Quick Creamy Caesar Dressing: 10-Min Wonder (Print Version)

Whip up a tangy, creamy Easy Caesar Salad Dressing in just 10 minutes. My simple recipe brings restaurant flavor home, no fuss!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian (optional anchovy)

# Ingredients:

→ Dressing Base

01 - 1/2 cup (120ml) full-fat mayonnaise
02 - 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're like me!)
05 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasoning & Spice

07 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

→ Optional Extras

09 - 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (for authentic flavor)

# Instructions:

01 - Before you even think about whisking, get all your ingredients out and ready. This is where I often make a mess, honestly, with little bits of Parmesan flying around. But having everything at arm's reach makes the whole process so much smoother. I love the organized chaos of my kitchen counter just before I start, it feels like an exciting experiment is about to begin.
02 - Mince your garlic super fine. You want those tiny, potent pieces to infuse the dressing, not big chunks. Then, grate your Parmesan cheese. The smell of fresh garlic hitting the air is just amazing, it's the first hint of the deliciousness to come. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little messy; that's part of the fun of making this Easy Caesar Salad Dressing.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and beautifully blended. I always marvel at how quickly these simple ingredients start to transform into something so creamy. It smells tangy and bright already, getting ready for its big flavor moment!
04 - Now, add your minced garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a generous grind of black pepper, and that initial pinch of salt. If you’re using anchovy paste, this is the time to add it in! Whisk everything together really well until the cheese is incorporated and the dressing looks thick and luscious. This is where the magic really happens, and the Easy Caesar Salad Dressing starts to take its true form.
05 - This is the most important step, honestly. Grab a small spoon, take a taste, and see what it needs. Does it want more lemon for tang? A little more salt? Maybe another grind of pepper? Don't be shy! I always taste multiple times, sometimes adding a tiny bit more of everything until it hits that sweet spot. This is your kitchen, your rules!
06 - Once you're happy with the taste, cover your bowl and pop the Easy Caesar Salad Dressing into the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes. This chilling time isn't just for temperature; it allows all those beautiful flavors to meld and deepen. It comes out even creamier and more cohesive. The anticipation while it chills is almost unbearable, but so worth it for the final result.

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh lemon juice and fresh garlic; bottled just won't give you the vibrant flavor this Easy Caesar Salad Dressing deserves.
02 - A common mistake I made was not tasting as I went; adjust seasonings gradually to avoid over-salting or too much lemon.
03 - Letting the dressing chill for a bit truly makes a difference in flavor integration and texture, don't skip this step!
04 - For an extra kick, try adding a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to your Easy Caesar Salad Dressing.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - grater
04 - citrus juicer
05 - measuring spoons/cups

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 2g
Protein: 2g

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