Are you craving a creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious Caesar dressing? Look no further! This recipe channels the iconic simplicity of Martha Stewart's approach, offering a homemade Caesar dressing that's miles better than anything store-bought. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or simply elevating your favorite salad to new heights. This easy recipe is a testament to how simple delicious food can be! Get ready to experience the magic of homemade Caesar dressing.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Gather these before you begin:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably high-quality)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt (or to taste)
- Optional: 1-2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (for a more traditional, intensely savory flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Martha's Caesar Dressing
Follow these simple steps to whip up this delicious dressing in minutes:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. If using anchovies, add them now and whisk thoroughly.
- Emulsify: Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This process emulsifies the oil and mayonnaise, creating a luscious, velvety texture. If it seems too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want more lemon juice for extra tang, salt for more intensity, or pepper for a little kick.
- Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Once chilled (or immediately if you're short on time), drizzle your homemade Caesar dressing over your favorite salad. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
Tips and Tricks for Caesar Dressing Perfection
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh ingredients, especially the lemon juice and garlic, makes a huge difference in the overall flavor profile of the dressing.
- High-Quality Mayonnaise: Opt for a good quality mayonnaise as it's the base of the dressing. The flavor of the mayonnaise will significantly impact the final taste.
- Anchovy Note: While optional, the anchovies add a depth of umami flavor that truly elevates the classic Caesar dressing. If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can skip them without affecting the overall quality of the recipe.
- Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
- Spicy Caesar: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Caesar: For an even creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of sour cream or crème fraîche.
- Roasted Garlic Caesar: Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a mellower, sweeter flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 2-3g
This easy and delicious Caesar dressing recipe is perfect for elevating your salads and other dishes. Enjoy!