How to Make Classic Caesar Salad Dressing at Home

Making Caesar salad dressing at home is a simple yet rewarding process that allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. This guide provides a classic recipe that will help you create a delicious dressing perfect for any salad or as a drizzle over your favorite grilled or roasted entrees.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste if using. Make sure to mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Season: Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Keep in mind that the Parmesan cheese and anchovies are already quite salty, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.

Emulsify with Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture by blending the oil with the other ingredients.

Adjust Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or more lemon juice until you achieve the desired consistency. For a thicker dressing, you can add more mayonnaise or grated Parmesan cheese.

Chill and Serve: Transfer the dressing to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a more cohesive dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Use the Caesar dressing with crisp romaine lettuce leaves and croutons. For a heartier salad, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Notes

Anchovy Paste or Fillets: Traditional Caesar dressing includes anchovies for depth of flavor. If you prefer, you can omit them or adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Storage: Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake or stir well before using, as the oil may separate slightly over time.

Making Caesar salad dressing at home offers you the opportunity to enjoy a fresh and flavorful dressing that pairs perfectly with a variety of salads and other ingredients. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your preference and enjoy your homemade Caesar salad!

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