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Classic Caesar Salad Dressing

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Classic Caesar Salad Dressing uses raw egg yolk, anchovies, and fresh lemon juice to create a creamy, bright emulsion with rich umami depth. The key is whisking olive oil in slowly to prevent breaking and achieve a stable, silky texture. This dressing brightens salads with sharper lemon and clean garlic flavors without any gummy aftertaste.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 3 fillets anchovy fillets mashed to a paste
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
  • 1 large egg yolk room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • 0.5 cup olive oil added slowly drop by drop
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl Used for whisking and assembling dressing
  • Whisk To emulsify the oil and egg yolk
  • Garlic press To press garlic cloves finely
  • Microplane grater To finely grate Parmesan cheese
  • Knife For mincing anchovies and garlic

Method
 

  1. Press 2 garlic cloves through a press or mince finely with a knife. Mash 3-4 anchovy fillets into a paste using the flat side of your knife to ensure even distribution. This takes about 30 seconds.
    3 fillets anchovy fillets, 2 cloves garlic
  2. Crack 1 egg yolk into a chilled mixing bowl. Whisk for 10 seconds, then slowly add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice while continuing to whisk to temper the yolk and prevent curdling.
    1 large egg yolk, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  3. Drizzle ½ cup olive oil into the bowl one drop at a time while whisking constantly. After the first 2 tablespoons emulsify and thicken the mixture, add the remaining oil in a thin, steady stream. This process takes 2-3 minutes.
    0.5 cup olive oil
  4. Stir in the mashed anchovies, minced garlic, ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or black pepper if desired.
    3 fillets anchovy fillets, 2 cloves garlic, 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 0.5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  5. Tear 1 large head of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and spin dry. Add half the dressing and toss with tongs to coat. Add more dressing until each leaf is lightly coated but not swimming. Finish with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top.

Notes

  • Add olive oil slowly and whisk constantly to form a stable emulsion; rushing causes the dressing to break.
  • Use fresh garlic pressed just before mixing to avoid bitterness.
  • Store in an airtight glass jar in the fridge and use within 3-4 days for best freshness and safety.

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