Caesar Salad Dressing is popular for good reason – it’s creamy, garlicky and packed with fresh parmesan cheese. Pour it on top of crisp romaine lettuce and homemade croutons and you have a the perfect salad. You can even top with shrimp, chicken or any of your favorite proteins.
Caesar Salad and the marvelous Caesar Dressing was actually invented in Mexico. It was originally called the Aviator’s Salad but was changed to the name of the inventor “Caesar” as it grew in popularity. The bold umami flavors make it absolutely irresistible.
Why this Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe Works
Anchovies are the key to giving this Caesar Salad Dressing recipe it’s deep flavor. You don’t really taste them but it’s something hard to duplicate without them. However, it is interesting to note that the original creator of the Caesar Salad did not use them. He thought that the Worcester sauce added enough zing.
Without a doubt, I use the anchovies. Once blended they dissolve and blend into the dressing. Unless, there is a food allergy, give them a try in your Caesar dressing.
How to Make Caesar Salad – Step by Step
Learn how to make Caesar Salad at home – it’s very easy and better than any pre-made version:
- Step One: First, to prepare croutons: Combine bread, olive oil, salt and pepper. Next, spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Then bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until crisp and gold brown, turNing as necessary.
- Step Two: Next, to prepare dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except olive oil. Next, blend until smooth. While processing, slowly add oil. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, cover and refrigerate.
- Step Three: Lastly, to prepare salad: Place lettuce on chilled plates. Next, drizzle with dressing and top with parmesan shavings and croutons. Serve immediately.
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Caesar Salad Ingredients Substitutions
Wondering if you there are substitutions for Caesar Salad ingredients? Some people do not like the thought of using raw egg product in their Caesar Salad Dressing. While pasteurization processes have made it much safer to use raw egg, there are a few things that you can substitute if you wish:
- Try Greek Yogurt
- Sour Cream
- Mayonnaise
- Silken Tofu
Recommendations for Making Caesar Salad
While I like to make the Caesar Salad Dressing in advance, so that all the flavors can meld together, I love to make the salad fresh, right before it is served. You can also make the croutons in advance and store in an air tight container.
Traditionally, the salad was made right at your table in a giant wooden bowl and presented to you fresh after completion. I love to do this today with company. There is nothing like the snap of a salad freshly made with these Caesar Salad ingredients. This truly is the best Caesar Salad dressing1
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Expert Tips for Making the Best Caesar Salad Dressing
- Try Lime: When this recipe was originally created they actually used lime, instead of lemon, in the Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe. Likewise, I often use lime.
- More Garlic Please: I like to make garlic Croutons. Therefore, try adding some fresh Garlic or garlic powder to your croutons before they are baked.
- Add Protein: For instance, add some grilled chicken or shrimp, some fresh crab meat or, if you dare, fresh anchovies.
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Caesar Salad
EQUIPMENT
- Food processor
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - about 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon House Seasoning Blend
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Croutons
- 1 cup sourdough bread - or other dense bread, cubed
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoons House Seasoning Blend
Salad
- 3 heads romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions
Salad Dressing
- In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except parmesan cheese.
- Blend until smooth.
- Stir in parmesan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cover and refrigerate.
Croutons
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Combine bread, olive oil and House Seasoning Blend; Spread on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes then flip the croutons over.
- Bake for 5 more minutes or until lightly browned and crispy.
Salad
- Chop lettuce into bite sized pieces.
- Add parmesan shavings.
- Drizzle with dressing; Toss to combine.
- Top with croutons.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Try Lime: When this recipe was originally created they actually used lime instead of lemon in the Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe.
- More Garlic Please: I like to make garlic Croutons. Therefore, try adding some fresh Garlic or garlic powder to your croutons before they are baked.
- Add Protein: Add some grilled chicken or shrimp, some fresh crab meat or, if you dare, fresh anchovies.
Nutrition
- Want to scale a recipe up or down? Simply type in a new serving amount and the recipe will automatically adjust!
- When a recipe call for House Seasoning Blend, you can use this recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- I always use unsalted butter in my recipes.
- I always use a meat thermometor to test for doneness when cooking meat. This one is my favorite.
- When a recipe is made in the oven, it should be pre-heated to the temperature in the recipe, unless otherwise noted.
- The nutritional information provided in this recipe is an estimate. Learn more on how I calculate nutritional information for my recipes.
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