Total Time: 10

Courses: Dressings, Salad

Caesar salad is a staple in many households, but the classic Caesar dressing recipe calls for raw eggs in the dressing, which can be a concern for those with compromised immune systems or those who are pregnant. My classic Chicken Caesar Salad recipe uses an egg instead of mayo, but this dressing can be easily substituted.

Who Created the Caesar Dressing

While the name is shared with Julius Caesar, the famous Roman general, this dressing has nothing to do with him. The story behind the creation of Caesar dressing is quite interesting. Caesar Cardini was a restaurateur and chef who owned a restaurant in Tijuana, just across the US-Mexico border. It was the 4th of July weekend in 1924, and his restaurant was filled with hungry Americans looking to celebrate Independence Day. However, Cardini was running low on ingredients, so he had to improvise with what he had. He threw together some lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, and raw egg, and served it to his customers. The salad was an instant hit, and Caesar dressing became a staple in American cuisine.

That story is hotly debated as some believe it was Cardini’s brother, Alex, who first made the dressing. However, the most widely accepted truth is that it was Cardini who created the dressing in 1924.

See more history of the salad at: britannica.com/topic/Caesar-salad

Made with Mayonnaise Instead of an Egg

Using mayonnaise in place of egg in Caesar dressing not only makes it safer to consume, but it also creates a creamier texture and adds a tangy flavor. The key to making a delicious Caesar salad with mayo-based dressing is to use high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavors properly.

Mayonnaise is made from oil, egg yolks, lemon juice, and seasonings. Because the egg yolks are already cooked in the process of making the mayo, there is no risk of consuming raw eggs in the dressing. However, it is still important to handle the mayo safely and store it properly to avoid any contamination.

When making Caesar dressing with mayonnaise, it is important to use a high-quality mayo that has a good balance of tanginess, creaminess, and richness. Look for a mayo that is made with simple, wholesome ingredients, such as avocado oil or olive oil, and avoid brands that contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or additives.

Other Ingredients in Caesar Dressing

To add the classic Caesar flavor to the dressing, you will need to incorporate anchovy paste, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Anchovy paste is the key ingredient that gives Caesar dressing its distinctive umami flavour, but if you don’t like the taste of anchovies, you can use Worcestershire sauce instead (add both for a well balanced dressing). If you want, you can use whole anchovies as well, but be sure to mash them up well to distribute their flavour.

Garlic adds a pungent kick to the dressing, and Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor. Lemon juice provides acidity and brightness, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty note. Together, these ingredients create a complex, well-rounded flavour that compliments salad perfectly.

When making Caesar salad with mayo-based dressing, it is important to balance the flavours properly. The dressing should be creamy but not too thick, and it should have a good balance of tanginess, saltiness, and umami flavor. If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or lemon juice. If it is too tangy, you can add a little more mayonnaise or Parmesan cheese to mellow out the acidity.

Follow this recipe for a delicious and easy Caesar Dressing recipe. I find that making dressings at home is easy and so, so much tastier. The dressings are healthier as well as you get to decide the ingredients that go into your dressing and there are no additives or preservatives. If you love this recipe, please leave a comment below to let me know!