Rich, Creamy Caesar Dressing with Basil Pesto
This Pesto Caesar Dressing is a bold, herbaceous, summery twist on a classic—ultra-creamy, garlicky, tangy, and packed with umami from anchovies and Parmesan. The secret ingredient? A spoonful of basil pesto, which brings brightness and depth, making this Caesar dressing anything but ordinary. Use it to elevate salads, grilled poultry, seafood, and veggies, as well as grain bowls and wraps.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 140kcal
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp basil pesto, homemade or your favorite store-bought variety
- 2 anchovies
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, from ½ medium lemon
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1 small clove of garlic, finely chopped
- 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Water, as needed
Instructions
- Make the Caesar dressing. Combine ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp basil pesto, 2 anchovies, 2 Tbsp parsley, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan, 1 clove of garlic, and 1½ tsp Dijon mustard in the bowl of a food processor fitted with blade attachment. To make the dressing more pourable, I like to add 1-2 Tbsp water, but this is optional. Process until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Enjoy with salads, grain bowls, drizzled over grilled poultry, seafood, meat, or veggies!
Notes
- Prep now, enjoy later: The flavor will intensify as it sits. Make it up to 5 days ahead and store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.
- Texture check: It will thicken as it chills; loosen with water or lemon juice and re-whisk before serving.
- I do not recommended freezing—the emulsion can break. Stick to fridge storage for the creamiest results.
Nutrition
Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 478mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 361IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @wellseasonedstudio and hashtag it #wellseasonedstudio!
