Caesar Salad Dip
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A Note from Feedfeed
This caesar salad dip takes everything you love about a classic Caesar salad—the tangy, umami-rich dressing, crunchy greens, salty Parmesan, and garlicky toasted breadcrumbs—and turns it into the ultimate shareable appetizer. It’s like your favorite Caesar, but with an extra-crunchy topping and no fork required.
Recipe Description
This Caesar Salad Dip layers finely chopped romaine and kale in a creamy, homemade Caesar dressing, then tops it with buttery, toasted panko and a generous shower of grated Parmesan. It’s rich, briny, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying. Best of all? It’s fast—ready in just 15 minutes.
- Ingredient Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
Ingredient Notes
Garlic: You’ll use fresh minced garlic in both the dressing and the breadcrumb topping. Mashing the garlic with salt on the cutting board mellows the flavor and creates a paste that integrates smoothly into the dressing.
Anchovy paste: Don’t skip it! It gives Caesar that iconic savory punch without tasting “fishy.” If you’re using whole anchovies instead, one small filet equals about ½ tsp paste.
Egg yolk: Helps emulsify the dressing for a silky, creamy texture. Use a pasteurized egg if preferred.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the salty richness of the other ingredients. Fresh is best.
Seasoned panko breadcrumbs: Toasted in olive oil, these bring an irresistible crunch. Unseasoned panko works too—just add a pinch of salt and Italian seasoning.
Romaine and kale: The mix of crisp romaine and hearty kale gives the dip structure and a more complex flavor. Chop as finely as possible so it’s scoopable.
Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parm if you can—it melts into the dressing and adds nutty depth. Pre-grated will work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as bold.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Absolutely! If you're in a pinch, sub in about 1/3 cup of your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing. But if you have 5 extra minutes, the homemade version really makes it sing.
Is this safe to eat with raw egg yolk?
This recipe uses a raw egg yolk in the dressing, which is traditional for Caesar. If you're concerned, look for pasteurized eggs at the grocery store—or sub in 1 tablespoon of mayo for a similar creamy effect.
What’s the best way to serve Caesar salad dip?
Serve it with sturdy crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or even endive leaves for a lighter option. It’s also amazing spread on toast.
Can I make it ahead?
You can make the dressing and toast the breadcrumbs up to a day ahead. For best texture, chop and dress the greens just before serving so they stay crisp.
Can I add protein to make it heartier?
Yes! Chopped rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon bits, or even finely diced grilled shrimp would all be great stirred in before serving.
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
- 1 large head romaine lettuce
- 4 large kale lettuce leaves
Method
Step 1
Make the Caesar dressing. On a cutting board, place the minced garlic and a sprinkle of salt. Use your knife to grind the garlic into a paste.
Step 2
Add half the minced garlic into a bowl, plus the anchovy paste, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and lemon juice. Mix well.
Step 3
Going slowly, drizzle in about 1/4 cup of olive oil, while whisking. This should create a thick dressing. Add in about 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan and mix that in. Set aside.
Step 4
Heat a splash of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add in the panko bread crumbs and toast until they’re golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Step 5
Wash the lettuce and chop it up into very small pieces (as small as you can get it). Add the lettuce into a large bowl, then dress it with the Caesar dressing. Mix to evenly combine.
Step 6
Add in the toasted breadcrumbs plus about 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan. Serve with crackers or chips and enjoy!