Go Back
Fresh Caesar salad with homemade dressing, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Caesar Salad Dressing-Recipe Card

Max
Homemade Caesar salad dressing is delicious. This homemade dressing beats store-bought with its rich, creamy taste and adjustable ingredients. Prepare an original Caesar salad dressing recipe, a healthy Caesar salad dressing, or one without anchovies for a more tasty, healthy choice that can make any salad exceptional. Mix these ingredients in a dish and enjoy a fresh, vivid Caesar salad!
10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that balances the richness of the dressing. If you prefer a milder taste you can reduce the amount or substitute with yellow mustard, though Dijon is preferred for its sharpness.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient provides a depth of flavor and a touch of umami. It often contains anchovies making it a great substitute for anchovies in the dressing. If you want to skip the anchovies completely, this is a key ingredient for maintaining that savory taste.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for a Caesar dressing that is bold and aromatic. Use a garlic press for finer texture or finely chop it to get the full flavor. If you’re not a fan of garlic try reducing the amount to suit your taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is vital for adding acidity and brightness cutting through the richness of the dressing. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Olive Oil: A neutral-flavored olive oil works best here to avoid overpowering the other flavors. Avoid using extra virgin olive oil as its robust flavor might dominate the dressing. You can also experiment with avocado oil for a lighter taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a key ingredient in creating the signature creamy texture and nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option you can try using vegan Parmesan, or nutritional yeast as an alternative.
  • Anchovies: While optional anchovies bring an intense, savory flavor to the dressing. If you’re not a fan or prefer a lighter dressing, feel free to skip them or use a small amount. Worcestershire sauce already contains some anchovy flavor, so it’s not essential.

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing your base: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. These two ingredients create the flavor foundation of the dressing, with the mustard adding sharpness and the Worcestershire sauce contributing a rich, savory undertone.
  • Add freshly pressed garlic cloves to the mixture. This gives the dressing a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy texture. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper that has just been cracked. Be sure to adjust the seasoning according to your preference, as some people like their Caesar dressing a little saltier than others.
  • Next, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice is crucial for balancing the richness of the dressing with a refreshing acidity. It also helps to brighten the flavors and bring the dressing to life. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-combined.
  • Now, it’s time to add the oil. While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in a neutral oil, like light olive oil. Be patient and pour the oil gradually to allow it to emulsify with the other ingredients. This step will ensure that your dressing becomes thick and creamy, not runny. Avoid using too much oil at once, as it can make the dressing too oily.
  • Finally, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thick. The cheese will add a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Taste the dressing and make any necessary adjustments. You can add more lemon juice for extra brightness or more Parmesan for richness.
  • Store the dressing in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy it whenever you want to make a fresh Caesar salad.

Video

Notes

No matter what variation you choose, a few tips will ensure your dressing is perfectly creamy and flavorful. The key is to whisk the ingredients together slowly and steadily, ensuring that the oil emulsifies properly to give you that thick and smooth consistency. Also, be sure to use fresh ingredients—fresh lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan make a huge difference in flavor.
After making your dressing, store it in a mason jar in the fridge, where it will keep for up to a week, ready for your next salad craving.

Nutrition Information : Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 250mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

 

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a 5-star review below if you loved it! Tag @Heat_recipes on Instagram.