Making a Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe has always felt like a little act of love in my kitchen. It’s funny, because my son, Ben, used to turn up his nose at anything green. Then one day, he had a Caesar salad at a friend’s house and suddenly, it was the only thing he wanted. So, of course, I had to figure out how to make it, and even better, how to make a Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe that would have him asking for seconds!
It took a few tries, I’ll admit. The first time, the dressing was too runny. The second time, it was too garlicky. But eventually, I landed on a Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe that’s just right – creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Now, it’s a staple in our house.
What I love most about this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe is that it brings everyone to the table. There’s something about a simple, well-made salad that makes mealtime feel special, even on the busiest weeknights. It’s a chance to connect, share stories, and enjoy a delicious meal together. I’m excited to share this recipe with you so that you can bring your family together around the table, too.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe. Trust me, this ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise. It forms the base of our dressing, so it should taste great on its own.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best. It melts beautifully into the dressing and adds a nutty, savory flavor. You’ll find everything for this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe at your regular grocery store.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for that bright, tangy flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a little kick and helps to emulsify the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds a depth of umami flavor that you won’t want to skip.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for that classic Caesar flavor. I like to use a microplane to mince it super fine.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a little spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps to achieve a creamy texture. My family prefers when I use this in our Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavours.
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use a tiny dash of soy sauce or fish sauce as a substitute in this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe. This Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe is forgiving if you need to swap ingredients. For the best Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe, I recommend having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start mixing.
How to Make It
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dressing in no time.
- Combine the base ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Here’s where I used to mess up my Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe – now I always remember to whisk these together really well before adding the garlic.
- Add the garlic and pepper. Stir in the minced garlic and black pepper. The garlic can be strong, so add it gradually to taste. This Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe typically takes me about 5 minutes to prep.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This helps to emulsify the dressing and create that creamy texture we all love. It is important to do it slowly to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Season with salt. Add salt to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed. This Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe is easily customizable!
- Taste and adjust. Give the dressing a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more lemon juice for tanginess, garlic for a stronger flavor, or Parmesan for a saltier taste.
- Chill before serving. For the best flavor, cover the dressing and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. You’ll know your Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe is ready when it coats the back of a spoon nicely.
Don’t worry if your Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe looks a little thin at first; it will thicken up as it chills. While your Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe is chilling, you’ll have time to prepare the rest of your salad. Now you know the proper steps for a classic Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe.
Serving Ideas
There are so many ways to enjoy this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe! Of course, the classic way is on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce with croutons and extra Parmesan cheese. But don’t stop there!
My family loves this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe on grilled chicken Caesar salads. It adds so much flavor! Everyone reaches for seconds when this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe comes out with some grilled chicken. It is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying!
This dressing is also fantastic as a dip for raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber. It’s a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies! I love using this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe as a spread on sandwiches and wraps, too. It adds a tangy, creamy kick that takes them to the next level.
For a fun twist, try using this dressing on a pizza. Spread it on the crust before adding your toppings, and you’ll have a Caesar salad pizza that’s sure to be a hit.
This Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying. It elevates a simple salad into a satisfying meal, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. For a more substantial meal, serve your Caesar salad with a side of chicken alfredo soup.
Present your Caesar salad in a large bowl for a family-style meal, or plate individual servings for a more elegant presentation. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few freshly ground peppercorns will make it look extra special. If there are any leftovers, store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. But let’s be honest, there probably won’t be any leftovers!
Your Questions Answered
I know you might have some questions about making Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe, so I’ve compiled a list of the most common ones I get asked. I am sharing my personal Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe experiences to help!
Can I make this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard for my Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. You can also omit it altogether, but the dressing might not emulsify as well. My family loves this version of the Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe.
How do I store leftover Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe?
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it separates, just whisk it together before serving.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
I always recommend using fresh ingredients for the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use dried. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried for every tablespoon of fresh.
What if my Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe is too thick?
If your dressing is too thick, add a little water or lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise, the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, and the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
Is it okay if my Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe separates in the fridge?
Yes, it is normal for the dressing to separate slightly in the fridge. Just whisk it vigorously before serving to bring it back together.
These are all great ways to personalize your Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe.
The Final Word
This Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe has earned its place in my recipe collection because it’s simple, delicious, and always a hit with my family. It’s a reminder that the best meals don’t have to be complicated; they just need to be made with love.
My Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe Tips:
- Use good quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the dressing will taste.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Chill before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a creamier texture.
Some variations I’ve tried with success include adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, using a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese for a bolder flavor, and adding a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness. My son, Ben, loves the version with extra garlic, while my daughter, Sarah, prefers it with a little more lemon juice.
I hope you’ll make it your own. My hope is that your family will love this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe as much as mine does. It’s a simple pleasure that brings everyone together around the table, and that’s what it’s all about. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy! You can also try this delicious dressing with ghost mini taco pies! Check out more ways to make a Easy Caesar Dressing Recipe – Cookie and Kate! You will feel confident in your next get together using this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe. Here is another Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing – Once Upon a Chef recipe if you want more options! This recipe will make you feel like you created a Traditional Caesar Dressing – Always From Scratch! This Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe will blow your guest away, not to mention you can make a sweet treat like pineapple cowboy candy to end the night!
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Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
This homemade Caesar salad dressing is creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor! It’s so easy to make from scratch and elevates any salad to restaurant quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- If using anchovies, add them to the bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for tanginess, Parmesan for cheesiness, or garlic for a bolder flavor.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
For a thicker dressing, use a high-quality mayonnaise. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.