Homemade Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe: Restaurant-Quality

Whipping up a delectable homemade creamy caesar salad dressing can elevate your culinary game in minutes.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in crafting this classic condiment.

Restaurant-quality flavor emerges from simple pantry staples you already own.

Tangy notes blend beautifully with rich, smooth textures that complement crisp romaine lettuce perfectly.

Zesty garlic and umami-packed anchovy paste deliver an authentic punch to this creamy sauce.

Mixing these ingredients takes less time than driving to a restaurant.

Jump into creating a dressing that will impress everyone at your next gathering.

How to Whisk the Creamiest Caesar by Hand

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

• Mayonnaise
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Anchovy paste (optional)

Step 2: Create Smooth Consistency

Gradually pour olive oil into the mixture while continuously whisking. This technique helps blend ingredients smoothly and prevents separation.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Extra lemon juice for brightness
• Additional Parmesan for richness
• More Worcestershire sauce for complexity

Step 4: Develop Robust Flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. Chilling allows ingredients to meld together and intensify their taste.

Step 5: Prepare And Serve

Drizzle over crisp romaine lettuce. Top with crunchy croutons and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for a classic Caesar salad experience.

Tip: For maximum flavor, prepare dressing at least an hour before serving to allow ingredients to fully integrate.

Tips for Texture, Flavor, and Balance

• Elevate Flavor Intensity: Let the dressing rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and deepen the taste profile.
• Customize Anchovy Preference: Skip anchovy paste for a vegetarian version or use less for a milder flavor if you're sensitive to its strong taste.
• Perfect Emulsification Technique: Drizzle olive oil slowly while whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture without separation.
• Adjust Consistency Easily: Add a splash of water or more olive oil if the dressing feels too thick, ensuring a perfect pourable consistency.
• Experiment with Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper taste or use a blend of hard cheeses for more complexity.

Proper Storage for Caesar That Stays Smooth

• Store the Caesar dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Keep the dressing separate from salad ingredients to maintain its creamy texture and prevent soggy lettuce.
• Gently shake or whisk the dressing before serving, as natural separation may occur during refrigeration.
• Toss the dressing if you notice any off-smell, unusual color change, or mold growth.

Salads That Pair with This Bold Dressing

• Complement Creamy Caesar Dressing with Bold Flavor Combos
• Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the dressing's richness and enhances its tangy profile.
• Add charred chicken or shrimp to transform the salad into a complete meal, matching the dressing's robust Mediterranean flavors.
• Serve alongside garlic-herb croutons and toasted pine nuts to add textural contrast and amplify the salad's savory elements.
• Serve with warm focaccia bread to soak up extra dressing and provide a delightful carbohydrate complement to the light, creamy salad.

Caesar Dressing Variations for New Flavors

• Vegan Caesar Dressing: Replace mayonnaise with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, swap anchovy paste for capers or miso paste for umami flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Caesar: Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing with added protein.
• No-Egg Caesar: Eliminate mayonnaise and use silken tofu as a creamy base, blending with olive oil and seasonings for a cholesterol-free alternative.
• Herb-Infused Caesar: Add fresh herbs like basil, chives, or parsley to enhance the dressing's complexity and provide a bright, fresh undertone.

FAQs About Creamy Caesar from Scratch

• Is this Caesar dressing authentic?

While not entirely traditional, this recipe captures the classic Caesar flavor profile with key ingredients like Parmesan, anchovy, and Worcestershire sauce.

• Can I make this dressing without anchovy paste?

Yes, you can omit anchovy paste, but it provides a crucial umami depth that defines traditional Caesar dressing. Consider using additional Worcestershire sauce or capers for similar flavor complexity.

• How long will the homemade dressing last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this Caesar dressing will stay fresh for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.

• What makes this dressing creamy?

The combination of mayonnaise and olive oil creates a smooth, rich texture, while Parmesan cheese adds extra thickness and flavor to the dressing.

Creamy Caesar Dressing That Packs a Tangy Punch

• Super quick dressing that comes together effortlessly in just a few simple steps.
• Easily adjust ingredients like lemon juice, Parmesan, and Worcestershire sauce to match your personal taste preferences.
• Achieve a rich, creamy Caesar dressing that rivals professional restaurant versions without expensive ingredients or complicated techniques.
• Perfect for salads, as a dip for vegetables, or a flavorful sauce for grilled chicken and seafood dishes.

Ingredients for Homemade Caesar Perfection

• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that provides rich, smooth texture for the dressing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and classic Caesar flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that balances and lightens the dressing.

• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, authentic Caesar dressing kick.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Complex, umami-rich condiment that deepens overall flavor.
• Anchovy Paste: Traditional ingredient that delivers authentic, salty marine note (optional but recommended).

• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and aromatic quality.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, high-quality oil that helps blend and soften the dressing's intensity.

Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy caesar salad dressing elevates ordinary greens into a luxurious culinary experience with its rich, tangy profile. Classic ingredients blend seamlessly, promising restaurant-quality flavor that will delight diners seeking a quick and elegant dressing solution.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (118 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional, but adds depth)

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and a medium-sized mixing bowl for creating a luxurious, tangy Caesar dressing.
2. Combine mayonnaise, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, zesty lemon juice, robust Dijon mustard, minced garlic, savory Worcestershire sauce, fine sea salt, cracked black pepper, and optional anchovy paste into the bowl.
3. Vigorously whisk the mixture until ingredients are completely integrated and develop a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Gradually stream olive oil into the mixture while continuously whisking, ensuring a perfect emulsification that creates a silky, uniform texture.
5. Taste the dressing and refine the flavor profile by adjusting seasoning – add extra lemon juice for brightness, more Parmesan for richness, or additional Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami notes.
6. Cover the dressing and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Before serving, give the dressing a final quick whisk to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
8. Drizzle generously over crisp romaine lettuce, garnish with crunchy croutons and additional shaved Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Swap anchovy paste with miso for a vegetarian version that maintains the umami depth.
• Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a milder, smoother flavor profile that works well with delicate greens.
• Reduce mayonnaise and add Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing with lower fat content.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, letting flavors develop and intensify in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg