Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
Copycat Red Lobster's Creamy Caesar Dressing
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Creamy Caesar is the way to go. Red Lobster's recipe with mayo, parmesan, and Italian dressing is perfect for a classic mix with romaine and croutons.
serves/makes:
ready in:
over 5 hrs
over 5 hrs
6 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
3/4 cup bottled Italian salad dressing
1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon sugar
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon anchovy paste or soy sauce
directions
Combine all the ingredients and whisk well to mix. Place in a covered container and refrigerate for 5-6 hours or overnight before using.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
recipe tips
Chill the dressing well before serving for the best flavor.
Adjust the consistency with a little water or more mayonnaise, depending on your tastes.
Serve with crisp romaine lettuce and homemade croutons for a classic Caesar salad.
Garnish the salad with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
Try adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
Try the dressing on different salads or as a dip for vegetables.
For a more pronounced anchovy flavor, omit the anchovy paste and add a minced anchovy fillet.
common recipe questions
Can I use homemade Italian dressing instead of bottled?
Yes, homemade Italian dressing can be used but it may change the flavor from what Red Lobster serves as homemade recipes vary greatly.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
Is the sugar necessary in the recipe?
The sugar balances the acidity but can be reduced or omitted if desired.
Can I make this dressing without anchovy paste?
Yes, soy sauce is a good vegetarian substitute, or you can omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
How can I make this dressing lighter?
Use light mayonnaise or a yogurt-based mayonnaise for a healthier version.
Is it possible to use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is traditional in Caesar dressing, feel free to experiment with other cheeses.
Can I make this dressing in a blender or food processor?
Yes, blending can help emulsify and smooth out the dressing.
How long does this dressing last in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Can I add other ingredients to this dressing?
Yes, try adding garlic, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
tools needed
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the ingredients such as the Italian salad dressing, Parmesan cheese, sugar, mayonnaise, and anchovy paste or soy sauce.
Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients together.
Whisk: For thoroughly mixing the ingredients.
Covered Container: For storing the dressing in the refrigerator after preparation. A container with a tight lid will help keep the dressing fresh.
what goes with it?
Grilled Chicken Salad: Serve grilled chicken strips over a bed of romaine lettuce tossed in the creamy Caesar dressing for a hearty yet refreshing meal.
Shrimp Tacos: Use the creamy Caesar dressing as a drizzling sauce over shrimp (or fish) tacos. The rich creaminess complements the spiciness of the shrimp and adds a unique twist to the traditional toppings.
Vegetable Platter: Pair the dressing with a variety of raw, crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers for dipping.
Pasta Salad: Mix the creamy Caesar dressing into a pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. It provides a satisfying creaminess that binds the ingredients together.
Pizza Drizzle: Use the dressing as a finishing sauce for a white pizza topped with spinach and ricotta. The Caesar dressing adds a tangy and creamy contrast to the richness of the cheese.
Breadsticks or Garlic Bread: Serve alongside breadsticks or warm garlic bread for dipping.
Grilled Salmon: Drizzle the dressing over a grilled salmon fillet for a zesty, creamy finish.
Roasted Vegetables: Use the dressing as a finishing touch for roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
Egg Salad Sandwiches: Mix a bit of the dressing into egg salad for sandwiches. It adds a creamy texture and flavor depth.
Potato Wedges: Serve crispy potato wedges with the dressing as a dip. The tanginess of the dressing contrasts wonderfully with the crispy, salty wedges.
nutrition data
72 calories, 7 grams fat, 2 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in carbs.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
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reviews & comments
September 3, 2020
Made it, My family loves this recipe! Seems way too easy, but it works. My family (not me) hates anchovies, but didnât detect them. 🤫
December 5, 2018
From what I remember this is spot on.!!! Used anchovy paste. Canât see how soy sauce would work. Will surly make this again
April 6, 2018
Good...Give it a try. Very easy
January 19, 2018
I substituted fish sauce for the anchovy paste, my opinion delicious!
September 28, 2017
I can't remember the last time I ate at Red Lobster but I did like this dressing when I made it. It's different than you think of for a caesar so I can't speak to how close to Red Lobster's it is. I used a basic Italian dressing (almost a vinaigrette really), fresh Parm, regular mayo, real sugar, and anchovy paste. It was good!
I question the use of 1 teaspoon anchovy paste. Anything anchovy makes me sick. I love RL Caesar salad and dressing and it doesn't make me sick.
You are welcome to omit the anchovy paste
March 18, 2008
This is very easy to make. It is pretty tasty also. Not just like a Caesar but very nice for a change. I used Zesty Italian dressing as that is what I had on hand. It worked well. I didn't have anchovie paste either so I used soy sauce, but it did turn out well. Maybe with the anchovie paste it would be better. I will have to try it. and write another review. Unless someone els out there has tried both and can comment?