Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
When it comes to hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, Caesar salad is a classic go-to. Picture this: you’ve just grilled some juicy chicken breasts, and as they rest, you decide to whip up a Caesar salad to pair with it.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 184 kcal
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 small garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 cup creamy mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice squeezed from one lemon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon capers finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First things first, gather all your ingredients. Having everything in front of you makes the process smoother. Plus, the aroma of fresh garlic and lemon fills the air, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the creamy mayonnaise, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Use a whisk to mix these together until they form a smooth, glossy base. It’s amazing how all these flavors combine into something rich and savory.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Enhancers
In comes the minced garlic, chopped capers, and sea salt. These ingredients will kick the flavor up a notch.
Stir them in well, ensuring that the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You’ll notice an enticing scent beginning to emerge.
Step 4: Introduce the Cheese
Next, it’s time for the star of the show—freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Add it in slowly, reserving a bit for garnishing later.
Stir it in until it’s well incorporated. This will create a creamy texture with a savory umami kick that is simply irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Zest
Now, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the freshly cracked black pepper. Lemon juice brightens the entire dressing, balancing out the creaminess. Whisk until everything is combined.
Taste it—this is where I suggest adding a dash more salt if needed. Remember, it’s your dressing!
- Anchovy Paste: This adds depth to the flavor. Don’t worry; it doesn’t make the dressing fishy. It adds a savory element that’s essential for authentic Caesar flavor.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: Always go for fresh cheese. The taste difference between pre-grated and fresh is significant. Your salad will thank you.
- Dijon Mustard: This ingredient adds a subtle sharpness. It plays well with the other flavors, enriching the overall taste.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a powerhouse of flavor. The stronger the garlic, the more exciting the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: This is the base that brings everything together. Using quality mayonnaise elevates the dressing.
- Lemon Juice: It’s the acidic counterpoint to the mayonnaise, rounding out the flavors.
- Sea Salt: A touch of salt enhances the flavors without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the dressing's complexity.
- Capers: A surprise for your palate, capers give this dressing a little zing and interest.
Worcestershire Sauce: A staple in savory dishes, it adds a tangy sweetness that complements the anchovy flavor.
Serving: 67gCalories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 5gFat: 16.7gSaturated Fat: 2.2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 566mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe