Creamy Original Caesar Dressing: A Classic Taste (Print Version)

Craft a rich Original Caesar Dressing with this authentic recipe. Tangy, savory, and oh-so-creamy, it elevates any salad. Learn my kitchen secrets!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Dressing Foundation

01 - Fresh Garlic Cloves (3-4, minced)
02 - Anchovy Paste (1.5 teaspoons, or 3-4 fillets, mashed)
03 - Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon)
04 - Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon)

→ Emulsifiers & Acidity

05 - Large Egg Yolk (1)
06 - Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons)

→ Flavor Powerhouses

07 - Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/2 cup)

→ Finishing Touches

08 - Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, finely grated)
09 - Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, freshly cracked)

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first! Grab a medium bowl, something that gives you room to whisk without splashing. Take your minced garlic and anchovy paste (or mashed fillets) and put them in there. Now, with a fork or the back of a spoon, really mash them together into a rough paste. You want them well combined and almost smooth. This step, honestly, sets the stage for that deep, savory flavor we're after. I always smell this mix and know something delicious is coming!
02 - Next up, crack that egg and separate the yolk, dropping it right into your garlic-anchovy mixture. Add the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Now, get your whisk ready and whisk everything together vigorously until it's well combined and looks a bit lighter in color. This is where the magic starts to happen! Don't be afraid to put some elbow grease into it; you're building the foundation for that creamy texture. I remember once not whisking enough and the dressing was just... watery.
03 - This is the most crucial part for your Original Caesar Dressing! Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, start drizzling in your extra virgin olive oil, literally drop by drop at first, while continuously whisking. As the mixture starts to thicken and emulsify, you can increase the drizzle to a very thin stream. Keep whisking, whisking, whisking! If you add the oil too fast, it'll break, and you'll have an oily mess. Trust me, I've been there, staring at a separated dressing with a sigh. It should look thick and creamy, like a light mayonnaise.
04 - Once all the olive oil is incorporated and your dressing is beautifully thick and glossy, it's time for the final touches. Stir in your finely grated Parmesan cheese and the freshly cracked black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. Taste it! This is your moment to adjust. Does it need more lemon? A pinch more salt (remember the anchovies and Parmesan are salty!)? More pepper? Make it yours, hon!
05 - Sometimes, after adding the cheese, the Original Caesar Dressing can feel a little too thick, or maybe it's just not quite right for your salad. If it's too thick, you can whisk in a tiny bit of cold water, maybe a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If you accidentally made it too thin, a little extra Parmesan can help. I always aim for a pourable but still rich texture, something that coats the lettuce beautifully without being heavy.
06 - Once you're happy with the flavor and consistency, transfer your homemade Original Caesar Dressing to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it even more delicious. When it's time to serve, give it a quick whisk again, as it might thicken slightly in the cold. It should look beautifully creamy, smell garlicky and zesty, and taste like pure bliss!

# Notes:

01 - The slow, steady drizzle of oil is KEY for emulsification; don't rush it!
02 - Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, giving it a good shake before serving.
03 - If you don't have anchovy paste, a tiny bit of soy sauce or capers can add umami, but the flavor will be slightly different.
04 - Serve with grilled chicken or roasted veggies for a complete meal, not just on lettuce!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Medium mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - garlic press (optional)
04 - measuring spoons
05 - measuring cup
06 - airtight container

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 2g
Protein: 2g

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