Caesar salad dressing

Effective recipe to prepare a delicious Caesar salad dressing at home

Caesar salad has become one of the most emblematic dishes of international gastronomy, appreciated for its creamy flavor and balanced texture. Although many stores offer industrial versions of the dressing, the true magic lies in its homemade preparation, which allows you to adjust each ingredient to your taste and guarantee an authentic flavor. In 2025, the trend of cooking at home continues to rise, driven by the search for healthier, more economical, and flavorful recipes. With simple ingredients and precise steps, you can create a Caesar dressing that will surprise your guests and elevate any salad to a gourmet level. From a touch of Parmesan cheese to the intensity of anchovies, here we teach you all the secrets to achieve the perfect balance and enjoy a dish full of history and flavor with your family.

Preparation time for an authentic homemade Caesar dressing

• Preparation: 5 minutes
• Cooking: No cooking required, just mix
• Total: 5 minutes
• Servings: Enough for approximately 4 salads
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients needed for a classic and delicious Caesar dressing

• 2 egg yolks (preferably pasteurized for greater safety)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 anchovy fillets in brine or oil (if anchovies are not available, they can be substituted with anchovy paste)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (the best option for a deep flavor)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (I recommend Ybarra's for its mild flavor)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (choose a mature one for more intensity)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Substitution options for specific ingredients

• If you don't have anchovies, you can omit or replace them with a teaspoon of anchovy paste.
• Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino cheese if you are looking for a stronger touch.
• If you don't have lemon juice, use apple cider vinegar to maintain acidity.

Utensils we will use to prepare a perfect Caesar dressing

• A large mixing bowl
• A hand whisk or a strong spoon
• A blender or hand mixer (optional but recommended)
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• A fine grater for Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step preparation for a homemade and delicious Caesar dressing

1. Prepare the ingredients

• Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. This helps release their aroma and flavor into the dressing, as well as facilitating their integration.
• Place the egg yolks in a bowl and mix them with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until a homogeneous and creamy mixture is obtained.

2. Incorporate anchovies and lemon juice

• Finely chop the anchovy fillets or mash them with a fork until a paste is formed. This ensures they integrate well into the emulsion.
• Add the lemon juice and chopped anchovies to the mixture, whisking vigorously so that everything is well integrated.

3. Emulsify with olive oil

• While continuing to whisk, slowly pour half a cup of olive oil in a thin stream. The pouring speed helps to emulsify and achieve that characteristic creamy texture of Caesar dressing.
• If the mixture becomes too thick, we can add a teaspoon of warm water to adjust it.

4. Add cheese and season

• Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing with an enveloping motion until it is perfectly integrated.
• Finally, adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.

5. Chill and serve

• Refrigerate the dressing a few minutes before using to enhance the flavors.
• This dressing is ideal for coating fresh romaine lettuce, adding croutons, and an extra touch of Parmesan cheese for the classic Caesar salad.

To finish and serve the Caesar salad harmoniously

Once the dressing is prepared, pour it over a bed of fresh lettuce in a large bowl. Add croutons and more grated Parmesan cheese. For a special touch, you can add grilled chicken pieces or canned tuna. It is recommended to serve it immediately to enjoy all its freshness and flavor. If desired, accompany with some slices of toasted bread and a glass of white wine, preferably from the Ybarra region, to perfectly complement the experience.

I want to share these tips to perfect your homemade Caesar dressing

• For a more intense flavor, use aged Parmesan cheese and good quality anchovies, such as those from Calvé or Kraft.
• If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the amount of garlic or chop it more finely.
• To prevent the dressing from separating, add the oil slowly in a thin stream, always whisking vigorously.
• If the dressing is too thick, you can adjust it with a few drops of warm water or more lemon juice.
• For a healthier version, replace part of the olive oil with avocado oil or a lighter option like Ligeresa.

Approximate nutritional information per serving of Caesar dressing

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fats: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g

These values are estimated per serving, based on standard quality ingredients and may vary depending on the exact quantities and brands used.

5 keys to make your Caesar dressing spectacular

1. Use fresh, good quality ingredients to enhance the final flavor.
2. Pouring the oil slowly while whisking helps achieve a creamy emulsion and an irresistible finish.
3. Balance the acidity by adjusting the lemon juice or vinegar to your preference.
4. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper just before serving, so the flavors aren't overdone.
5. Refrigerate a few minutes before using, so the flavors integrate better and the sauce stays fresh.

On what occasions is it ideal to enjoy a Caesar dressing?

This dressing is perfect for accompanying salads at family meals, celebrations, or on hot summer days where a refreshing salad can be the star. It's also excellent for marinating chicken or using as a dip for snacks, making every dish more appetizing and full of history. Its versatility allows it to be included in quick recipes and presented at gatherings with friends, impressing with its homemade and authentic flavor.

Comparative table of different recipes with Caesar dressing and its variants

Frequently asked questions about how to prepare homemade Caesar dressing

Share your experience cooking authentic Caesar dressing

Now that you know all the secrets to preparing an exceptional Caesar dressing at home, we invite you to experiment in your kitchen. Share how it turned out, if you tried it with different ingredients, or if you added your special touch. The kitchen is a space for constant creativity and learning, so don't hesitate to show your variations and tricks. We want to know how it went and what flavors you discovered!

Culinary glossary to better understand your homemade Caesar dressing

• Emulsify: When you mix ingredients that normally don't combine easily, like oil and lemon, achieving a creamy texture.
• Finely chop: Cutting ingredients into very small pieces, almost a brunoise, so they integrate well into preparations.
• Pasteurized: A process that subjects eggs to gentle heat to eliminate bacteria, ensuring greater safety in raw recipes.
• Croutons: Pieces of toasted bread commonly used in salads to add texture.
• Lemon juice: Acidic liquid extracted from citrus, which adds freshness and acidity to preparations.