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Caesar Salad Dressing: The Ultimate Guide to Making It at Home

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Classic Caesar salad dressing, rich and creamy with Parmesan, lemon, garlic, and a hint of anchovy. Perfect for a restaurant-quality salad at home!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1/2 cup, plus extra for serving)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (or 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
  • 2 tablespoons water (or more, to adjust consistency)
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Croutons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Grilled chicken (optional)
  • Soft-boiled or poached egg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (or minced anchovies) until well combined.
  2. Incorporate Olive Oil: Gradually drizzle in olive oil while continuously whisking. Whisk vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Adjust Consistency: Add water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
  4. Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice for tanginess, Parmesan for cheesiness, or black pepper for a kick.
  5. Chill the Dressing: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably an hour) to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Prepare Lettuce: Wash and dry romaine lettuce. Tear into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss romaine lettuce with enough Caesar salad dressing to coat.
  8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle croutons and grated Parmesan cheese over the lettuce. Add grilled chicken and soft-boiled or poached egg, if desired.
  9. Serve Immediately: Serve the Caesar salad immediately.

Notes

  • Anchovy Alternatives: If averse to anchovies, use a small amount of fish sauce or a pinch of MSG.
  • Garlic Intensity: Adjust garlic amount to your preference. Roast garlic for a milder flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • Egg Yolk: For a richer dressing, add a raw egg yolk (use pasteurized eggs).
  • Vegan Option: Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, and anchovy paste with seaweed flakes or miso paste.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Add Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds can add a nice crunch to the salad.
  • Grilled Romaine: For a unique twist, try grilling the romaine lettuce before adding the dressing.
  • Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/caesar-salad-dressing/