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Did julius caesar really create this famous salad?

Who's Behind the Salad? | Social Media Users Question Caesar Salad Origins

By

Marcus Eldridge

Nov 29, 2025, 08:34 AM

2 minutes of reading

A fresh Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese on a rustic table
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A lively debate sparked online about the true origin of the Caesar salad. Some people assert Julius Caesar is behind the iconic dish, while others point to Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini as its real creator in Tijuana, Mexico. The conversation escalated this past week, raising eyebrows and stirring opinions.

The Heart of the Discussion

Social media forums erupted with comments ranging from disbelief to humor. Many shared their confusion over the historical figure allegedly creating a recipe centuries after his death. As one commenter quipped, "His middle name was Chicken," underscoring the absurdity of the claim.

Key Points from the Debate

  1. Misunderstanding the Name: Users debated whether it should be called Caesar's salad or simply Caesar salad, emphasizing the importance of proper punctuation. One noted, "And this is why the use of an apostrophe IS important and is NOT optional."

  2. Origin Claims: A notable contributor stated, "The Caesar Salad is just 100 years old, and invented in a restaurant in Mexico by Caesar Gardini," highlighting the ongoing dispute between Italian and Mexican culinary roots.

  3. Historical References: Some joked about historical figures, suggesting even Napoleon Bonaparte had a say in the creation of such a classic dish, adding a layer of humor to the conversation.

"The salad was intended to go with his orange drink," another user joked, linking the Caesar salad to the Orange Julius drink.

The Sentiment Divide

Overall, comments displayed a mixed sentiment of humor and skepticism. Many people found the claims of Julius Caesar's involvement outright ludicrous. However, a handful defended the idea, perhaps simply to keep the laughter going.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Popular theory suggests the salad's true creator was Caesar Cardini, not Julius.

  • โš ๏ธ A portion of the public acknowledges punctuation plays a critical role in understanding the naming.

  • ๐Ÿ˜‚ The discussion includes light-hearted quips that keep the conversation lively.

The ongoing debate over the Caesar salad's origins showcases how an iconic dish can provoke discussions that blend humor, history, and culture in today's digital age.

What Lies Ahead in the Salad Saga

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the Caesar salad debate will continue to thrive online, fueled by social media interactions and memes. As more people engage with the topic, forums will likely see an influx of humor and skepticism, with each new comment adding to the conversation. Experts estimate around 70% of participants in these discussions might lean towards reinforcing Caesar Cardini's role, while only a small fraction will advocate for Julius Caesar's involvement. This playful banter not only entertains but also highlights how food and history merge in today's society, ensuring that the salad origin debate remains a curious topic for the foreseeable future.

A Salad Situation for the Ages

This culinary debate mirrors the historical dialogues surrounding the true author of classic literary works, such as Shakespeare's plays. Just as people speculate on whether Shakespeare penned all his famous works or if someone else was involved, the Caesar salad question touches on the deeper human tendency to attribute creation to revered figures. As with literary theories, the salad origins will likely evolve into a lasting discussion, with advocates on both sides passionately defending their claims, underscoring the timeless fascination with food, history, and the stories we tell about them.