Iconic Classic Caesar Dressing Recipe for Zippy Homemade Salads

Whipping up a classic Caesar dressing that rivals restaurant quality starts with understanding its rich culinary Caesar dressing recipe heritage.

Chefs worldwide have long celebrated this creamy, tangy sauce as a cornerstone of salad perfection.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that signature zesty flavor profile.

Anchovy paste and fresh garlic provide depth and complexity to the dressing character.

Sharp parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty undertone that makes every bite memorable.

The emulsification of egg yolks and olive oil creates a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to crisp romaine lettuce.

Drizzle this homemade dressing over your salad and experience a taste sensation that will elevate your culinary skills.

Serving Caesar Dressing on Salads & More

• Elevate Caesar Salad: Drizzle this creamy dressing over crisp romaine lettuce leaves for a classic presentation that never disappoints.
• Upgrade Sandwich Spread: Slather the dressing on turkey or chicken sandwiches for an extra burst of tangy flavor that transforms ordinary lunch.
• Veggie Dip Delight: Use as a zesty dipping sauce for fresh cut vegetables like cucumber, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips to add excitement to your snack time.
• Grilled Protein Enhancer: Brush onto grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon just before serving to infuse rich, savory notes that complement the meat's natural taste.

Storage Tips for Homemade Caesar Dressing

• Refrigerate Quickly: Transfer the dressing to an airtight glass container immediately after preparing to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
• Extend Freshness: Keep the Caesar dressing chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, ensuring optimal taste and food safety.
• Separation Is Normal: Gently whisk or shake the dressing before each use if ingredients slightly separate during storage, restoring its smooth consistency.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze the Caesar dressing, as it will negatively impact the texture and emulsion of the delicate ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

Classic Caesar Dressing Ingredient Guide

• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that provides silky texture and rich flavor for the dressing.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy brightness and helps create a smooth, balanced consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Brings zesty acidity and helps cut through the richness of the other ingredients.

• Garlic: Fresh, pungent cloves that deliver a bold, aromatic punch to the dressing.
• Anchovy Fillets: Delivers umami depth and traditional Caesar complexity with briny undertones.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes sharp, tangy notes and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces complex savory notes with subtle sweetness and depth.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a warm, slightly spicy kick that complements the other ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dressing, bringing out subtle nuances.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty dimension and authentic Caesar dressing character.

Tools for Whipping Up Caesar Dressing

• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and creating creamy consistency.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing dressing components together.
• Food processor: Crucial for creating a smooth, well-integrated dressing with garlic and anchovy.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and anchovy.
• Sharp knife: Helps prepare garlic and anchovy for processing.
• Airtight container: Great for storing dressing in the refrigerator.

Instructions for Making Classic Caesar Dressing

• Creamy Base Preparation

Grab a medium bowl and start mixing your core ingredients, creating a smooth foundation for your zesty dressing. Whisk everything together with energy, ensuring a consistent blend that promises rich flavor.

• Flavor Enhancement

Transfer your mixture to a food processor, introducing minced garlic and anchovy for a deep, complex taste profile. Pulse and blend until the texture becomes silky and uniform, releasing all those incredible savory notes.

• Chilling and Settling

Pop the freshly crafted dressing into the refrigerator, allowing the ingredients to meld and thicken. This resting period helps develop a more intense and harmonious flavor experience.

• Storage Strategy

Once cooled, transfer your dressing to a sealed container. The homemade creation will stay fresh and delicious for several days, ready to elevate any salad or dish with its robust character.

Flavor Twists for Classic Caesar Dressing

• Swap traditional anchovies with capers for a tangy vegetarian twist that adds bright, briny flavor.
• Introduce a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes to give the dressing a zesty kick that elevates every salad bite.
• Replace some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining a rich, creamy texture that still feels indulgent.
• Transfer dressing to a mason jar with a tight lid for easy storage and quick shake-ups before serving, ensuring ingredients stay well-blended and fresh.

Legendary Caesar Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Caesar salad lovers will adore this homemade classic caesar dressing recipe that elevates simple greens with rich, tangy flavors. Creamy anchovies, garlic, and parmesan create an authentic dressing you can confidently drizzle over crisp romaine lettuce.

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Ingredients

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• 1 egg yolk
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) high-quality olive oil
• ⅓ cup Romano cheese, finely shredded
• 2 small cloves garlic, minced
• 1 whole anchovy filet, or 0.5 tsp anchovy paste
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 dash salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Emulsification: Whisk eggs, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until ingredients blend seamlessly and create a smooth, cohesive base.
2. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate minced garlic and finely chopped anchovies into the mixture, using a food processor to ensure a velvety, well-integrated texture that distributes flavors evenly.
3. Chilling and Melding: Refrigerate the dressing for at least one hour, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their complex flavor profile, which will elevate the overall taste experience.
4. Storage and Preservation: Transfer the prepared Caesar dressing to an airtight glass container, sealing securely and storing in the refrigerator for up to one week, maintaining its fresh and vibrant characteristics.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Letting the dressing rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour allows ingredients to meld, creating a more complex and balanced taste profile.
• Whisk with Precision: Vigorous whisking is crucial to emulsify ingredients, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture that coats salad greens perfectly.
• Anchovy and Garlic Magic: Pulsing these intense flavor boosters in a food processor helps distribute their robust essence evenly throughout the dressing.
• Storage Savvy: Keep the dressing in an airtight glass container, and it’ll maintain its freshness and quality for up to a week in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg