Homemade Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

“Discover the ultimate Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! Perfect for pairing with crisp Romaine lettuce, golden garlic croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality Caesar salad to your table. Learn how to make this classic dressing with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, anchovies, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice for that authentic taste. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side dish or a main course topped with grilled chicken or shrimp, this easy Caesar salad recipe is a must-try. Ideal for quick dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this homemade dressing is better than store-bought—crafted with love and made to impress!”

This homemade Caesar salad dressing combines rich, creamy textures and bold flavors to create the ultimate classic salad. Pair it with crunchy, golden croutons and crisp Romaine lettuce for a dish that’s fresh, satisfying, and perfect as a side or a main course. Here’s how to make this delectable dressing and assemble a Caesar salad that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 5 garlic cloves, divided (2 minced, 3 quartered)
• 6 anchovy fillets, minced
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 cups cubed white bread
• 1 head of Romaine lettuce, sliced into bite-sized pieces

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Caesar Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy fillets, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Croutons:

• Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the quartered garlic cloves and cook until they are golden brown, then remove and discard the garlic.
• Add the cubed bread to the skillet and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove the croutons and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce with the prepared dressing until well-coated.
• Top with the homemade croutons and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the salad. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

---

Tips

• For a stronger garlic flavor, use roasted garlic in the dressing.
• You can prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Use day-old bread for croutons for extra crunch and flavor absorption.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• No Anchovies? Substitute with 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory depth.
• Gluten-Free Croutons: Swap out regular bread with gluten-free bread.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat mayonnaise and reduce the olive oil slightly.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and skip the anchovies.

---

FAQs

Q: How long can I store the dressing?
A: The Caesar dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I use store-bought croutons?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought croutons work well too.

Q: What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?
A: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Caesar salad as a side to grilled chicken, salmon, or steak for a complete meal.
• Add grilled shrimp or sliced roasted chicken on top to turn this salad into a hearty entrée.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade Goodness: Freshly made dressing and croutons elevate this Caesar salad beyond anything store-bought.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt to dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
• Quick and Simple: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive side for entertaining.

Make this Homemade Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing your go-to for a crowd-pleasing and flavorful salad everyone will adore!