Cesar Salad Dressing

I often get caught up in elaborate recipes due to my desire for testing and exploring.

However, I’ve realized that I make many recipes that I don’t post here. That’s about to change starting with this simple Cesar salad dressing recipe.

Why This Works:

1. Mayonnaise (or Greek Yogurt): The creamy base provides richness and smooth texture, helping the dressing adhere well to the lettuce. It also rounds out the flavors, making the dressing feel luxurious on the palate.
   
2. Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a sharp, aromatic kick that brightens up the dressing and adds a savory depth. Garlic’s strong flavor is softened by the creamy base but still provides a pronounced punch, which is essential in Caesar dressing.
   
3. Dijon Mustard: Mustard adds a bit of sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing, binding the oil and water components together for a smooth texture. It also contributes a subtle tanginess.
   
4. Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient adds a rich umami flavor, which enhances the overall savory profile of the dressing. Worcestershire sauce contains ingredients like vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and tamarind that add complexity to the dressing.
   
5. Anchovies (or Anchovy Paste): Anchovies are a classic ingredient in Caesar dressing because they add a deeply savory, umami flavor. They also have a subtle saltiness that enhances the other flavors without being overtly fishy when blended in.
   
6. Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan contributes saltiness and umami, reinforcing the richness of the dressing. Its gritty texture also adds a bit of body to the dressing, making it thicker and creamier.
   
7. Lemon Juice: The acidity from fresh lemon juice cuts through the creaminess and adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richer ingredients. It also helps prevent the dressing from feeling too heavy.
   
8. Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance all the other flavors and allow you to fine-tune the taste to your preference.
   
9. Olive Oil (Optional): Olive oil can be added to thin out the dressing if it’s too thick, and it adds a light, fruity undertone. It also smooths out the consistency if you prefer a more fluid dressing.

Cesar Salad Dressing

a creamy, tangy, and savory dressing that enhances the flavors of a simple romaine lettuce salad, making it deliciously bold without being overpowering.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 381kcal

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup mayonnaise or ½ cup mayonnaise + ½ cup Greek yogurt for a lighter option
• ▢ 1-2 garlic cloves minced
• ▢ 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ▢ 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 3-4 anchovy fillets minced (or 1 tablespoon anchovy paste)
• ▢ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ 2-3 tablespoons olive oil optional for consistency

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste or minced fillets.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth.
• Add salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, you can whisk in olive oil a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Drizzle over fresh Romaine lettuce, toss to coat, and garnish with extra Parmesan and croutons if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 412mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 0.3mg