Print

Homemade Caesar Dressing

Homemade Caesar Dressing

This Homemade Caesar Dressing recipe is creamy, tangy, and bursting with authentic flavors. Made with fresh ingredients like mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, it elevates any Caesar salad or dish with its perfectly balanced savory and bright notes. Quick and simple to prepare, it’s a versatile dressing ideal for salads, marinades, dips, or sandwich spreads, offering a healthier alternative free from preservatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves Garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 teaspoon Anchovy paste
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring that the garlic is finely minced and the Parmesan cheese is freshly grated to maximize flavor and texture.
  2. Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well blended.
  3. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the cheese and anchovy paste already add saltiness.
  4. Slowly Whisk in Olive Oil: Gradually pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing, giving it a smooth, rich texture that clings beautifully to your salad leaves.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Give your dressing a final taste and adjust the seasoning or acidity with a little more lemon juice or salt if needed. Your perfect bowl of Homemade Caesar Dressing is ready!

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice make a world of difference in flavor vibrancy.
  • Grate cheese finely: Finely grated Parmesan blends better and prevents a grainy texture.
  • Whisk steadily: Adding olive oil slowly while whisking ensures smooth emulsification and great texture.
  • Adjust anchovy paste cautiously: A little goes a long way—start small and increase to taste.
  • Serve chilled: Let your dressing chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
  • To lighten the dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
  • For dairy-free or vegan options, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and vegan mayonnaise, omit anchovy paste or replace with seaweed flakes.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; stir before use if separation occurs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar dressing, homemade salad dressing, creamy dressing, tangy dressing, anchovy dressing, easy Caesar dressing, gluten-free dressing