Caesar Salad Dressing
A classic Caesar Salad Dressing features bold flavors of anchovies, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, creating a rich and savory profile. Perfect for salads, it pairs well with crisp romaine and crunchy croutons, making it ideal for casual dinners or special gatherings that call for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 1 cup croutons ⓘ
- dash salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 6 anchovy fillets ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 head romaine lettuce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup crumbled Blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Crush garlic and combine with salad oil. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Add salt, dry mustard, ground pepper, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and anchovy fillets to the garlic and oil mixture.
- Refrigerate the dressing.
- Boil the egg.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less garlic or roast it before adding. Fresh lemon juice enhances the taste, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Croutons can be homemade by toasting stale bread with olive oil and herbs for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Toss the dressing with the romaine lettuce just before serving, ensuring even coverage. Top with croutons and sprinkle with crumbled Blue cheese and grated Parmesan for extra flavor. This Caesar salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp, making it a fantastic side for dishes like Seafood Macaroni Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the dressing thickens, whisk in a little water or extra lemon juice to loosen it. The salad can be prepared ahead, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caesar Salad Dressing contains roughly 223 calories, with 7g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2295mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dressing without anchovies?
Yes, you can substitute anchovies with a teaspoon of capers or simply omit them for a vegetarian version. However, anchovies add a unique umami flavor that enhances the dressing’s depth.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make the dressing vegan, replace the egg with a tablespoon of aquafaba or silken tofu blended until smooth. Use a vegan Worcestershire sauce and skip the anchovies while adding a bit more salt for flavor.
What can I use instead of salad oil?
You can substitute salad oil with olive oil for a more robust flavor or use a light vegetable oil such as canola. Just be aware that extra virgin olive oil may alter the dressing's final taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).