Creating your own Caesar dressing at home is not only satisfying but also allows you to control the ingredients for the perfect taste. Here’s a classic recipe that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg yolk (or 2 small yolks)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2-3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Add Flavorings:
- Add the finely chopped anchovy fillets (or anchovy paste), minced garlic, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar to the bowl. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Emulsify:
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking. This process will emulsify the dressing, giving it a thick, creamy texture. Pour the oil in a thin, steady stream, whisking constantly to ensure it incorporates well and doesn’t separate.
- Finish and Season:
- Once all the oil is added and the dressing is creamy, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Taste the dressing and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Refrigerate:
- Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Toss the Caesar dressing with your favorite greens, croutons, and extra Parmesan cheese for a classic Caesar salad. Enjoy!
Tips:
- For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor or blender to mix the dressing instead of whisking by hand.
- If you prefer a less intense garlic flavor, you can lightly sauté the minced garlic before adding it to the dressing.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese to suit your taste preferences.
- If you’re concerned about using raw egg yolks, you can use pasteurized eggs or opt for a commercial mayonnaise as the base.
This homemade Caesar dressing is rich, creamy, and full of robust flavors, perfect for elevating any salad. Enjoy!

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