Classic Caesar Salad Dressing
If you’re looking to elevate your salad game, a Classic Caesar Salad Dressing is the way to go! This creamy, tangy dressing brings a burst of flavor to your greens, making your salads irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dressing that will make every bite of your salad enjoyable. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to make this delightful Caesar salad dressing at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This dressing comes together in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already, from egg yolks to garlic.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The balanced flavors of tangy vinegar, garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese create a taste explosion.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this dressing elevates any salad.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good Caesar salad, and this dressing will impress your guests!
Ingredients Needed
For the dressing, you will need:
- For the base:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- For the flavor:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable oil or olive oil (your choice)
- For the finishing touch:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional:
- Anchovy paste (for an extra flavor boost)
How to Make Classic Caesar Salad Dressing
- Combine the Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic. Mixing these ingredients first helps create a strong flavor foundation.
- Emulsify: While continuing to whisk, slowly drizzle in the oil of your choice. This step is crucial as it will blend the oils with the other ingredients, creating a creamy texture.
- Add Cheese and Season: Once the mixture is thick and smooth, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor.
- Optional Flavor Boost: If you enjoy anchovies, mix in a small amount of anchovy paste for that classic Caesar flavor.
- Serve: Drizzle the dressing over fresh salad greens of your choice and toss to coat evenly.
How to Serve Classic Caesar Salad Dressing
This dressing pairs perfectly with romaine lettuce and croutons, but feel free to experiment with other greens like kale or spinach. Top your salad with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for a finishing touch.
How to Store Classic Caesar Salad Dressing
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for about a week. Stir well before using again, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Tips to Make Classic Caesar Salad Dressing
- Room Temperature Ingredients: To help with the emulsification process, ensure that your egg yolk and oil are at room temperature.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, Parmesan, or anchovy paste to suit your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese will provide the best flavor.
Variation
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the oil. This keeps the creaminess while reducing the calories. You can also try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra flavor twist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use mayonnaise instead of an egg yolk?
Yes, if you’re looking to skip the raw egg yolk, you can use about 1/4 cup of mayonnaise as a substitute to maintain creaminess.
How do I make this salad dressing gluten-free?
All the ingredients listed are gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional items you use, like croutons, are also gluten-free.
Why did my dressing separate?
If your dressing separates, it may be because the oil was added too quickly or the ingredients weren’t whisked enough to emulsify. Make sure to add the oil slowly while whisking continuously.
Conclusion
This Classic Caesar Salad Dressing is a game-changer for your salads! Its creamy texture and bold flavor will not only enhance your meals but also impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare and made with everyday ingredients, you won’t need store-bought dressings anymore! If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and a star rating below, and don’t forget to share on social media. What twists did you add to your dressing? Let us know below!
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Classic Caesar Salad Dressing
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, tangy dressing that brings a burst of flavor to your salads.
Ingredients
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Anchovy paste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
- While whisking, slowly drizzle in the oil until it emulsifies and creates a creamy texture.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- If desired, mix in a small amount of anchovy paste.
- Drizzle the dressing over your salad greens and toss to coat.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the oil. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg