Looking for a versatile, restaurant-quality Caesar dressing you can make at home? This easy homemade recipe is rich, tangy, and incredibly flavorful—perfect for salads, veggies, or as a marinade for proteins. With a balanced blend of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and pantry spices, this Caesar dressing is a game-changer for your culinary creations!
What Is Caesar Dressing?
Caesar dressing is a creamy, tangy dressing traditionally used for Caesar salads. Its bold flavor comes from a combination of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and anchovies or Worcestershire sauce. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and shaved Parmesan, but it’s also an excellent dip or marinade.
Ingredients for Homemade Caesar Dressing
- Olive oil: ¾ cup
- Red wine vinegar: ¼ cup
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, finely grated
- Dried parsley: 1 tsp
- Dried basil: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onion powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: ¾ tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Paprika: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Sugar: ½-1 tsp, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add all ingredients to a mason jar, cover, and shake vigorously, or whisk them together in a medium bowl until fully combined.
- Adjust to Taste:
- For a creamier dressing, reduce olive oil and add a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Adjust sugar for less acidity or vinegar for extra tang.
- Refrigerate:
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Shake well before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vinegar: Replace red wine vinegar with white wine or apple cider vinegar.
- Parmesan: Swap for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Garlic: Substitute powdered garlic with fresh minced garlic for a robust flavor.
Creative Twists
- Creamy Caesar Dressing: Add ½ cup mayonnaise and ¼ cup sour cream.
- Balsamic Caesar Dressing: Use balsamic vinegar for a sweet, tangy depth.
- Herb-Infused Caesar Dressing: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Roasted Garlic Caesar Dressing: Blend in roasted garlic cloves for a smoky flavor.
Tips for the Best Caesar Dressing
- Don’t Skip Parmesan: It’s the heart of the dressing, providing bold, savory notes.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Use fresh Parm for a smoother texture and better flavor.
- Use Dried Herbs: They offer a longer shelf life and a consistent flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance for a more developed flavor.
Storage Tips
- Shelf Life: Homemade Caesar dressing lasts 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. If using fresh garlic or herbs, consume within 3 days.
- Shake Before Serving: Ingredients may separate during storage; give it a good shake or stir before use.