Caesar Cardini’s Dressing Celebrates 100 Years of Caesar Salad

Salad Celebration of the Century

On July 4, 2024, it will be exactly 100 years since Caesar Cardini first made his famous Caesar Salad for the guests in his restaurant. Since then, the Caesar Salad has been a staple on menus worldwide. The combination of Romaine lettuce, crispy croutons, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese guarantees its enduring success.

A Spectacular Coincidence

The famous salad with its accompanying dressing was created by chance in 1924. During the Independence Day celebrations, many Americans traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, just across the border, where the strict alcohol laws did not apply. Chef and cocktail maker Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant, saw the opportunity and opened a restaurant there. Due to the large influx of guests, he quickly ran out of supplies and had to be creative. He took all the last ingredients he had and spectacularly created his new salad in the middle of the dining room.

Hospitality as Entertainment.

This Caesar Salad is prepared tableside by the ensaladero, the salad waiter, in a wooden bowl as Cardini originally prescribed. Cardini understood better than anyone that a successful dining experience is not just about beautifully plated food but also about entertainment.

A True Sensation

Sixteen years later, Cardini moved to Los Angeles with his secret recipe and opened a delicatessen. His dressing became a true sensation. People, including many Hollywood celebrities, would bring their pots and bottles to be filled with the coveted sauce. He then decided to professionally market it in 1948 under the label 'Caesar Cardini Foods'. The sauce is made with only natural premium ingredients and has a low water content, which gives it its rich and creamy taste.

Optimize Your Menu with the Caesar Salad

For chefs and restaurateurs, the Caesar Salad remains a valuable addition to any menu. Not only because of its rich history and universal popularity but also because it is an easy-to-prepare dish that impresses. Add this timeless classic to your menu and offer your guests a piece of culinary history.