What type of lettuce is used in the Caesar salad?

The Caesar salad specifically utilizes romaine lettuce as its base. This type of lettuce is well-known for its crisp texture and robust flavor, which complement the creamy Caesar dressing and other traditional ingredients such as croutons and Parmesan cheese. The characteristics of romaine lettuce make it ideal for salads that require a sturdy leaf to hold up against dressings and toppings without wilting quickly.

Iceberg lettuce, while crunchy, is typically used in lighter salads and isn't favored for a Caesar due to its more delicate and less flavorful leaves. Butter lettuce, known for its softer and sweeter leaves, also doesn’t provide the same robustness needed for a classic Caesar salad. Mixed greens include a variety of leafy greens that may not maintain the intended taste and texture profile of a Caesar. Therefore, romaine lettuce is the preferred choice for crafting an authentic Caesar salad experience.