Caesar Vinaigrette Recipe

This Caesar Vinaigrette is a lighter, tangier version of classic Caesar dressing. Made without heavy mayonnaise, it keeps all the rich, savory flavors of a traditional Caesar while offering a fresher, more vinaigrette-style consistency. Perfect for salads, marinades, or drizzling over roasted vegetables, this easy homemade dressing comes together in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lighter Alternative – No mayo, making it less creamy but still full of flavor.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Versatile – Use it on salads, as a marinade, or as a dipping sauce.
• Balanced Flavor – A perfect mix of tangy, garlicky, and umami-rich goodness.
• Better Than Store-Bought – No preservatives, just fresh, homemade flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Anchovy paste (or finely mashed anchovies)
• Red wine vinegar
• Honey (optional, for balance)
• Black pepper
• Salt

Directions

1. Whisk Ingredients – In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste, and honey (if using).
2. Slowly Add Olive Oil – While whisking continuously, drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture emulsifies.
3. Stir in Parmesan – Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
4. Season to Taste – Add black pepper and salt as needed.
5. Serve or Store – Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed jar for later use. Shake well before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about ¾ cup of dressing
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Creamy Caesar Vinaigrette – Blend in 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for a silkier texture.
• Extra Garlicky – Add another clove of garlic for more boldness.
• Spicy Version – Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegan Alternative – Use capers instead of anchovies and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Balsamic Twist – Swap red wine vinegar for balsamic for a deeper, sweeter tang.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: No reheating needed, just shake or whisk before using.

FAQs

Can I make this without anchovies?

Yes! Use a dash of soy sauce or extra Worcestershire sauce for umami flavor.

What’s the best oil for this vinaigrette?

Extra virgin olive oil is best for a rich taste, but light olive oil works for a milder version.

Is this vinaigrette gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

How can I thicken the vinaigrette?

Blend in a small amount of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a thicker consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors deepen after a few hours in the fridge, making it even better.

How do I keep the dressing from separating?

Whisking thoroughly or blending the ingredients helps emulsify the dressing. Shake before each use.

Can I use white vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

Yes, but red wine vinegar adds a more balanced acidity.

Is this dressing keto-friendly?

Yes, just skip the honey for a fully low-carb option.

What’s the best way to use this vinaigrette?

Drizzle it over Caesar salads, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or as a marinade for meats.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients and store the extra in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Caesar Vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful twist on the classic Caesar dressing. With a bold, tangy taste and a smooth, pourable consistency, it’s perfect for salads, marinades, and more. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought dressings!

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