Easy Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Who doesn’t love the rich, tangy, and creamy flavor of a classic Caesar salad dressing? Whether you’re tossing it with crisp romaine lettuce or using it as a dip, there’s something irresistible about its bold, savory taste. But here’s the secret: the best Caesar salad dressing isn’t found in a store—it’s made right in your kitchen!

This easy homemade Caesar salad dressing recipe will have you ditching the bottled versions for good. Packed with fresh ingredients and customizable to your liking, it’s not only quick to prepare but also far superior in taste and quality. Ready to learn the tricks to mastering this timeless favorite? Let’s dive in and create a dressing so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating your own Caesar salad dressing requires a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. These items come together to deliver the bold, creamy flavor you love in a classic Caesar dressing. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredient Table

Ingredient Notes

• Olive Oil: Opt for premium extra virgin olive oil to achieve the richest flavor. Avoid refined oils as they may lack richness.
• Anchovy Fillets: These may seem intimidating, but they’re essential for authentic Caesar dressing. You can substitute with 1 tsp of anchovy paste.
• Egg Yolks: If you’re concerned about raw eggs, use pasteurized eggs or substitute with mayonnaise for a similar creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor, but pre-grated cheese can work in a pinch.

How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing (Step-by-Step Guide)

Making Caesar salad dressing at home is easier than you think. Follow these steps to create a dressing that’s fresh, flavorful, and better than anything you’ll find in a bottle.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you begin, it’s essential to set yourself up for success by prepping all your ingredients in advance. Proper preparation ensures a smooth process and a perfectly balanced dressing.

1. Mince the garlic: Carefully use a sharp knife to chop the garlic cloves into fine pieces. For an even smoother texture, use a garlic press or crush the garlic into a paste with a pinch of salt.
2. Chop the anchovies: Place the anchovy fillets on a cutting board and finely chop them until they form a paste-like consistency. This step helps distribute their flavor evenly.
3. Grate the Parmesan cheese: Use a fine grater to ensure the Parmesan melts seamlessly into the dressing.
4. Juice the lemon: Roll the lemon on your countertop to release the juice, then cut it in half and squeeze out the juice. Remove any seeds before adding it to the dressing.

Tip: Having your ingredients measured and ready to go makes the process quicker and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Emulsify the Base

Creating a creamy and smooth Caesar salad dressing starts with emulsification. This step binds the oil and liquids together, giving the dressing its signature texture.

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
2. Using a whisk, mix the ingredients until they are fully blended and slightly thickened.
3. Gradually add the olive oil in a thin stream while continuously whisking. Begin with just a few drops at a time to start the emulsification process. Gradually increase the flow of oil once the mixture begins to thicken.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a food processor or blender, add the egg yolks, mustard, and lemon juice first, then blend on low speed while slowly pouring in the olive oil.

4. Keep whisking the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving the rich, velvety texture of a classic Caesar dressing.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flavorings

Now it’s time to add the bold flavors that make Caesar dressing so irresistible.

1. Stir in the minced garlic, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Whisk everything together until fully incorporated. The Parmesan will add a slightly thicker texture and a savory depth to the dressing.
3. Taste the dressing and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with a small amount, as the Parmesan and anchovies already bring saltiness.

Adjustment Tip: If the dressing feels too tangy, balance it with a small pinch of sugar or an additional drizzle of olive oil.

Step 4: Fine-Tune the Consistency

The final step is ensuring the dressing has the perfect consistency. Here’s how to make it just right:

1. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil at a time, whisking until the desired consistency is achieved.
2. For a thinner dressing (ideal for drizzling), add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or water.
3. If the dressing separates, don’t worry! Simply whisk it vigorously or use a blender to bring it back together.

Serving Suggestion: The dressing is now ready to be poured over crisp romaine lettuce, tossed with croutons, or used as a dip for veggies.

Step 5: Store for Later Use

If you’re not using the dressing immediately, transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated to maintain maximum freshness.

1. Use a clean mason jar or a resealable container to keep the dressing fresh.
2. Shake or whisk the dressing before serving, as minor separation may occur during storage.

By following these expanded steps, you’ll create a Caesar salad dressing that’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with freshness. The process may seem detailed, but each step ensures your dressing has that homemade quality that’s impossible to replicate with store-bought versions. Have fun experimenting and tailoring this recipe to your taste!

Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

This easy and delicious homemade Caesar salad dressing combines fresh, simple ingredients to create a rich, creamy, and tangy flavor that’s far superior to store-bought versions. Perfect for salads, dips, and more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course dressing

Cuisine American

Servings 3 people

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Garlic press or sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Fine grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup olive oil high-quality extra virgin recommended
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 2 garlic cloves minced or crushed into a paste
• 3-4 anchovy fillets finely chopped or 1 tsp anchovy paste
• 2 large egg yolks pasteurized or substitute with mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Prepare Ingredients:
• Mince the garlic finely or crush it into a paste with a pinch of salt.
• Chop the anchovy fillets into a paste.
• Grate Parmesan cheese and juice the lemon.
• Emulsify the Base:
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until slightly thickened.
• Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify.
• Incorporate Flavorings:
• Stir in garlic, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
• Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
• Fine-Tune Consistency:
• If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil until the desired consistency is achieved.
• Store or Serve:
• Pour dressing into an airtight container and refrigerate if not using immediately. Shake or whisk before serving.

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, replace anchovies with 1 tsp miso paste or soy sauce.
• For a vegan version, substitute egg yolks with silken tofu and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Keyword Caesar dressing, caesar salad dressing recipe, creamy dressing, homemade salad dressing

Conclusion

Homemade Caesar salad dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to elevate your salads with fresh, bold, and authentic flavors. With a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can master this classic dressing and enjoy it in countless ways. Whether you’re tossing it with crispy romaine lettuce, using it as a dip, or drizzling it over grilled meats, the versatility of this dressing is unmatched.

By making your own Caesar salad dressing, you’ll not only experience superior taste but also have complete control over the ingredients. No preservatives, no unnecessary additives—just pure, delicious flavor crafted by you. Give this easy homemade Caesar salad dressing recipe a try, and discover why homemade truly is better.

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