Caesar Dressing
Caesar dressing is a creamy, tangy, and umami-rich classic that elevates salads and more. This easy homemade recipe uses simple ingredients to create a versatile and flavorful dressing.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise provides a creamy base that is both rich and smooth
- 4 anchovy fillets anchovy fillets minced and mashed
- 2 cloves garlic mashed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Start by mincing the anchovy fillets finely on a cutting board. Then, use the flat side of your knife to mash them into a smooth paste. Do the same with the garlic cloves, mashing them thoroughly to release their flavor.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Stir the mashed anchovy and garlic paste into the dressing base. Whisk thoroughly to incorporate these savory flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
- Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Give it one last whisk until everything is well combined.
- Taste your Caesar dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to your preference. Your dressing is ready to serve!
Equipment
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Notes
Use high-quality anchovy fillets packed in oil for best flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for creamier texture. For a thinner dressing, add water or extra lemon juice. Let the dressing sit refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Variations include using Greek yogurt for a lighter version, adding cayenne pepper for spice, or making a vegan version with vegan mayonnaise and capers.