The moment you pour a rich, creamy caesar dressing over crisp romaine lettuce, the world becomes a little brighter. The tangy kick of anchovies, the smoothness of egg yolk, and just a whisper of garlic come together in a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. It’s like a party for your palate, and trust me, you’ll want an RSVP to this shindig.
I remember the first time I made this caesar dressing recipe for my family. My cousin—who claimed to be “anti-salad”—took one bite and declared it life-changing. From that day forward, salads became his guilty pleasure. Now, every family gathering features my caesar dressing as the highlight of the meal. So whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just trying to impress your cat with gourmet cuisine, this dressing is perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This homemade caesar dressing is incredibly easy to whip up and requires no special skills
- Its bold flavors make every salad irresistibly tasty
- You can use it as a dip or drizzle it on grilled veggies for an added punch
- The beautiful creamy texture will have your guests asking for seconds!
My friends still talk about the time I wowed them at a potluck with this caesar dressing recipe on my famous salad.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich flavor that enhances the dressing’s overall profile.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum pungency; crushing them releases their aromatic goodness.
Anchovy Fillets: Don’t shy away; they add depth without being fishy. Look for oil-packed varieties.
Egg Yolk: A fresh egg yolk gives the dressing its luscious creaminess—make sure it’s pasteurized if you’re concerned.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it brightens up the flavors remarkably.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own for an authentic taste; pre-grated cheese often lacks flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds umami richness—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper takes this dressing from good to phenomenal.
Salt: Adjust according to taste; remember, parmesan can be salty too!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Collect all your ingredients and tools—this includes a whisk or blender and a mixing bowl. Prepping ahead makes everything smoother.
Mash the Anchovies and Garlic: In a bowl, combine anchovy fillets and minced garlic. Use the back of a fork to mash them into a paste until well blended.
Add Egg Yolk and Lemon Juice: Stir in the egg yolk and fresh lemon juice into your anchovy mixture. Whisk until combined; it should look thick and creamy.
Incorporate Olive Oil Gradually: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the mixture into a smooth dressing that glistens invitingly.
Season and Add Cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese along with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Taste test here—you might want more lemon or salt!
Serve or Store**: Your caesar dressing is ready! Drizzle it over romaine or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Now that you’ve mastered this caesar dressing recipe, get ready to elevate all your salads from “meh” to “wow.” Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This homemade caesar dressing recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table
- The creamy texture and zesty kick will elevate any salad or dish
- Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in just a few minutes
- Keep it fresh for a delicious topping!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the ultimate caesar dressing, start by blending garlic and anchovies for a flavor base, then slowly whisk in the egg yolks and oils for creamy goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your caesar dressing with different acids like lemon juice or vinegar, and experiment with herbs such as dill or chives for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your caesar dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. No reheating required; enjoy it cold on salads or veggies.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect caesar dressing, use fresh ingredients like garlic and lemon juice for maximum flavor
- Avoid over-whisking after adding oil to maintain a smooth consistency
- Adjust seasoning before serving to achieve the best taste balance
Creating my first caesar dressing was a revelation; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it at dinner parties, which made me feel like a culinary genius.
FAQ
What’s the best way to store homemade caesar dressing?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I substitute ingredients in this caesar dressing recipe?
Absolutely! Try swapping anchovies with capers or using vegan mayo for a plant-based version.
How can I make this dressing spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick!
Creamy Caesar Dressing Recipe
Elevate your salads with this homemade creamy Caesar dressing! With a perfect balance of tangy anchovies, smooth egg yolk, and fresh garlic, this dressing transforms even the simplest greens into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re hosting dinner or just craving a flavor boost, this easy-to-make recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 2 anchovy fillets, mashed
- 1 egg yolk (pasteurized)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed anchovies and minced garlic.
- Stir in the egg yolk and lemon juice until thick and creamy.
- Gradually whisk in the olive oil until fully emulsified.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Serve immediately over romaine lettuce or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
