Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Caesar Vinaigrette is the ideal condiment for anyone craving a healthier yet flavorful twist on the classic Caesar dressing. By swapping out the creamy ingredients for a tangy vinaigrette, you get a lighter, zesty sauce that still packs a punch with the familiar bold flavors of garlic, anchovy, and Parmesan. It’s simple to make, with only a few basic ingredients, and can be whisked together in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re topping a fresh salad, marinating grilled chicken, or drizzling it over roasted vegetables, this vinaigrette is versatile and guaranteed to elevate any meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
Directions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and anchovy until well combined.
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Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
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Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Servings and Timing
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Yield: About 3/4 cup
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Creamier Version: For a creamier texture, blend the dressing in a food processor instead of whisking by hand.
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No Anchovies: If you prefer to avoid anchovies, you can substitute them with a teaspoon of capers for a similar briny flavor.
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Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
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Herbed Caesar: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a herbal twist to the vinaigrette.
Storage/Reheating
Store your Caesar Vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If it thickens after refrigeration, simply whisk it again to bring it back to the desired consistency. This vinaigrette is not intended to be reheated as it is best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought anchovy paste instead of fillets?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste instead of 2 anchovy fillets. This will save you time and still deliver the same bold flavor.
2. How can I make this dressing creamier?
To make a creamier version, blend the dressing in a food processor or use a hand blender to emulsify it further.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Caesar Vinaigrette is naturally gluten-free. It does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.
4. How long can I store Caesar Vinaigrette?
You can store Caesar Vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
5. Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, this dressing can be made ahead of time. In fact, it will taste even better after sitting in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. What can I use this vinaigrette on?
This Caesar Vinaigrette is perfect on romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade for seafood or steak.
7. Can I substitute apple cider vinegar with another type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar, although this may slightly alter the flavor profile.
8. What’s the purpose of Dijon mustard in the dressing?
Dijon mustard adds tanginess, depth of flavor, and helps emulsify the vinaigrette, giving it a smooth and creamy consistency.
9. Can I make this recipe without anchovies?
Yes, if you prefer not to use anchovies, you can substitute them with a teaspoon of capers or even skip them entirely. The dressing will still be flavorful.
10. Is this vinaigrette good for meal prep?
Yes, this Caesar Vinaigrette is great for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
This Caesar Vinaigrette offers a fresh, lighter alternative to the classic Caesar dressing, combining bold, tangy flavors with a simple preparation. It’s quick to make, easy to store, and versatile enough for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re drizzling it over salads, marinating proteins, or using it as a dip, this vinaigrette is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Caesar Vinaigrette Recipe
This Caesar Vinaigrette offers a lighter, tangy alternative to traditional Caesar dressing. It combines the bold flavors of garlic, anchovy, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard, resulting in a zesty vinaigrette perfect for salads, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy the familiar Caesar taste with a healthier twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and anchovy until well combined.
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Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
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Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it thickens after refrigeration, whisk to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Variations: For a creamier version, blend in a food processor. If avoiding anchovies, use capers instead for a briny alternative.
