Homemade Caesar dressing is rich, creamy, cheesy, tangy, and packed with umami flavor! It's ready in just minutes and so much better than store-bought!
Peel and finely mince the garlic and grate the parmesan cheese.
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth(ish) and creamy. Pause to scrape down the sides 1-2 times, as needed.An immersion blender/blender will also work.
Slowly drizzle in the water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is thin enough to flow slowly off a spoon.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning (or any of the ingredients) to your liking.For the best flavor, chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhance and provides a better consistency.
Storage Instructions
Store the dressing in a sterile, airtight jar for up to a week. Give it a good shake each time before using, and optionally add more water, if needed, if it's thickened.
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Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated often contains other additives/fillers that can affect flavor and texture.
Taste and adjust: Tweak any of the ingredients to your liking, whether you’d like the recipe to be more salty, tangy, creamy, umami, etc.
Adjust the texture/consistency: Whisk the parmesan into the dressing for more texture. Add more/less water to adjust the thickness and consistency.
To whisk by hand: Use anchovy paste and finely minced garlic. The texture will be chunkier from the parmesan.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
Lemon juice/zest: Use fresh lemons - for extra brightness and tang. Add zest, too, for a more citrusy flavor.
Dijon mustard: Will add tang and heat while helping the dressing emulsify.
Sweetness: Balance the tang & add a hint of sweetness with honey/maple syrup.
Fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness with finely minced parsley or chives.
Seasonings: I.e., smoked paprika for subtle smokiness or cayenne pepper/red pepper flakes for heat.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Finely chopped to add extra sweet and tangy flavor.