A classic Caesar salad might seem like a simple dish today — romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing — but its origins are anything but ordinary. At RJ’s Family Restaurant, a trusted lunch diner in Decaturville, Missouri, we love celebrating the foods our guests enjoy most. And few lunch staples are as iconic, adaptable, and surprisingly misunderstood as the Caesar salad.
In this blog, we’re going to explore where Caesar salad came from, how it’s evolved over the years, and why it remains a must-have on menus across Missouri and the nation.
A Mexican Beginning, Not an Italian One
Despite the name, Caesar salad isn’t Italian. Its creation traces back to 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico. Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini owned a restaurant just across the U.S. border and served many American tourists during Prohibition.
According to popular lore, Cardini whipped up the salad on a busy Fourth of July weekend when ingredients were running low. What resulted was a spontaneous mix of romaine lettuce, garlic, raw egg, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, croutons, and Parmesan cheese—tossed at the table for dramatic flair. This impromptu creation would go on to become a global phenomenon.
Anchovy Controversy and Ingredient Evolution
One of the most debated ingredients in a Caesar salad is anchovy. Interestingly, Caesar Cardini himself reportedly did not use anchovies in his original recipe — he relied on Worcestershire sauce for the savory, umami depth.
Over time, however, many versions of the salad started incorporating anchovies directly into the dressing. This addition added richness and a briny quality that many now consider essential. While you’ll find die-hard fans on both sides of the anchovy debate, it’s safe to say that the Caesar salad’s dressing is what gives it its distinct identity.
At RJ’s, we’ve heard all the preferences. There are those who love a bold, garlicky Caesar, and others who prefer a more subtle blend.
From Side Dish to Entree
Originally intended as an appetizer or side, the Caesar salad has grown into a versatile main course. Restaurants across the country (including here in Decaturville) began offering Caesar salads topped with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, shrimp, or even blackened tofu. This simple plate of greens transformed into a customizable base for protein-packed lunch options.
The structure of the salad — crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons — makes it ideal for experimentation. And in the Midwest, where people value both freshness and heartiness, Caesar salads have found a permanent place on the menu.
As the go-to lunch diner in the Decaturville, Missouri area, we see many guests opting for Caesar salads as a light-yet-satisfying midday meal. It strikes that perfect balance of flavor and texture, while offering enough variety to keep everyone happy.
A Cultural Icon with Staying Power
Why has the Caesar salad stood the test of time? One reason is its universal appeal. It’s not tied to a single region, holiday, or demographic. Whether you’re dining in a downtown bistro or a cozy rural diner like RJ’s, the Caesar salad has earned its place as a lunch favorite.
Its accessibility also plays a role. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples. And the act of tossing the salad tableside — originally performed to impress guests — has given way to pre-mixed versions, grab-and-go containers, and meal kits. Yet, the essence remains the same: simple ingredients with bold flavor.
Many of the best lunch diners in the Decaturville, Missouri area carry on this tradition, pairing familiar favorites with homestyle cooking and a welcoming atmosphere.
Why We Love Caesar Salads at RJ’s
As the top-rated lunch diner in the Decaturville, Missouri area, we know what our guests crave: comfort food, familiar flavors, and a touch of freshness to round out the plate. The Caesar salad hits all those notes.
It’s the kind of dish you can count on. Whether you’re grabbing lunch during a work break, meeting friends for a midday bite, or enjoying a relaxed weekend meal with family, the Caesar salad delivers every time.
And like so many great dishes, its story reminds us that food doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful. It just needs to be made with care.
Looking for the Best Lunch Diner in the Decaturville, Missouri Area?
Visit RJ’s Family Restaurant and enjoy a hearty meal that includes classics like Caesar salad, hamburger steak, and more. We serve up comfort food with care, right here in the heart of Decaturville. Contact us today at 573-346-6133 to get in touch with our staff.