common misconception that Caesar salad was named after the Roman emperor Julius Caesar—it is actually the namesake of the Tijuana chef who invented it.
Yes, that’s right—the Caesar salad is from Tijuana, Mexico. Its invention happened on the other side of the world from Rome, several thousand years later in July of 1924.
The story goes that after a rush of American tourists practically ate out the kitchen of Ceasar’s Restaurant during a 4th of July celebration, Ceasar Cardini the owner of the establishment, whipped up this dish with what was left over. The simple dish was jazzed up with a table-side preparation and was an instant hit.
Like many things in history, there are other versions of this story.
Some say the salad was originally called the “Aviator Salad” because it was served to pilots who would travel to and from Mexico during prohibition with tourists or contraband.
Others claim it was Caesar’s brother, Alex, who made the recipe.
While some who worked in Cardini’s kitchen claim to be the inventor of the recipe.
You can still get a Caesar salad made exactly as it was in 1924 at the historic Hotel Ceasar’s restaurant in Tijuana Mexico.
What Makes a Caesar Salad?
This delicious salad was originally made with only seven ingredients:
Romaine lettuce
Raw egg yolk
Olive oil, infused with garlic
Pramigiano-Reggiano cheese
Worcestershire sauce
Lime juice
Toasted bread
The full lettuce leaves were tossed in the dressing then topped with grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and served with a toasted slice of bread.
If it sounds different than what you’re used to, that is because it is! The Caesar salad you are probably most familiar with features most of the original ingredients with a few extras.
Romaine lettuce (of course!)
Olive oil
Garlic, typically crushed
Dijon mustard
Lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce
Anchovies
Eggs, cooked by either poaching or hard boiling or raw added to the dressing
Parmesan cheese (Fun fact: Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano are not the same!)
Croutons
Chefs all over the world have made this salad their own. They are adding and subtracting ingredients to fit dietary preferences and allergies or changing the presentation. In all its forms from original to vegan, a Caesar salad is a delicious addition to the culinary world.
Caesar Salad Available at DC STEAKHOUSE
If you are looking for a Caesar salad that’s closer to home and super delicious, come visit us at DC STEAKHOUSE!
We offer delicious sides, juicy steaks, and incredible seafood in the comfort of Chandler Arizona’s downtown area. Join us for a relaxing dinner, or special occasion by making a reservation online, or with our host stand.
Images used under creative commons license - commercial use (3/4/25). Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash