Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

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by Stephanie Manley, Last Updated 2 Comments

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Turn up the heat on your salad with Houston’s Spicy Caesar Dressing! Taking the classic Caesar to a fiery new level, this healthy salad dressing fuses the traditional creamy goodness with a bold kick of chili paste and a blend of spicy seasonings. Every drizzle promises to elevate your greens, croutons, and parmesan into a dance of flavors that’s both zesty and comforting.

Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (1)

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What Makes Houston’s Spicy Caesar Dressing So Good?

Do you like classic Caesar Salad but wish it had just a bit more oomph? Then this dressing is for you! Houston’s Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing is certainly not afraid of making its presence known.

Think of it as a classic Caesar salad consisting of fresh eggs, extra virgin olive oils, anchovies, Dijon mustard, and plenty of fresh citrus juice mixed with just enough chili paste to get your attention. If you love spicy dressing and sauces, you will want to try this recipe.

Why You Should Try This Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing

If you are a fan of Houston’s chain of restaurants, you already know the company rebranded some of its most popular locations as Hillstones back in 2010. Unfortunately, just like name changes, menus constantly evolve, and both chains replaced the spicy version of their Caesar Salad with an eggless, traditional-tasting one.

But you can still make a Spicy Caesar Salad at home with this Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing recipe, and you definitely don’t need to be a master chef to do it.

Spicy Caesar Dressing Ingredients

For Houston’s Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing, you’ll need:

  • Egg yolk
  • Garlic
  • Dijon mustard
  • Ground black pepper
  • Salt
  • Ground coriander
  • Ground cumin
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Water, ice-cold
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Canola oil
  • Sambal
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Parmesan cheese grated and slivers for garnish

To make the Spicy Caesar Salad, you’ll need:

  • Romaine lettuce
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Croutons
Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (2)

Ingredient Notes

Eating raw eggs can cause some people to get ill. If you are concerned about using them in this recipe, consider substituting fresh egg yolks forpasteurized dried egg yolk powder.

Sambal is a type of hot sauce paste popular in Indonesia and Malaysia. There are several types of sambal, but the best one for this dressing is called Sambal Oelek.Huy Fong Sambal Oelek Chili Pasteis available in some grocery stores and online in the US. If you can’t find sambal oelek near you, useThai Chili pasteor Sriracha instead.

How to Make Spicy Caesar Dressing

To prepare the dressing:

  1. Pulse together the egg yolk, garlic, mustard, anchovies, black ground pepper, salt, coriander, cumin, Worcestershire, and ice-cold water in a food processor. Those without a food processor can finally mince the garlic and whisk together the rest of the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  2. Stir together the extra virgin olive oil and the canola oil. Slowly pour the combined oils into the food processor while it is on. If making the dressing without a food processor, have someone pour the oil into the bowl while you rapidly whisk
  3. After pouring in the last of the oil, add the chili paste, citrus juices, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse to combine.
  4. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and stick in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Shake well before using.
Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (3)

How to Serve the Dressing

One of the best ways to use this dressing is to make a Spicy Caesar Salad:

  1. Remove any wilted leaves from a tight head of romaine lettuce.
  2. Rinse and dry well.
  3. Cut the romaine leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add a few tablespoons of Spicy Caesar Dressing. Use tongs to toss and coat the lettuce well. You can use more dressing as needed.
  5. Add croutons to the bowl and gently toss.
  6. Plate the salad on a large plate and garnish with thick-cut Parmesan cheese slices.
Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (4)

What to Serve With a Spicy Caesar Salad

This is not the typical luncheon salad that you can serve with dainty side dishes. You need something a lot hardier to stand up to the extra heat. A grilled steak or chicken would pair nicely with a Spicy Caesar Salad for dinner. And for a hearty lunch, add a side ofsoft breadsticksto really fill you up.

Other Ways to Use Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing

This stuff is too good just for salads. Try using the dressing by:

  • Swapping the dressing for ordinary mayo in potato and pasta salads.
  • Using as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers or nuggets.
  • Spreading it a burger or a hot roast beef sandwich.
Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (5)

How to Store Caesar Salad Dressing With Chili Paste

Transfer the salad dressing to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge until needed. Shake the dressing well before using.

