Creamy Caesar Dressing Delight (Copycat Red Lobster)
Indulge in the rich and tangy flavors of this creamy Caesar dressing, inspired by the beloved restaurant favorite from Red Lobster. With a perfect balance of savory notes from anchovy and a hint of sweetness from sugar, this dressing elevates any salad or light pasta dish. It's super easy to whip up and makes for a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. Prepare it in advance to let the flavors meld overnight, ensuring a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. Whether drizzled over crisp romaine or tossed into a hearty pasta salad, this dressing is sure to please your family and friends alike!
8
Servings
62.5
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bottled Italian Dressing
1/4 cup (any brand)
Parmesan Cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup (regular or light)
Anchovy Paste
1 teaspoon (or substitute with soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bottled Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, sugar, mayonnaise, and anchovy paste.
2
Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated.
3
Transfer the dressing to a clean, airtight container.
4
Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.
5
Stir well before serving, and enjoy over your favorite salads or pasta dishes!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
2.25g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Caesar Dressing Delight inspired by?
This recipe is a copycat version inspired by the popular Caesar dressing served at Red Lobster.
How many ingredients are required for this dressing?
You only need five main ingredients: bottled Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, sugar, mayonnaise, and anchovy paste.
Can I make this Caesar dressing vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the anchovy paste with soy sauce to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
How long should the dressing sit before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the dressing overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld.
What type of Italian dressing should I use?
You can use any brand of bottled Italian dressing for this recipe.
Is it okay to use light mayonnaise?
Yes, the recipe works well with either regular or light mayonnaise.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 62.5 calories, 5g of fat, 2.25g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein.
What is the best way to store this dressing?
Store the dressing in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to provide a hint of sweetness and balance the savory notes.
Can this dressing be used for anything other than salad?
Absolutely! It is excellent when tossed into a hearty pasta salad or drizzled over light pasta dishes.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best?
The recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese.
Do I need any special equipment to make this?
No special equipment is needed; just a medium mixing bowl and a whisk.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The dressing is rich and tangy with savory notes from the anchovy and a subtle sweetness.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, the preparation is very fast—you simply whisk the ingredients together until smooth.
Should I stir the dressing before using it?
Yes, you should stir the dressing well before serving to ensure the ingredients are perfectly blended.
What is the primary base of this dressing?
The base is a combination of bottled Italian dressing and mayonnaise.
How much anchovy paste is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the measurements if you are serving a larger group.
Is this dressing dairy-free?
No, it contains Parmesan cheese, which is a dairy product.
What kind of salad is best for this dressing?
It is traditionally drizzled over crisp romaine lettuce for a classic Caesar salad experience.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
This depends on the specific brands of Italian dressing and mayonnaise you choose; check labels to ensure they are gluten-free.
What gives the dressing its 'creamy' texture?
The 1/3 cup of mayonnaise provides the rich, creamy consistency.
Is there a specific brand of anchovy paste recommended?
No specific brand is mentioned; any standard grocery store anchovy paste will work.
Can I use this as a dip?
Yes, its thick and creamy texture makes it a great dip for vegetables or breadsticks.
How many carbohydrates are in this dressing?
There are 2.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe include fiber?
Based on the provided ingredients, this dressing does not contain a significant amount of fiber.
Is the Parmesan cheese fresh or from a shaker?
The recipe specifies 'grated' Parmesan; while fresh-grated is always delicious, standard shelf-stable grated Parmesan is often used for this style of copycat dressing.
How much Italian dressing is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of bottled Italian dressing.
Can I skip the overnight refrigeration?
You can serve it immediately, but the flavor won't be as intense or well-balanced as it would be if allowed to rest.