Tired of the same old Caesar salad? Ready to elevate your salad game with a flavor explosion? Then get ready to spice things up with this incredibly easy and delicious Spicy Caesar Dressing recipe! This homemade dressing is far superior to store-bought versions, boasting a vibrant, zesty flavor that will transform your ordinary salad into a culinary masterpiece. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate get-together. This recipe delivers a healthy and satisfying meal without sacrificing any flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably high-quality)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is key)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This is the base of your delicious spicy Caesar dressing.
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Add the Spice: Gently stir in the cayenne pepper. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and taste. Feel free to add more cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, depending on your preference. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away!
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Season to Perfection: Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. A little salt enhances the flavors beautifully.
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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 and deepen, resulting in an even tastier dressing.
Tips and Variations:
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder dressing, use less; for a fiery kick, add more! You could also experiment with other chili flakes for a different kind of heat.
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Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
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Creamier Dressing: For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
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Anchovy Paste: For a more traditional Caesar flavor, add 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste. This adds a savory depth that many appreciate.
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Make it Ahead: This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 150mg (depending on ingredients used)
This spicy Caesar dressing is incredibly versatile. Use it on your favorite salad greens, add it to grilled chicken or fish, or even use it as a dip for vegetables or chips. Enjoy this quick, easy, and healthy recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. It's a great way to transform simple ingredients into a delicious and memorable meal. Happy cooking!