How Long Does It Last

To ensure Houston’s Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing is as fresh as possible, consume it within 48 hours. However, the dressing should still be good for a day or two longer than that, but the longer you keep it, the more intense the flavor will become.

Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (6)

More Houston’s Copycat Recipes

  • Canadian Cheese Soup
  • Buttermilk Garlic Dressing
  • Houston’s Honey Mustard

Favorite Salad Dressing Recipes

  • Apple Salad Dressing
  • Chick Fil A Avocado Lime Dressing
  • Dill Ranch Dressing
  • Hibachi Salad Dressing
  • Olive Garden Salad Dressing
  • Santa Fe Salad Dressing
  • Southwest Salad Dressing
  • Tomatillo Dressing
  • Warm Bacon Dressing
  • Wingstop Ranch Dressing

Check out more of my easy salad dressing recipes and the best copycat restaurant recipes on CopyKat!

Houston’s Spicy Caesar Dressing

You don’t need to leave home to recreate Houston’s Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing

4.86 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate Add to Collection

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Houston’s Recipes, Salad Dressing

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 214kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 anchovy filets
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cold water
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek or Thai chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salad

  • romaine lettuce finely chopped
  • thick grated parmesan
  • mini croutons or regular croutons crushed slightly into smaller pieces

Instructions

  • Combine the egg yolk, garlic, mustard, anchovies, salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, Worcestershire, and water in food processor. Process until smooth.

  • With the motor running, add the olive oil and canola oil in a slow, steady stream.

  • When all the oil has been incorporated, add the chili paste, lemon juice, lime juice, and Parmesan cheese. Process until smooth.

  • To build the salad, toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese and croutons on top and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is from the 1990’s, this salad dressing is not currently on Houston’s menu.

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.3mg

About Stephanie Manley

I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fi

    Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (8)
    I like it a bit thicker, so I add one whole egg, in addition to the yolk. I don’t keep anchovies on hand, but I do have fish sauce! So I sub in one tsp fish sauce for the anchovies. I mix with my stick mixer.

    Reply

  2. Liz Nelson

    Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (9)
    This was really good! My husband loves Caesar salad so when he tried this dressing he was in heaven he loves spicy stuff as well. I added a little extra chili past to make it a little spicier for him.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Houston's Spicy Caesar Dressing - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in craft Caesar dressing? ›

Soybean Oil, Water, Vinegar, Romano and Parmesan Made from Cow's Milk Cheeses (Part-skim Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes), Sugar, Egg Yolks, Salt, Contains Less Than 2% of Dried Garlic, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Spice (Contains Celery), Corn Syrup, Xanthan Gum, Dried Onions, Whey, Cream, Modified Food Starch, ...

What is the original Caesar dressing made of? ›

Caesar dressing: The key component that gives the salad its distinctive taste. Traditional Caesar dressing is made from olive oil, egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and black pepper.

What are the ingredients in Sysco Caesar dressing? ›

Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Parmesan Cheese [Pasteurized Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes], High Fructose Corn Syrup, Salt, Contains less than 1% of Mustard Seed, Spices, Anchovy Paste [Anchovies, Salt, Defatted Soy Flour, Water], Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate and Calcium Disodium EDTA ( ...

What are the ingredients in Hidden Valley Caesar dressing? ›

INGREDIENTS: Water, Soybean Oil, Maltodextrin, Egg Yolk, Nonfat Dry Milk, Sugar, Dried Onion, Salt, Dried Garlic, Less Than 1% of: Romano Cheese from Cow's Milk (Cultured, Part-Skim Milk, Salt Enzymes), Parmesan Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt Enzymes), Spices, Garlic, Tomato Paste, White Wine Solids, Lemon Juice ...

What are the two types of Caesar dressing? ›

Caesar salad dressing comes in a few basic forms. First, some are creamy, like ranch dressing, while others are more like vinaigrette, with a visible separation of oil and water-based ingredients.

