Caesar salad dressing
Make a traditional Caesar salad dressing featuring Parmesan, anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice. Our simple recipe transforms crisp romaine lettuce into something special when tossed with crunchy croutons, extra cheese, and the signature dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight salad or as a flavourful accompaniment to grilled meats, it takes just minutes to prepare and brings restaurant quality to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
|
Parmesan cheese
|
50 g |
|---|---|
|
Small garlic clove
|
1 |
|
Egg
|
1 |
|
Anchovy fillets or 1 tbsp capers
|
3 |
|
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
|
2 tbsp |
|
Dijon mustard
|
10 g |
|
Dashes worcestershire sauce
|
4 - 5 |
|
Cooking oil
|
200 ml |
|
Salt
|
1 pinch |
|
Freshly ground black pepper
|
To serve
|
Parmesan cheese
|
50 g |
|---|---|
|
Romaine lettuce
|
2 heads |
|
Croutons
|
30 g |
Instructions
To serve
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Take the egg out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before making the dressing. When the egg and oil are closer in temperature, the emulsion forms more easily and stays stable. A cold egg makes it harder to create the thick, creamy texture Caesar dressing needs. The temperature difference can cause the oil to separate rather than blend smoothly.
Rinse the romaine leaves in cold water and remove any dirt hidden between the layers. Dry them completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels before tearing them into smaller pieces. Dry lettuce helps the dressing cling to the leaves rather than slide to the bottom of the bowl. It also helps maintain the crisp texture.
Refrigerate the dressing for 15–30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together. The dressing also thickens slightly as it chills, helping it coat the lettuce more evenly. Stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
FAQ: Questions about Caesar dressing
Making a simple Caesar dressing from scratch is straightforward, but a few questions may arise. Whether you are wondering why your dressing separated, how to adjust the consistency, or how to serve your Caesar dressing, these answers will help you master this classic recipe.
What is Caesar dressing?
Caesar dressing is a creamy salad dressing made with Parmesan, egg, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, oil, and, traditionally, anchovies. It has a savoury flavour, a tangy finish, and a smooth texture. It is often paired with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan in a classic Caesar salad, but it also works well in sandwiches and wraps, as well as a sauce for grilled meats.
Which oil should I use for Caesar dressing?
Use a neutral, light-tasting oil for Caesar dressing, such as rapeseed, sunflower, or corn oil. These oils allow the flavours of Parmesan, anchovies, and lemon juice to remain the focus while creating a smooth emulsion. Strong extra virgin olive oil can dominate the flavour and add bitterness. If you enjoy a subtle olive note, you can replace some of the neutral oil with mild olive oil, but keep the majority neutral.
Why did my Caesar dressing separate?
Caesar dressing usually separates when the oil is added too quickly. The emulsion requires the oil to be added in a very thin stream while blending continuously. If the dressing separates, start with a fresh egg yolk in a clean bowl and add the separated dressing into it slowly while mixing constantly.
What should I do if the Caesar dressing is too thin?
If your Caesar dressing is too thin, continue blending while adding a small amount of oil in a slow, thin stream. You can also add a little extra finely grated Parmesan to help thicken the texture. A short rest in the refrigerator often helps the dressing firm up slightly before serving as well.
Nutritional values per portion
Energy:
173 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per portion | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 30.5 % | 13 g |
| Fat | 47.9 % | 9.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21.6 % | 9.2 g |
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Whip up a homemade Caesar dressing
There is a reason Caesar dressing has remained a staple for so long. It is bold, satisfying, and easy to make from scratch. Our recipe turns simple ingredients into something far more memorable. Parmesan, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce blend into a creamy dressing packed with savoury depth and bright, tangy notes. And when you prepare it yourself, you can adjust the flavour notes exactly to your liking.
Built on a smooth mayo base
The base is a classic emulsion of egg and oil, which creates a smooth foundation. Adding the oil slowly in a thin stream while the blender runs is the key step. It gives the dressing its creamy body and ensures it clings to every leaf of romaine without feeling heavy or sticky. Garlic and lemon juice bring freshness and balance, helping every flavour stand out clearly. The result is a creamy base that feels full and satisfying while remaining fresh enough for generous spoonfuls.
Deep umami from Parmesan, Worcestershire, and anchovies
The trio of Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovies give the dressing its depth. Each ingredient brings a layer of umami flavour that builds on the others. Parmesan provides a salty, nutty foundation that runs through every spoonful of the dressing. Worcestershire sauce adds complexity with its sweet, tangy, and savoury notes, while anchovies contribute a deep character that blends seamlessly into the background.
Together, these ingredients create the distinctive flavour that has made Caesar dressing a favourite for decades. Rather than competing with one another, they work together to build a dressing with plenty of depth and a balanced finish.
Fresh, tangy, and pleasantly punchy
Freshly squeezed lemon juice breaks the richness of the dressing, adding citrusy freshness and acidity. Dijon mustard contributes a gentle sharpness and helps support the emulsion, while also adding another layer of flavour. Between them, they keep the dressing from feeling heavy. The combination gives the dressing a lively edge, and every spoonful finishes with a pleasant tang that keeps the dressing tasting fresh and inviting.
Made for a classic Caesar salad
Few combinations are as timeless as crisp romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan, crunchy croutons, and Caesar dressing. Each ingredient brings something different, creating a mix of textures and flavours that feels complete without being complicated.
The lettuce provides freshness and crunch, while Parmesan adds depth, and croutons contribute a golden bite. Tossed together with homemade Caesar dressing, they assemble into a classic Caesar salad. Every component works in harmony, and every forkful delivers a little of everything.
A versatile dressing for wraps, sandwiches, and grilled chicken
Caesar dressing is not limited to just salads. Let it be an inspiring addition to many other dishes in your repertoire that could use a savoury boost. It makes a fantastic spread for a chicken wrap or a club sandwich. You can also serve it as a dip for courgette fries or as a zesty sauce alongside a grilled whole chicken.
Its creamy texture and savoury flavour make it an easy way to add extra character to everyday meals. Keeping a batch in the refrigerator means you are never far from a quick flavour boost when assembling lunch or preparing dinner.
Shape the recipe to your taste
You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste. If you love a sharp, acidic finish, feel free to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice or a touch more Dijon mustard to enhance the tanginess. You can also replace the anchovies with capers for a different savoury note or add more garlic to create a bolder dressing. Small adjustments can change the flavour subtly while preserving the classic qualities that make Caesar dressing so popular.
Beyond this classic, there is an entire world of dressings to explore. Dive into our salad dressing collection and find inspiration to elevate every bowl of greens with homemade dressings. We also have a broad selection of marinade recipes and dip recipes, so go on and find your next favourites.
