Zipper Bag Caesar Recipe

This easy Zipper Bag Caesar is made with crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, tangy lemon juice, and sharp Dijon mustard. This recipe creates a perfectly coated salad that is creamy, savory, and incredibly fresh. It’s the perfect side dish for a busy weeknight dinner or a quick lunch and makes enough for about 4 people.

Zipper Bag Caesar Ingredients

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped
• 1 cup croutons

How To Make Zipper Bag Caesar

1. Combine the dressing ingredients: In a large, gallon-sized zipper bag, add the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the dressing: Press the air out of the bag and seal it tightly. Massage the bag with your hands until all the ingredients are fully combined and the dressing is smooth.
3. Add the lettuce: Open the bag and add the chopped romaine lettuce. Press out the excess air and seal the bag again.
4. Toss the salad: Gently shake and turn the bag over several times until the lettuce is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
5. Serve immediately: Pour the dressed salad into a large serving bowl. Top with croutons and extra Parmesan cheese just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure Lettuce is Dry: Pat your romaine lettuce completely dry after washing. If the lettuce is wet, the dressing will become watery and won’t stick to the leaves properly.
• Use a Large, Strong Bag: A gallon-sized bag gives you enough space to shake the salad without crushing the lettuce. Using a high-quality, durable bag prevents leaks or spills.
• Add Toppings Last: Always add the croutons and extra cheese after you transfer the salad to a bowl. If you add them to the bag, the croutons will become soggy.
• Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to taste the dressing before adding the lettuce. You can add more lemon juice for tang, a pinch more salt, or even a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.

What To Serve Caesar Salad

This versatile Caesar salad is a fantastic side for many main courses. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak to make it a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with Italian-American classics like lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, or a slice of garlic bread. For a lighter pairing, enjoy it with a bowl of simple tomato soup.

How To Store Caesar Salad Leftovers

• Refrigerate: A dressed Caesar salad is best eaten immediately as the lettuce will wilt over time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the lettuce will not be as crisp.
• Freeze: Do not freeze leftover Caesar salad. Lettuce does not freeze well and will become limp and watery upon thawing.

Zipper Bag Caesar Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 serving (recipe makes 4)
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 7g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the components in advance, but do not combine them. The dressing can be made and stored in the zipper bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Only add and toss the lettuce right before you plan to serve.
• What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with a small amount of soy sauce or tamari for a similar savory, umami flavor. A tiny pinch of anchovy paste is also a classic addition for authentic flavor.
• Can I add protein to this salad? Absolutely! This salad is a great base for protein. Add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs to the bowl after tossing the salad to make it a more substantial meal.
• Is this recipe safe since it doesn’t use raw eggs? Yes, this recipe is completely safe. It uses mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as the base for the dressing, which avoids the use of raw eggs found in very traditional Caesar dressing recipes.

Try More Recipes:

• Zipper Bag Fruit Salad Recipe
• Zipper Bag Overnight Oatmeal Recipe