Learn how easy it is to make the best homemade Caesar salad dressing recipe. This simple sauce is made in a few minutes, and it tastes so much better than store-bought. It’s has just the right combination of creaminess and deep rich savory flavor.
Chef Instructor Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
I had the pleasure of starting a culinary program at a local technical college. One day, I was enjoying one of the student’s six course meals and it started off with this Caesar salad. Now, I have had this salad at home and several restaurants in the past. However, this was by far, the best Caesar salad I have ever had!
To be honest, the entire meal was delicious, yet I think I could have eaten a large bowl of the salad and been just fine. For me, the salad was the star of the show that day.
So, did I get the recipe? I sure did. The chef kindly shared the recipe for the salad dressing with me. Now I am sharing it with you. A wonderful, rich, ultra-creamy and savory anchovy dressing makes this salad a meal.
My family loves this recipe too and we hope you do too.
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Simple Ingredients Used in this Homemade Dressing
Whether you are feeding your family a weeknight meal or entertaining a crowd, this is a great recipe to have in your recipe box. There is a reason that so many restaurants have this on their menu. This homemade version uses pantry ingredients.
Fresh Garlic. This dish calls for quite a bit of fresh garlic. If you are not a lover of garlic as much as we are, go ahead and feel free to reduce the amount used. Also, you can substitute garlic paste or minced garlic for this ingredient.
Anchovy Fillets. Use the whole anchovies and mince it up in the puree process. Or a bit more budget friendly option is to use the anchovy paste. If you prefer not using anchovies at all, swap them out. Just add more Worcestershire Sauce and Dijon Mustard. Capers will also provide that robust umami flavors.
Buttermilk. For me, this is a must for that rich tangy sauce. However, if you find the dressing too thick or too tangy for you. Swap out a bit of the buttermilk for low-fat buttermilk or half and half.
Mayonnaise. This is a must if you do not want to use raw egg yolks or oil in your recipe. Using this makes this recipe safe to eat for children and pregnant women. I always try and find a way not to use raw eggs in my recipes because of the risk of salmonella.
Easy Salad Dressing Recipe
Dijon Mustard. Using mustard not only adds that little bit of zippy flavor to this homemade dressing, it acts an emulsifier.
Worcestershire Sauce. We think this recipe really needs this condiment. However, you could use soy sauce if you prefer.
Lemon Juice. If you can get freshly squeezed it is always the best. However, just a little from a bottle will work just fine too.
Red Wine Vinegar. This is one recipe that is full flavor and therefore needs a strong vinegar. However, if that is not for you, try these options. Rice Wine Vinegar, White Vinegar, Cider Vinegar, or Balsamic Vinegar.
Parmesan Cheese. We highly recommend freshly grated in the salad dressing. It helps bring all the flavors together. Freshly grated Romano cheese or Asiago cheese are great options.
Salt and Black Pepper Freshly cracked. Make sure before serving you taste the creamy dressing. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Caesar Salad Recipe Without Anchovies
Some people are not able to get over the fishy smell or taste of anchovies. They add a depth of briny, salty and umami flavor to this recipe. Additionally, sometimes anchovies and anchovy paste are a hard ingredient to find at a grocery store.
Therefore, having a suitable substitute was needed.
Here are three substitutes that work.
- Use capers instead of the anchovies. They are a great substitute for the anchovies as they add the salty and briny flavor. If using 3 to 5 anchovies, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of the capers. Depending on your taste preferences.
- Mimic the flavors it with the combination of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
- Asian fish sauce. It has an earthy and savory flavor with a complex taste. If using 3 to 5 anchovies, use 1 to 1 1/2 Teaspoon of the Asian fish sauce.
Does Worcestershire sauce contain anchovies?
Yes, it does. Worcestershire sauce is a condiment that is fermented. It is made from a base of vinegar and flavored with anchovies, molasses, tamarind, onion, garlic, and other seasonings. That is why it is a great substitute for whole anchovies in recipes.
What to Serve with Caesar Salad?
The classic Caesar salad pairs well with chicken, steak, and pork chops. Here are a few of our favorite pairings, they are easy recipes too.
Four Ingredient Baked BBQ Chicken
Make Your Own Homemade Croutons
The Best Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 6 Medium Garlic Cloves peeled and divided
- 5 Anchovy Fillets
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
- 3/4 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked
- 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, process garlic and anchovy until smooth. You could also place the ingredients in a medium bowl and use a hand-held emulsion blender for this part.6 Medium Garlic Cloves, 5 Anchovy Fillets
- Add the buttermilk, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt pepper, and parmesan cheese and mix well.1 Cup Buttermilk, 3/4 Cup Mayonnaise, 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard, 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce, 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice, 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar, 1/2 Teaspoon Salt, 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper, 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese
- Taste and adjust seasonings
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Video
Serving Ideas
Serve as a classic Caesar Salad recipe with crisp romaine lettuce, shredded parmesan cheese and croutons. Keep fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.Nutrition
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The Power of Positivity
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.