Caesar Dressing

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh, homemade Caesar Dressing. I still remember the first time I tried it, drizzled over a crisp salad on a sun-drenched patio. It felt like summer on a plate! Since then, I’ve been hooked on crafting this creamy delight at home. It transforms an ordinary salad into something extraordinary, and this is a dressing that I can whip up in no time. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a holiday feast, this dressing is a staple in my kitchen. It’s rich, tangy, and has just the right amount of umami thanks to the anchovies. I often find myself making a double batch because it disappears fast! So, let’s dive into how to create your own Caesar Dressing and elevate your meals.

What to Gather for Caesar Dressing

When preparing your Caesar Dressing, the selection of ingredients plays a crucial role in building its glorious flavor. Each component serves a purpose, from the creamy sour cream to the sharpness of Parmesan cheese. Together, they create a dressing that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Let’s dive into what you need to make this classic dressing.

• Sour Cream – ½ cup: This acts as the creamy base for your dressing, providing a rich texture and a slight tang.
• Mayonnaise – ¼ cup: Adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness that complements the tangy flavors.
• Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing, giving it a refreshing zest.
• Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon: It adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar – 1 teaspoon: A touch of sweetness and complexity to balance the acidity.
• Worcestershire Sauce – 1 teaspoon: This brings in a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
• Anchovy Fillets – 4: These tiny fish bring a punch of umami that elevates the dressing without being fishy.
• Garlic – 2 cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper – ¼ teaspoon each: Enhance the flavors and season to taste.
• Parmesan Cheese – ⅓ cup: Grated for added richness and a nutty flavor.
• Milk – as needed: To thin the dressing to your desired consistency.

The Process for Making Caesar Dressing

Making Caesar Dressing is incredibly straightforward and satisfying. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a dressing that’s better than anything you can buy at the store. Let’s get started!

1. Add all of the dressing ingredients to a mixing bowl except for the Parmesan cheese. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, mix until everything is smooth and well combined. Look for a creamy consistency that’s free from lumps.
2. Once you achieve that smooth texture, gently fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the dressing gains its rich flavor. You want to stir it just enough to distribute the cheese evenly without overmixing.
3. If your dressing seems too thick, don’t worry! Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. I recommend starting with one tablespoon and mixing it in—then adjust as needed. You want the dressing to be pourable but still creamy.
4. Taste your creation! This is an important step. You might find it needs extra salt or pepper, or a bit more lemon juice for acidity. Adjust to match your personal preference.
5. For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and creates a more balanced dressing.
6. When you’re ready to serve, give the dressing a quick stir or shake and drizzle it over your favorite salad. The cold temperature should enhance the creamy texture and make it delightful.

Change It Up

While I love a classic Caesar Dressing, there are plenty of ways to personalize it to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Freezing: Although I don’t recommend freezing this dressing due to the creamy ingredients, if you must, pour it into ice cube trays for easy portioning.
• Pairing: It’s delicious over grilled chicken or as a dip for fresh veggies. You can even use it as a spread for sandwiches!
• Experiment: Feel free to play with the quantities of garlic or anchovies to find your perfect balance. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the sour cream with vegan sour cream and the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative.
• Healthier Twist: Swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still tastes amazing!

Pairing Suggestions for Caesar Dressing

Finding the right dishes to pair with your Caesar Dressing can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Caesar Salad: Use it generously over crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and extra Parmesan cheese.
• Grilled Chicken: Drizzle over grilled chicken breast slices for a tangy and creamy flavor.
• Vegetable Platter: Serve as a dip for fresh veggies—think carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
• Sandwich Spread: Use it to turn a regular sandwich into a gourmet experience.
• Wraps: Add Caesar Dressing to wraps for a burst of flavor. It pairs well with both chicken and roasted vegetables.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring a salad bowl dressed with Caesar Dressing to gatherings, and watch it disappear!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Caesar Dressing is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a perfect blend of rich and tangy flavors. It’s quick to whip up and can elevate even the simplest salads to gourmet status. I encourage you to try making it at home and experience the difference of a fresh dressing. It’s a great way to impress your guests or simply enjoy a delicious meal with family. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Caesar Dressing

The ultimate creamy, tangy Caesar Dressing is here to elevate your salads. With a balance of rich flavors from anchovies, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon juice, this dressing is a must-try. Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions, it's easy to whip up and even better made ahead!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 1 cup

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 whole anchovy fillets minced then mashed
• 2 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper plus more to taste
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese finely, freshly grated
• as needed milk

Instructions

 

• Add all of the dressing ingredients to a mixing bowl except the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth; then mix in the Parmesan cheese.
• Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust with salt/pepper and additional lemon juice if desired.
• Chill for at least one hour before using.

Notes

• To prep anchovies: Start by chopping the anchovies until finely minced. Next, use the side of your knife to mash the anchovies by pressing down and sliding the knife against the cutting board to form a paste.
• Anchovies: A key ingredient that adds a savory, complex depth without leaving it “fishy-tasting.” Don't skip this!
• Leftover anchovies: Can be stored submerged in olive oil in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Storage: This recipe is good for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Vegan Caesar Dressing: Replace with vegan sour cream, mayonnaise, and anchovies can be substituted with capers.

Keyword Caesar Dressing Recipe, Creamy Caesar Dressing, Easy Caesar Dressing, Homemade Caesar Dressing