Does all cesar dressing have anchovies? ›

Does Caesar Salad Dressing Have Anchovies In It? While anchovy fish or anchovy paste is an ingredient in some Caesar salad dressing recipes, the original recipe did not use this particularly pungent ingredient. You can make this creamy dressing without any fish at all, or use a different type altogether if you prefer.

What is Roman Caesar dressing? ›

Developed by chefs for chefs, Ken's Roman Caesar Dressing is a strong yet balanced Caesar offering that isn't shy when it comes to flavor. Made with a hearty blend of anchovy, garlic, cheese and pepper alongside a hint of vinegar, this full-bodied and tangy dressing is truly a Caesar lover's Caesar.

What is the difference between creamy and classic Caesar dressing? ›

The classic version is oil based, vinaigrette style. I love a good vinaigrette, but I prefer my Caesar dressing to be creamy, so I use mayonnaise instead. Because the mayonnaise is already smooth and emulsified, it makes a wonderful base for creamy dressings.

Why does Caesar dressing taste so good? ›

Pungent but not too strong, Caesar dressing comes together easily with a lineup of common ingredients—eggs and oil (or an even easier option, mayonnaise); garlic; lemon or white wine vinegar; a splash of Worcestershire; a dollop of Dijon; and ideally, a few anchovies.

What is in Wendys Caesar dressing? ›

Caesar Dressing: Canola oil, Water, Frozen yolk (egg), Parmesan cheese (milk), Concentrated lemon juice, Seasoning (contains mustard), Dehydrated garlic, Salt, Cultured skim milk powder (skim milk, bacterial culture), Spice, Cured anchovies (fish), Sugars (Blackstrap molasses, glucose-fructose), Skim milk powder, ...

Who makes Wendy's Caesar dressing? ›

Wendy's salads are full of fresh ingredients and dressed with delicious dressings from Marzetti® Simply Dressed line of salad dressings.

What is the emulsifier in Caesar dressing? ›

Egg yolks: Raw egg yolks add richness, flavor, and help to bind the dressing together. Pasteurized egg yolks — which have been briefly heated to kill off any harmful bacteria — are readily available and can be used here. Dijon mustard: Smooth Dijon mustard works with the egg yolks to emulsify the dressing.

What are the ingredients in Paul Newman Caesar salad dressing? ›

Canola Oil, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Romano Cheese (Pasteurized Cow's Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Apple Cider Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sugar, Anchovy Paste (Anchovies, Salt, Water), Less than 2% of: Sea Salt, Garlic, Mustard Flour, Black Pepper, Oregano (Dried), Cayenne Pepper Sauce (Distilled ...

What is the difference between ranch and Caesar dressing? ›

Here are some of the key differences between the two: Ingredients: Ranch dressing typically contains buttermilk, mayonnaise, and a blend of herbs and spices such as dill, parsley, and garlic. Caesar dressing, on the other hand, is made with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and anchovies.

Why does cesar dressing have anchovies? ›

And yes, the rumors are true, caesar dressing has anchovies! This is actually an essential ingredient, and gives the dressing a super-charge of mouthwatering umami flavor. Pro tip, you can use anchovies to amp up the flavor in other dishes too, like tomato sauce!

Is Kraft Caesar dressing vegan? ›

This product contains 10 ingredients that are not vegan and 7 ingredients that may not be vegan. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?

Is Kraft Classic Caesar dressing gluten free? ›

Kraft Classic Caesar dressing is gluten-free. While it is not certified gluten-free, the manufacturer does make a gluten-free claim on the packaging and there are no other indicators that this product contains gluten. See our 7 point gluten-free analysis below for more details.

What could I be allergic to in Caesar dressing? ›

Worcestershire sauce, Caesar salad dressing, gelatin, and many Asian dishes — which often are seasoned with fish-based oils and spices — may contain fish byproducts. People with fish allergies should be particularly careful in the case of gelatin.

What ingredient is in Caesar salad dressing that could be a problem for people with a fish allergy? ›

Anchovies in Caesar salads, and as an ingredient in Worcestershire sauce. Contaminated barbeques where seafood has been cooked.

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