Easy Caesar Salad Dressing

This easy Caesar salad is a classic dish made with a few basic ingredients: romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. While the traditional Caesar dressing contains anchovies and raw eggs, our version replaces the eggs with mayonnaise and omits the anchovies. Even with these changes, it’s a tangy, absolutely delicious dressing that will elevate your salad to a whole new level.

Tips

• Dress the salad lightly to avoid overwhelming other flavors and soggy lettuce.
• Use fresh, crisp lettuce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Caesar: Top with grilled or fried chicken slices or rotisserie chicken shreds.
• Kale: Substitute kale for the lettuce for a nutrient-dense alternative. Massage the kale with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice before adding the dressing.
• Seafood: Incorporated seasoned grilled or sautéed shrimp or scallops.
• Avocado: Top the salad with avocado slices for extra creaminess and healthy fat.
• Pasta: Toss the salad with some cooled cooked pasta and enough dressing to make it creamy. Top with croutons and shredded Parmesan.
• Bacon: Add crisp, cooked, crumbled bacon before serving for a savory crunch.
• Lettuce: Romaine is traditional, but any crisp lettuce is fine.

What dishes pair well with a Caesar salad?

• Steak: A juicy, tender steak pairs well with the crisp texture and tangy dressing.
• Grilled Chicken: Flavorful grilled chicken complements the savory notes of Caesar salad.
• Pasta: Pasta dishes like shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, a roasted garlic pasta, or cacio e pepe.
• Soups: A creamy tomato soup or hearty minestrone pair well with the crisp, flavorful salad.
• Bread: Serve the salad with a crusty focaccia or garlic bread.

How To Store Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

• Use a Clean Container: Ensure the jar, cruet, or container is clean.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients are fresh, especially the mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice.
• Refrigerate: The dressing should be refrigerated immediately and should never be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Label: To keep track of when you made the dressing, label the container with the name and date.
• Duration: Store homemade Caesar dressing in the fridge for up to 5 to 7 days. If unsure, check for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, discoloration, or a change in texture. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Serving: The dressing may separate during storage. Before using the dressing, shake or whisk it to re-emulsify.

This authentic Italian salad dressing is another one of our favorites. Or you might like this homemade ranch dressing mix, which can also be used as a dip or addition to other dishes.

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