LongHorn Steakhouse Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe: Restaurant Quality at Home

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: Approximately 180 calories per 2-tablespoon serving

If you’ve ever dined at LongHorn Steakhouse, you know their Caesar salad is legendary. The creamy, tangy, perfectly balanced dressing with hints of garlic and Parmesan makes it a standout appetizer that keeps diners coming back. Now you can recreate this steakhouse favorite in your own kitchen with this copycat recipe that tastes just like the original.

What Makes LongHorn’s Caesar Dressing Special?

LongHorn’s version stands out with its rich, creamy texture and bold flavor profile. Unlike some Caesar dressings that can be too heavy or overly fishy from anchovies, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy, savory, and indulgent. The secret lies in the quality ingredients and the right proportions that create a dressing that clings beautifully to crisp romaine lettuce.

Equipment Needed

• Food processor or blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Airtight storage container or jar
• Garlic press (optional)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for best flavor)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 teaspoons anchovy paste (or 2-3 finely minced anchovy fillets)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water (to thin if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by grating fresh Parmesan cheese and juicing your lemons. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. Mince or press your garlic cloves until they’re very fine.

Combine Base Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. These form the creamy, tangy foundation of your dressing.

Add Flavor Components: Add the minced garlic, anchovy paste, black pepper, and salt to the mixture. The anchovy paste provides that classic umami depth without an overly fishy taste.

Blend Until Smooth: Pulse the ingredients together until they’re well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.

Stream in Olive Oil: With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This helps emulsify the dressing and creates a silky texture. If the dressing seems too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Taste and Adjust: Give your dressing a taste test. Adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice for tanginess, Parmesan for richness, or garlic for extra punch. The dressing should be bold and flavorful.

Chill Before Serving: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken slightly.

@yourhealthevolved

Ingredient Substitutions

Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo for a lighter version, though it won’t be quite as rich.

Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano works well, offering a sharper, saltier flavor.

Anchovy Paste: Use 1 teaspoon of fish sauce or additional Worcestershire sauce, though the authentic flavor will differ.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is significantly better.

Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard can substitute, but reduce to 1 tablespoon as it’s stronger.

Olive Oil: Any neutral vegetable oil works, though olive oil adds richness.

Garlic Cloves: Use ¾ teaspoon garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.

Nutritional Information (Per 2-Tablespoon Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Cholesterol: 12mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Grate it yourself for the best results.

Don’t Skip the Anchovy: Even if you think you don’t like anchovies, the paste adds essential depth without tasting fishy. It’s what makes Caesar dressing authentic.

Quality Mayonnaise Matters: Full-fat mayonnaise creates the signature creamy texture. Low-fat versions can make the dressing thin and less flavorful.

Let It Rest: The 30-minute chill time isn’t just for thickening—it allows the garlic and other flavors to develop fully.

Adjust Consistency: The dressing will thicken in the refrigerator. If it becomes too thick, whisk in water or lemon juice one teaspoon at a time.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Caesar Salad: Toss chopped romaine lettuce with the dressing, top with croutons, extra Parmesan shavings, and grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap: Use the dressing as a spread in wraps with grilled chicken, romaine, tomatoes, and bacon.

Caesar Pasta Salad: Mix with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and rotisserie chicken for a hearty side dish.

Veggie Dip: Serve as a dip for raw vegetables, especially romaine spears, celery, and bell peppers.

Sandwich Spread: Use it as a flavorful spread for turkey or chicken sandwiches.

Pizza Drizzle: Drizzle over a white pizza with chicken and spinach for a Caesar-inspired twist.

Storage and Shelf Life

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The garlic flavor will intensify over time.

Freezer: Not recommended, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate when frozen and thawed.

Make-Ahead: This dressing actually improves after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or party planning.

Signs of Spoilage: Discard if you notice any off smell, mold, or separation that doesn’t remix with stirring.

Variations to Try

Lighter Version: Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for fewer calories while maintaining creaminess.

Extra Garlicky: Add an additional 1-2 cloves of roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.

Spicy Caesar: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan mayonnaise and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Keto-Friendly: This recipe is already low-carb, making it perfect for keto diets as written.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes! Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Make sure your garlic is very finely minced and your Parmesan is finely grated for the smoothest texture.

How can I make this dressing without anchovies?
While anchovies are traditional, you can omit them and add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of salt to compensate for the umami flavor.

Why is my dressing too thin?
This usually happens if low-fat mayonnaise is used or if too much liquid was added. Refrigerate for a few hours to thicken, or whisk in an additional tablespoon of mayonnaise.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice provides significantly better flavor. If using bottled, you may need less as it can be more concentrated.

Is this dressing gluten-free?
Check your Worcestershire sauce label, as some brands contain gluten. Use a certified gluten-free version if needed. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I prevent the dressing from separating?
Emulsify properly by adding the oil slowly while blending. Using room temperature ingredients also helps prevent separation.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better into the dressing and provides superior flavor and texture.

What’s the white stuff at the bottom of my dressing?
That’s likely Parmesan cheese settling. Shake or stir the container before using.

How much dressing should I use per salad?
About 2-3 tablespoons per serving is ideal, but this depends on personal preference and the amount of lettuce.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles or triples easily. Just make sure your food processor or blender can accommodate the larger volume.

Why This Recipe Works

This copycat recipe succeeds because it captures the essential elements that make LongHorn’s Caesar dressing so popular. The combination of quality mayonnaise creates richness, fresh lemon juice adds brightness, Parmesan provides savory depth, and anchovy paste delivers that irreplaceable umami quality. The Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard add complexity, while fresh garlic gives it bite. Together, these ingredients create a well-rounded dressing that’s neither too heavy nor too sharp, making it appeal to a wide range of palates.

Conclusion

This LongHorn Steakhouse Caesar Salad Dressing recipe brings steakhouse quality to your home kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. With simple ingredients and just 10 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy restaurant-worthy Caesar salads whenever the craving strikes, all while saving money compared to dining out or buying premium bottled dressings.