Flavorful Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Flavorful Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Make the Best Caesar Salad Dressing at Home (feat. Homemade Croutons!)
Forget store-bought dressings! This homemade Caesar salad dressing is made with fresh ingredients for a deeper, richer flavor that store-bought options can’t match. Experience the perfect harmony of salty anchovies, savory Parmesan cheese, and zesty lemon juice to elevate your salad game. Includes a recipe for delicious, crispy homemade croutons.
Salad Ingredients- 8 large Romaine lettuce leaves (inner hearts, washed and dried)
- 1 ripe tomato
- 2 soft-boiled eggs
- 1 cup homemade crispy croutons
For Homemade Croutons- 3 slices baguette (or sandwich bread)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- A little grated Parmesan cheese
For the Amazing Caesar Salad Dressing- 2 anchovy fillets (high quality, finely minced)
- 2 fresh egg yolks
- 1 clove fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- A dash of oyster sauce (for umami)
- 3 slices baguette (or sandwich bread)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- A little grated Parmesan cheese
For the Amazing Caesar Salad Dressing- 2 anchovy fillets (high quality, finely minced)
- 2 fresh egg yolks
- 1 clove fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- A dash of oyster sauce (for umami)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather your ingredients for a delicious 2-serving Caesar salad. Wash and thoroughly dry the Romaine lettuce leaves. Slice the ripe tomato into bite-sized pieces. Prepare two perfectly soft-boiled eggs. You’ll also need the baguette (or bread) for croutons, Parmesan cheese, and the star of the dressing: anchovies.
Step 2
Now, let’s make those homemade croutons! Cut the baguette (or bread) into uniform cubes, about 1.5 cm (or 0.6 inches). Place the cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic (2 cloves) and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Gently toss everything together with your hands, ensuring the bread pieces are evenly coated with olive oil, cheese, and garlic without breaking them.
Step 4
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in a preheated oven to bake.
Step 5
Oven temperatures can vary, so bake at around 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, let them cool.
Step 6
Next, let’s prepare the star of the show: the Caesar salad dressing! Finely mince the 2 anchovy fillets. The unique savory depth and saltiness of anchovies will truly enhance the dressing’s flavor.
Step 7
Traditionally, egg yolks are used for richness. If you’re concerned about using raw egg yolks or want an alternative, here’s a practical tip: carefully separate the yolks from your soft-boiled eggs. (Alternatively, for a smoother texture without raw egg yolks, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of good quality mayonnaise.)
Step 8
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely minced anchovies (2 fillets), minced garlic (1 clove), grated Parmesan cheese (1 Tbsp), Dijon mustard (1/2 Tbsp), olive oil (3 Tbsp), and the prepared egg yolks (2).
Step 9
Whisk or fork everything together until well combined and emulsified. Stir in the fresh lemon juice (1 Tbsp), a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of oyster sauce for an extra umami boost. Mix thoroughly. You’ve just created a fantastic Caesar salad dressing, wonderfully salty and rich with umami thanks to the anchovies!
Step 10
Now, gently place the washed and dried Romaine lettuce leaves into the bowl with the prepared Caesar dressing. Carefully toss them, coating each leaf evenly without bruising the lettuce. The dressing should cling beautifully.
Step 11
Arrange the dressed Romaine lettuce on your serving plate. Add the soft-boiled egg halves (don’t worry if their appearance isn’t perfect, they’ll taste amazing!), and the sliced tomato. Generously top with your homemade crispy croutons and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The delightful crunch of the lettuce and croutons, combined with the perfectly balanced salty, savory, and tangy dressing, creates a magnificent homemade Caesar Salad (Ceasar Salad) that will impress everyone!
