The Best Caesar Dressing
Introduction
Caesar salad is a classic favorite for many households, and the key to making it truly remarkable is nailing the right Caesar dressing. The recipe from Weekend at the Cottage is considered one of the best out there, guaranteed to elevate your salad experience. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special event, this Caesar dressing is sure to be a hit.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Garlic
2 cloves, finely minced
Lemon juice
3 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
Mayo
1 cup
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
Anchovy paste
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup, finely grated
Prep Time
This Caesar dressing recipe is fast and easy to prepare. With a simple method that blends bold and tangy ingredients, you’ll have the perfect dressing ready in no time. The prep time for this dressing is approximately 10 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
There’s no cooking required for this Caesar dressing, making it a no-fuss recipe. The total time for preparing this delightful dressing is about 10 minutes. This recipe yields enough dressing to generously serve a salad for 4–6 people, depending on portion size.
Enjoy this delicious and simple Caesar dressing on your next salad and taste the difference it makes in every bite.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Garlic
Peel 2 garlic cloves and roughly mince them. Use a mortar and pestle, or the side of a knife blade, to crush the garlic into a smooth paste.
Blend the Anchovies
Place the anchovy fillets in a bowl and mash them into a paste. Ensure the texture is smooth and consistent.
Mix the Egg Yolks and Mustard
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 large egg yolks and 1 ½ teaspoons of Dijon mustard. Whisk the mixture until smooth and uniform.
Add Lemon Juice and Vinegar
Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar. Mix thoroughly until combined.
Slowly Incorporate Olive Oil
Start adding ½ cup of olive oil to the mixture slowly while whisking continuously. This ensures the emulsion forms correctly.
Incorporate Vegetable Oil
Continue to whisk as you slowly add ½ cup of vegetable oil. Maintain a consistent pace to keep the dressing emulsified.
Fold in Worcestershire Sauce
Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce into the mixture and stir well.
Season with Salt and Pepper
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to integrate the seasoning evenly.
Add Parmesan Cheese
Fold in ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Make sure the cheese is well distributed throughout the dressing.
Check the Consistency
Review the finished dressing and adjust the consistency if needed. If the dressing is too thick, add a small amount of cold water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Refrigerate Before Serving
Transfer the Caesar dressing into a jar or an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese.
Anchovy Substitution
If you prefer, you can substitute anchovy paste for fillets. Use around ½ teaspoon of anchovy paste for every 2 fillets.
Storage
Store the Caesar dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days.
Consistency Adjustments
Feel free to add a small amount of water or extra oil if the dressing thickens too much after refrigerating.
Serving Ideas
This Caesar dressing pairs well with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and additional grated Parmesan.
Raw Egg Disclaimer
This recipe contains raw egg yolks, so it may not be suitable for pregnant individuals, young children, or those with a compromised immune system.
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Cook Techniques
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by assembling all the ingredients needed for the Caesar dressing in advance. This ensures a smoother cooking process. Use freshly grated Parmesan, high-quality anchovies, and fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Blending the Dressing
Use a food processor or blender to combine the ingredients. Blend until the dressing reaches a creamy and smooth consistency, ensuring all the elements are fully incorporated.
Adjusting the Flavor
Taste the dressing after blending. If needed, adjust the flavor by adding small amounts of salt, pepper, or lemon juice, blending briefly after each addition.
Storing Properly
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the flavors to meld together over a few hours or overnight for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
Toss with fresh, crisp Romaine lettuce to make a classic Caesar salad. Consider adding extras like croutons or grilled chicken for a fuller dish.
FAQ
What is the base of the Caesar dressing?
The base of the dressing consists of ingredients like mayonnaise, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated options.
How long can I store homemade Caesar dressing?
Homemade Caesar dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I make the dressing without a food processor?
Yes, you can whisk the ingredients by hand for a more rustic texture, though a food processor or blender achieves a smoother consistency.
Are there any substitutes for anchovies?
If you prefer not to use anchovies, you can substitute with a small amount of anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Conclusion
This Caesar dressing is hands down one of the best recipes you can try. It’s full of flavor, creamy, and perfect for elevating salads and other dishes. Once you make it, it will become a staple in your kitchen, impressing anyone who tastes it. Enjoy the simplicity and bold taste of this dressing!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Caesar Salad
Drizzle this dressing over crisp romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan, and homemade croutons for a traditional Caesar salad.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap
Use the dressing in a wrap filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, and a bit of Parmesan cheese for a delicious quick meal.
Roasted Vegetable Bowl
Add a generous spoonful of this Caesar dressing to a bowl of roasted vegetables for a tangy, creamy twist.
Caesar Pasta Salad
Combine cooked pasta, leafy greens, and cherry tomatoes with this dressing for a simple pasta salad.
Caesar Deviled Eggs
Mix the yolks of boiled eggs with the dressing for a Caesar-inspired deviled egg filling.
Grilled Shrimp Caesar
Top your salad with grilled shrimp and finish with this dressing for a seafood twist.
Caesar Marinated Skewers
Use the dressing as a marinade for chicken or vegetables on skewers before grilling for added flavor.
