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This classic Caesar dressing delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it combines savory depth with bright citrus notes. Ready in just 5 minutes, this homemade version elevates any salad with its perfect blend of ingredients and smooth texture.
Every time I serve this dressing at family gatherings, guests are amazed by its fresh, bold taste. Even those who normally skip salads find themselves coming back for seconds when this dressing is involved.
Key Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Creates the rich, creamy base that coats greens perfectly. Full-fat provides best results.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds essential brightness and acidity that balances the richness.
- Anchovy paste: Provides savory depth without any fishy taste.
- Fresh garlic: Delivers aromatic punch that mellows as it rests.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds silky texture and subtle fruity notes.
- Worcestershire sauce: Contributes complex umami flavors.
Preparation Method
- Initial setup:
- Have ingredients at room temperature for best blending.
- Base mixture:
- Blend mayonnaise and oil until completely smooth.
- Adding aromatics:
- Mix in anchovy paste and garlic thoroughly.
- Liquid elements:
- Gradually incorporate lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
- Final seasoning:
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Resting time:
- Let stand 15 minutes before using.
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The anchovy paste in this recipe often surprises skeptics. Those who initially question this ingredient quickly become converts once they taste the finished dressing, appreciating its essential role in creating depth.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dressing enhances many dishes beyond traditional Caesar salad. Try it drizzled over charred romaine hearts, tossed with roasted vegetables, spread on sandwiches, or used as a flavorful dip for fresh vegetables and crispy potatoes.
Variations
Adapt the recipe to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences. Lighten it up with Greek yogurt, make it dairy-free using plant-based mayonnaise, or increase flavor intensity with extra garlic and Dijon mustard. Add heat with cayenne or hot sauce if desired.
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This perfected Caesar dressing recipe represents years of kitchen testing and refinement. Its straightforward preparation and quality ingredients create a classic sauce that enhances any dish it touches. The results consistently prove that homemade dressing surpasses any store-bought alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How many days will this Caesar dressing last?
- You can keep this dressing fresh in the fridge for up to a week if stored in a sealed container.
- → Can I skip the anchovies in the recipe?
- If you don’t have anchovy paste, try mixing in a little extra Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos to create a similar savory kick.
- → Does this fit into a keto or low-carb diet?
- Absolutely, this dressing has just 1 gram of carbs per serving, making it ideal for keto or low-carb eating plans.
- → What are other ways to use this dressing?
- Besides salads, you can use it as a veggie dip, a spread for sandwiches, or even a marinade for meats like chicken or fish.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- Yes, this can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavor gets even better the next day!