Luscious Vegetarian Caesar Dressing
Indulge your taste buds with this rich and creamy Vegetarian Caesar Dressing that features a delightful balance of flavors without the need for anchovies. Crafted with fresh egg yolks and robust garlic, this dressing is elevated by the tang of lemon juice and the slightly sweet notes of balsamic vinegar. Perfectly thickened with olive oil, it provides a luxurious mouthfeel that pairs beautifully with crisp romaine lettuce and homemade croutons. For an extra layer of flavor, make sure to top your salad with a vegetarian-friendly cheese, like Murray's Sartori Sarvecchio Parmesan, which is made without animal rennet. Enjoy this dressing as a staple in your salad repertoire and impress your guests with this effortlessly sophisticated addition to any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg Yolk
1 (raw)
Garlic Cloves
2 (crushed)
Yellow Mustard (prepared)
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (none)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Water
1 tablespoon (none)
Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Ground Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, crushed garlic cloves, and yellow mustard until well combined.
2
Begin adding the olive oil very slowly—start with about 1/4 teaspoon at a time. Whisk continuously to fully incorporate the oil into the mixture before adding more. Gradually increase the amount to 1/2 teaspoon as the mixture begins to emulsify.
3
Continue whisking until all the olive oil is added, resulting in a creamy, soft butter-like consistency.
4
Now, gently add 1 tablespoon of water to the mixture while whisking to help the oil and water combine seamlessly.
5
Incorporate the lemon juice, first adding 1 tablespoon and mixing thoroughly, followed by an additional 1/2 tablespoon.
6
Next, add 1/2 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and mix until fully integrated.
7
Season the dressing with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
8
Your Luscious Vegetarian Caesar Dressing is now ready to be drizzled on your favorite salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luscious Vegetarian Caesar Dressing?
It is a rich and creamy salad dressing featuring garlic, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar, designed to be anchovy-free.
Is this Caesar dressing suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is specifically crafted to be vegetarian-friendly and contains no fish products.
Does this recipe use anchovies?
No, this version of Caesar dressing is made without the need for anchovies.
What are the primary ingredients for the base?
The base is made from egg yolk, crushed garlic cloves, yellow mustard, and olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for two crushed garlic cloves.
What type of mustard is used?
You should use 1/2 teaspoon of prepared yellow mustard.
How much olive oil is needed?
The dressing requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
How should the olive oil be added?
It should be added very slowly, starting with 1/4 teaspoon at a time while whisking continuously to ensure emulsification.
Why is it important to whisk continuously?
Whisking continuously is necessary to fully incorporate the oil and create a creamy, soft butter-like consistency.
When can I increase the amount of oil being added?
Once the mixture begins to emulsify, you can gradually increase the oil addition to 1/2 teaspoon at a time.
What is the purpose of adding water?
Adding 1 tablespoon of water helps the oil and other liquid ingredients combine seamlessly.
How much lemon juice is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Does the recipe include balsamic vinegar?
Yes, 1/2 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is added to provide slightly sweet notes.
How should I season the dressing?
Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
What consistency should the final dressing have?
The dressing should result in a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel that is thick enough to coat lettuce.
Is the egg yolk used raw?
Yes, the recipe uses one raw egg yolk to achieve the desired richness and texture.
Which cheese is recommended for a vegetarian Caesar salad?
Murray's Sartori Sarvecchio Parmesan is recommended because it is made without animal rennet.
What type of lettuce pairs best with this dressing?
Crisp romaine lettuce is the ideal pairing for this luscious dressing.
Can I add croutons to the salad?
Yes, homemade croutons are highly recommended as a crunchy addition to the salad.
How do I adjust the flavor if it's too thick?
The addition of lemon juice and water during the mixing process helps manage the consistency while adding flavor.
Does this dressing contain any sugar?
No refined sugar is added, though the balsamic vinegar contributes some natural sweetness.
What preparation is needed for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be crushed before being whisked with the egg yolk.
Is the lemon juice added all at once?
No, you first add 1 tablespoon and mix thoroughly, then add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon.
Can I substitute the yellow mustard?
The recipe specifies prepared yellow mustard, but variations may change the flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in the dressing?
There are 9 ingredients: egg yolk, garlic, mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, water, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
What makes the dressing sophisticated?
The balance of robust garlic, tangy lemon, and sweet balsamic vinegar creates an effortlessly sophisticated flavor.
Is this recipe easy to scale up?
Yes, you can double or triple the ingredients, provided you maintain the slow emulsification process.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
The key is to whisk the oil in very slowly at the beginning to establish a stable emulsion.
Why use balsamic vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar provides a unique depth and sweetness that complements the absence of anchovies.
What is the final step of the recipe?
The final step is to adjust the salt and pepper to your preference before drizzling it on your salad.