Caesar Dressing: A Step-by-Step Recipe

How to Make Classic Caesar Dressing: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Caesar dressing is the cornerstone of the beloved Caesar salad, and there’s nothing quite like making it fresh at home. This creamy, tangy dressing combines bold flavors like garlic, Parmesan, and anchovies to create a rich and savory masterpiece. Follow this simple recipe to craft a Caesar dressing that will elevate any salad to restaurant-quality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

For a lighter version: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
For a vegan version: Use vegan mayo and skip the anchovies. Add 1 teaspoon of capers for a briny kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic and Anchovies

Finely mince or grate the garlic cloves.
Chop the anchovy fillets into a fine paste. You can also mash them with the back of a spoon for a smoother texture.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Whisk until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Anchovies

Stir in the prepared garlic and anchovies.
Mix well to evenly distribute these bold flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate the Parmesan

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture.
Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the dressing and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that the anchovies and Parmesan add saltiness, so adjust carefully.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve drizzled over crisp romaine lettuce with croutons and extra Parmesan for a classic Caesar salad.

Tips for the Best Caesar Dressing

Embrace Anchovies: They are essential for that authentic Caesar dressing flavor. If you’re hesitant, start with less and adjust to taste.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and garlic make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Consistency Matters: For a thinner dressing, add a splash of water or more olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The perfect balance of creamy texture and bold flavors.
Customizable: Easily tweak ingredients to suit dietary preferences or tastes.
Quick and Easy: Whip up restaurant-quality Caesar dressing in under 10 minutes.

Once you’ve tried this homemade Caesar dressing, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It’s fresh, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress at any meal!