Carrabba’s Caesar Dressing Recipe

Carrabba’s, the popular Italian-American restaurant, offers an array of flavorful dishes that leave diners like you and me craving for more.

One versatile sauce that steals the show is their Caesar dressing.

Its creamy and savory flavor complements many dishes, not just salads, making it a staple in many kitchens.

Luckily, recreating this delicious dressing at home is possible with just a few simple ingredients.

How to Make Carrabba’s Caesar Dressing

Ingredients List

• 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 10 anchovy fillets
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1-2 teaspoons small capers (optional and to taste)
• 2 eggs, separated from the whites
• 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
• Black pepper, to taste

Step-by-step process

Step 1:

Start by preparing the base for the dressing.

Combine the minced garlic cloves in a mixing bowl with the anchovy fillets.

Mash them together until they form a smooth paste.

Step 2:

Add the dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to the garlic ranchy paste.

Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.

Gradually pour in the extra-virgin olive oil as you continue stirring the mixture.

This will help to emulsify the dressing and create a creamy texture.

Step 3:

Next, incorporate the capers and grated Parmesan cheese into the dressing.

Mix it well to ensure an even distribution of the ingredients.

Step 4:

To add richness, separate the egg yolks from the whites.

Add the yolks to the dressing mixture, then whisk vigorously until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Step 5:

Pour in the red wine vinegar, Tabasco sauce, and a pinch of black pepper.

Mix the dressing thoroughly to blend all the ingredients.

Taste the dressing to check the seasoning levels.

Feel free to adjust any flavoring as needed according to your preference.

Once you have finished preparing your Carrabba’s Caesar dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use it.

Side Dishes for Carrabba’s Caesar Dressing

When it comes to pairing your Carrabba’s Caesar dressing, there are numerous side dish options you can explore.

Here are a few noteworthy side dishes that complement the rich and tangy flavors of the dressing:

Green Salad

A mixed green salad is an excellent choice to accompany the Carrabba’s Caesar dressing.

Fresh, crisp ingredients such as romaine lettuce, baby spinach, arugula, and kale create a refreshing, light side dish.

Simply toss the greens in the Caesar dressing to enjoy a flavorful, healthy addition to your meal.

Grape Tomatoes

Grape tomatoes offer a pop of color and bursts of juicy sweetness in your salad.

They pair well with the strong, savory flavors of the Caesar dressing.

You can choose to simply halve them and toss them with the dressing or skewer them and drizzle the dressing on top for a fun, party-friendly presentation.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Carrabba’s Caesar dressing at home, you may find yourself needing to substitute some ingredients.

Here are some alternatives to consider for various components of the recipe.

Garlic Powder

If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you can use garlic powder as a substitute.

For every medium clove of garlic called for in the recipe, you can replace it with 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.

It is important to note that using garlic powder will not provide the same texture as fresh garlic, but it will still result in a flavorful dressing.

How to Store Carrabba’s Caesar Dressing

Storing your Carrabba’s Caesar Dressing properly is essential to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Here are some tips on how to store your homemade dressing.

Refrigerate

Keep your Carrabba’s Caesar Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This will ensure that it maintains its freshness and flavor.

Make sure your container is tightly sealed to avoid any leaks or contamination from other items in the fridge.

The cooler temperature allows your dressing to last for up to a week.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Store your Caesar Dressing away from direct sunlight, as heat and light can spoil the ingredients and cause it to degrade in quality.

Choose a spot in your refrigerator that isn’t exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.

This will help retain the dressing’s flavor and extend its shelf life.

By refrigerating it and avoiding direct sunlight, you’ll keep your dressing fresh and ready to use whenever you desire.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inaccurate Garlic Measurements

When it comes to garlic, the right amount is crucial.

Remember to use medium garlic cloves, as using too large or too small cloves can negatively affect the flavor balance of the dressing.

Make sure to mince and mash the garlic instead of cutting it into quarters; this will create a smoother consistency and better overall taste.

Dressing Consistency

Mayonnaise is the base ingredient of Carrabba’s Caesar dressing, which helps create its creamy texture.

Be cautious not to dilute the dressing with an excess of other liquids, such as lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce, which could result in a runny dressing.

Stick to the recommended amounts to avoid any inconsistency.

Inadequate Mixing

To avoid inconsistencies in flavor and texture, mix all of the Salad Dressing ingredients thoroughly.

A well-emulsified dressing will coat the salad greens evenly, ensuring that every bite is bursting with the perfect combination of flavors.

Don’t forget to taste-test your finished product, making any necessary adjustments within the parameters of the recipe, and mix well again if any changes are made.