The Zesty Classic Caesar Dressing Recipe Every Salad Deserves

Caesar dressing changes ordinary salads into culinary adventures with its rich, tangy personality.

This legendary condiment blends creamy textures and bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Ancient Mediterranean ingredients mingle harmoniously, creating a sophisticated sauce beloved by food enthusiasts worldwide.

Robust and zesty, the dressing carries deep umami notes that elevate even the simplest greens.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate its complex yet approachable profile that never fails to impress.

Each ingredient contributes a distinctive layer of complexity, making this recipe a true testament to culinary creativity.

Pure magic happens when traditional techniques merge with quality components, resulting in a dressing that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Classic Caesar Dressing That’s Creamy and Tangy

• Crafting Quick Creamy Perfection: This caesar dressing transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-quality sauce in just minutes with minimal kitchen effort.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: The combination of tangy anchovy, rich egg yolk, and zesty garlic creates a complex, bold taste profile that elevates any salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Beyond traditional salads, this dressing works beautifully as a dip for vegetables, a marinade for grilled meats, or a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps.
• Make-Ahead Magic: By refrigerating for an hour before serving, the dressing develops deeper, more integrated flavors and achieves a perfect, silky-smooth consistency that makes meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients for Homemade Classic Caesar Dressing

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides rich texture and smooth consistency for the dressing.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and helps create a balanced, silky dressing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Authentic Caesar flavor with sharp, salty characteristics.

• Garlic, Anchovy: Classic Caesar ingredients that deliver intense, umami-rich taste profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides deep, complex savory undertones to the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify the ingredients.

• Black Pepper: Provides warm, sharp spiciness to complement other flavors.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing with fresh, zesty acidity.

How to Make Classic Caesar Dressing Like a Pro

Step 1: Create Flavor Base

In a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.

Whisk the mixture energetically for 60 seconds until ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Blend Aromatic Elements

Transfer the initial mixture to a food processor.

Add minced garlic and finely chopped anchovy to the processor.

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Enhance and Chill

Drizzle olive oil slowly into the mixture while blending to create a rich, emulsified texture.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and dressing to thicken.

Step 4: Store Properly

Transfer the dressing to an airtight container.

Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Shake or stir well before each use to redistribute ingredients.

Tips for Getting the Balance in Caesar Dressing Just Right

• Crush Garlic Perfectly: Use a microplane or garlic press to create a super smooth, intense garlic base without large chunks.
• Balance Anchovy Flavor: Start with less anchovy and gradually add more to control the saltiness and umami without overpowering the dressing.
• Whisk with Technique: Use a circular whisking motion to emulsify ingredients thoroughly, creating a creamy and consistent texture.
• Chill for Depth: Allow the dressing to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let flavors meld and develop a richer taste profile.
• Store Smart: Keep the dressing in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent flavor contamination from other refrigerator items.

How to Store and Reuse Classic Caesar Dressing

• Refrigerate your Caesar dressing in a sealed glass jar or airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor contamination. Transfer leftovers within 2 hours of preparation and keep chilled at 40°F or below to preserve quality and safety. Consume refrigerated dressing within 5-7 days, checking for any signs of separation, unusual odor, or discoloration before using – when in doubt, discard and prepare a fresh batch to ensure the best taste and food safety.

What Salads Work Best with Caesar Dressing

• Elevate Caesar Salad Pairing: Serve this classic dressing with crisp romaine lettuce topped with grilled chicken breast, creating a protein-packed meal that highlights the dressing's rich, tangy flavor.
• Wine Complement Selection: Choose a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc to balance the dressing's bold, creamy texture and cut through its robust anchovy notes.
• Crunch Factor Addition: Sprinkle homemade parmesan crisp croutons alongside the salad, which will add a delightful textural contrast and enhance the dressing's authentic Caesar profile while providing a satisfying salty crunch.
• Perfect Protein Match: Pair the dressing with grilled salmon or seared shrimp, as the seafood's delicate flavor beautifully complements the dressing's umami-rich characteristics without overwhelming its subtle nuances.

Variations of Classic Caesar Dressing You’ll Love

• Green Herb Zinger: Incorporate fresh basil, parsley, and chives into the dressing for a vibrant, herbaceous flavor profile that brightens the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of hot sauce to create a bold, smoky version with a warming heat that complements the creamy base.
• Lemon Pepper Punch: Increase lemon zest, add freshly cracked black pepper, and include a touch of dijon mustard for a tangy, zesty variation that elevates the traditional dressing.
• Creamy Avocado Blend: Blend in ripe avocado for a silky, rich texture that adds healthy fats and a subtle green color to the classic Caesar dressing.

Classic Caesar Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Caesar dressing whispers Italian culinary elegance with its rich blend of anchovies, garlic, and egg yolk. Creamy and bold, this timeless sauce promises to elevate salads from ordinary to extraordinary, inviting you to savor restaurant-quality flavor at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 egg yolk
• 2 small cloves garlic, minced
• 1 whole anchovy filet, or 0.5 teaspoons anchovy paste

Cheese and Oil:

• ⅓ cup Romano cheese, finely shredded
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) high-quality olive oil

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 dash salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine all components excluding minced garlic and chopped anchovies, whisking energetically for approximately one minute until ingredients transform into a harmonious emulsion.
2. Transfer the garlic and anchovies into a food processor, integrating them with the preliminary mixture, and pulse until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Allow the dressing to rest and consolidate flavors by chilling in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, which will enhance its texture and taste profile.
4. Once prepared, transfer the Caesar dressing to a sealed glass container with a secure lid, ensuring optimal preservation in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

Notes

• Elevate your salad game with this authentic, creamy dressing that blends tangy and rich flavors.
• Whisking ingredients thoroughly ensures a smooth, emulsified texture that coats lettuce perfectly.
• Fresh garlic and anchovies provide a robust, umami depth that transforms an ordinary salad into a gourmet experience.
• Refrigerating the dressing for an hour allows flavors to meld and develop a thicker, more luxurious consistency.
• Homemade dressing stays fresh for a week when stored in an airtight container, making meal prep a breeze.
• Use high-quality ingredients like fresh garlic and real anchovies for the most authentic Caesar dressing taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg