Caesar salad is one of the most popular and well-known salads around the world for its simple, yet balanced ingredients. But, where does the salad come from and why has it become a staple for many menus across the globe?
As one of Arizona’s most popular New York-Style delis, Chompie’s offers an array of deli favorites. If you’re looking for a traditional deli meal, we’ve got your fix. We also serve a wide range of salad options for those looking for a healthy alternative or just simply craving a bowl of greens. Read our blog post below to learn about the humble origins of the Caesar salad.
Where Was Caesar Salad First Created?
Many people likely believe that the salad was named after Julius Caesar, but it’s actually not. It was invented by an Italian man, Caesar Cardini, sometime in 1924, in his restaurant. It is said that Caesar was short of supplies and didn’t want to disappoint the customers so he concocted this salad with what was on hand. To add a flair to this he prepared it at the table. This story is not certifiable, however but it very well could have happened.
The salad soon became a hit and people came to the restaurant specifically just to get the salad.
As You Might Expect, There Are Others Who Claim the Creation
Some of Caesar’s friends and family dispute his claim of creating the salad. Paul Maggiora, a partner of the Cardinis, claimed to have tossed the first Caesar salad in 1927 for American airmen from San Diego and called it “Aviator’s Salad.” Caesar’s brother, Alex, had claimed to have developed the salad, also calling it Aviator’s Salad.
Livio Santini claimed he made the salad from a recipe of his mother, in the kitchen of Caesar’s restaurant when he was 18 years old, in 1925, and that Caesar took the recipe from him.
What is the Original Recipe for the Caesar Salad?
Today, Caesar salad varies from restaurant to restaurant. Cardini’s original recipe had six simple components:
- Lettuce
- Raw egg
- Olive oil
- Croutons
- Parmesan cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
It’s important to note that Caesar dressing had not been invented by then.
In comparison, Chompie’s Caesar salad incorporates:
- Romaine lettuce
- Parmesan cheese
- Seasoned croutons
- Caesar dressing
Chompie’s Serves the Best Salads in the Valley
Since 1979, Chompie’s has been the restaurant of choice for Arizonians looking for a New York Style food that serves items like bagels, mile-high sandwiches, salads, colossal Reubens, and a variety of desserts. We are proud of our long history of service and look forward to creating experiences you won’t forget. Visit one of our locations today and see why we’ve become one of Arizona’s favorite delis to date.
