simple caesar dressing
We have been getting so many greens from our CSA lately, it’s hard to keep up. Even for me, a certifiable salad nut! That’s why I am glad there are so many family gatherings and summer festivities to which I can bring a big ol’ salad bowl brimming with green salad.
This week, I whipped up this simple Caesar dressing and made a giant salad with chopped Romaine, spinach and a little green leaf lettuce. Usually when I make Caesar, I make my own croutons, like these. But this time I cheated and used Olivia’s croutons. I served it with this chicken, Red Hen Bread and a giant platter of grilled vegetables.
This dressing is different from classic Caesar made in the bowl because it relies on the blender or food processor to make the emulsion instead of using raw eggyolk.
This dressing is really strong, so taste as you go when you’re tossing it with your greens. I like to add a generous amount of Pecorino Romano as I’m tossing. The saltyness helps to balance the lemon’s acidity. You’ll be happy to know it can dress a surprisingly large bowl of greens [which thankfully helps make a dent in the bounty of lettuce.]
To make ahead: Can be made up to one day ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 small clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 4 anchovies, chopped
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Peel and mince garlic clove. Sprinkle salt over the garlic and mash with the side of a chef’s knife to form a smooth paste. Scrape garlic paste into a food processor or blender. Add anchovies, oil, cheese, lemon juice, Dijon and pepper and puree until smooth and pale yellow, about 30 seconds.
Notes
To make ahead: Can be made up to one day ahead.
Just stumbled across your blog via Pinterest – lots of delish recipes I can’t wait to try! How different does this dressing taste if you omit the anchovies? In my household, anchovies are a huge no-no, and I’m having a hard time finding a good Caesar recipe that is anchovy-free.
Hmm. I’m not sure because I didn’t test it without the anchovies. If you do omit them add a pinch of salt. Enjoy!
Hi, just wanted to finally comment – thanks for your hard work here! my family has benefitted as I’ve tried several of your recipes and added them into our rotation. And your photography is so beautiful, too. Always such a pleasure to visit your site.
Lynne,
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoy some of the recipes. Happy cooking!