Caesar Salad Dressing, a culinary classic originating from Tijuana, Mexico, is revered for its creamy texture and rich umami flavors. Invented in the 1920s by Caesar Cardini, this dressing has become a worldwide favorite, known for its harmonious blend of mayonnaise, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Ideal for enhancing your Caesar Salad, this homemade dressing also works wonderfully as a dip or a topping for various side dishes. Its versatility makes it a perfect choice for both casual lunches and elegant dinners, effortlessly elevating the taste of your meals.
Explore a World of Crisp, Flavorful Salads:
- Fruit Salad
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For the Caesar Salad Dressing, the ingredients are simple yet distinctive, easily sourced from any local grocery store. Here's what you'll need:
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy texture and subtle tang, forming a smooth foundation that unifies the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers a rich, savory touch with a salty edge, enhancing the dressing with a deep umami character.
- Anchovy Paste: Adds a complex umami flavor and a hint of brininess. If anchovies aren't to your taste, substitute with an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Infuses the dressing with savory, tangy notes and a slight sweetness, enriching the overall complexity.
- Dijon Mustard: Delivers a balanced tanginess that enlivens the dressing.
- Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic quality, infusing depth and robust flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Offers a refreshing, citrusy acidity to balance the richness, adding a zesty twist.
- Black Pepper: Contributes a warm, mildly spicy note, adding depth and contrasting the creaminess.
How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing at Home?
Dive into the world of classic flavors with our Caesar Salad Dressing recipe. Follow along with our step-by-step photos and video to effortlessly create this timeless condiment in your kitchen. Let's get started!
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Caesar Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Anchovy Paste
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 3 tbsp Water, or adjust to the preferred consistency
Instructions
To Make Caesar Salad Dressing
- Start by mixing the core ingredients in a bowl: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and anchovy paste. Ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
- After achieving a well-mixed base, fold in the Parmesan cheese and water. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Adjust the water quantity as needed to reach your preferred consistency for the dressing.
- Your rich and flavorful Caesar Salad Dressing is now ready to enhance your salads.
To Serve
- Drizzle this homemade Caesar Salad Dressing over your Caesar salad for a delightful and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice, premium Parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic significantly enhance the flavor.
- Anchovy Paste: This ingredient adds a distinct flavor. Use it sparingly due to its potency. If you're not keen on anchovies, substitute with an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a comparable savory depth.
- Emulsification: Essential for recipes using egg and oil instead of mayonnaise. Gradually whisking in the oil ensures a creamy, well-emulsified dressing, blending the oil smoothly with other ingredients for a balanced taste.
- Consistency: Adjust with water or liquid to your preferred thickness. Preferences vary between thicker and thinner consistencies.
- Taste Testing: Regularly taste and adjust seasonings. Gradually adding ingredients like salt, pepper, or lemon juice allows better control over the final taste.
- Balance: Strive for a balanced flavor profile, combining the tanginess of lemon juice, creaminess from mayo, and umami from Parmesan and anchovy paste.
- Salad Greens: Ensure greens are well-washed and dried to prevent diluting the dressing.
- Croutons: For a traditional Caesar Salad, include golden, crisp croutons for a textural contrast.
- Salt Check: Be mindful of the salt content, as ingredients like Parmesan cheese and mayo already contribute saltiness. Taste before adding extra salt.
- Chilling Time: Allowing the dressing to chill in the fridge before use can enhance the melding and development of flavors.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Dive into a world of flavors with our eclectic collection of salad recipes and dressings. Whether you're craving a light, crisp salad or a rich, savory dressing, our selection caters to a wide array of tastes and occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Caesar Salad Dressing is a versatile condiment that enhances a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Classic Caesar Salad: Naturally, it's perfect for a Caesar Salad. Toss it with romaine lettuce, croutons, and grated Parmesan. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or boiled eggs.
- Chicken Wrap: Spread the dressing in a wrap filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions for a flavorful lunch option.
- Pasta Salad: Mix it into cooked pasta like penne or bowtie, along with cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced bell peppers, and top with Parmesan for a delightful pasta salad.
- Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle over grilled or roasted veggies such as asparagus, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers for an added tangy twist.
- Burger: Elevate your burger by using the dressing as a condiment, complemented with lettuce, tomato, and crispy bacon.
- Flatbread: Create a Caesar-inspired flatbread by spreading the dressing over pre-baked flatbread, topped with chopped romaine, diced tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella.
- Baked Potatoes: For a unique twist, drizzle it over a baked potato, garnished with shredded Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.
- Dip: The dressing also serves as a delicious dip for fresh vegetable sticks, crackers, or breadsticks, offering a creamy and flavorful option for snacking or appetizers.
Storage Suggestions
To keep your Caesar Salad Dressing fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness and to enjoy its best flavor and quality, it's recommended to consume the dressing within 2-3 days. This is especially important considering the use of fresh ingredients, which are key to the dressing's distinct taste.
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