Dijon Caper Dressing

This Dijon Caper Dressing is a good choice for a bold salad, especially served next to something rich and savory.

Dijon Caper Dressing

Recipe by Make It Like a Man!Course: SaladsDifficulty: Easy
Makes enough to dress

5

salad servings

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic

  • 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

  • 2 Tbs capers, drained (see notes)

  • 2 Tbs finely chopped parsley

  • 2 Tbs finely chopped shallots (optional)

  • 3 Tbs olive oil

  • 3 Tbs mayo

  • 2 tsp Dijon

  • 1 tsp white vinegar

  • Juice from 1/2 lemon

  • 3 pinches of salt

  • 1/2 tsp superfine sugar (optional)

Directions

  • Coarsely mince the garlic. Add pepper, and use the tines of a fork to mash the mixture. Add the capers and finely chop. Transfer to a tightly-sealable container. Add remaining ingredients and shake.

Notes

  • Substitutions: replace some (or even most) of the capers with Parmesan (3 Tbs).
"Dijon Caper Dressing," from Make It Like a Man!

This is a boldly acidic dressing. I paired it with radishes, mushrooms, carrots, and sliced grilled chicken over Boston lettuce and it was pretty good. Then my husband served that salad next to a chicken pot pie, and I loved the combination. I think the dressing would actually make a nice sauce for chicken, maybe with a touch of cream.

Social Learning

Regarding the half of the lemon that you did not use, consider removing the segments – discarding the skin, pith, and membranes – and adding them to the dressing. It will wake you the hell up, for sure.

"Dijon Caper Dressing," from Make It Like a Man!
Dijon Caper Dressing

Credit for images on this page: Make It Like a Man! unless otherwise credited. References: “Boston Lettuce and Radishes with a Dijon Caper Dressing,” from Young and Hungry, by Dave Lieberman, pg. 22. New York: Hyperion, 2005. Also Food52, NY Times. This content was not solicited by anyone, nor was it written in exchange for anything. Thank you, Kesor. Make It Like a Man! is ranked by Feedspot as #14 in the Top 30 Men’s Cooking Blogs. 

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32 thoughts on “Dijon Caper Dressing

  1. Jeff, this is incredibly unique. I have never seen a salad focused on salty briny capers.I love it! You are right, the pairing with something bold is the right move. This is a keeper. I appreciate the inspiration.

    Velva

  2. I like recipes that wake me the hell up! This one sounds fantastic, Jeff…I’ve always been a fan of capers, but I don’t use them nearly enough. It’s amazing how easy it is to whip up homemade salad dressings.

  3. I used to not like capers, but after my friend introduced me to chicken piccata, I’ve a newfound love of them. I like that the dressing could also double as a sauce. Multi-use recipes are my favorite!

  4. Sounds (and looks!) like a delicious dressing Jeff! There’s nothing like a flavorful homemade dressing. 😋

  5. What a lovely dressing and yes, I think it would be wonderful on Chicken or even Pork tenderloin. Some guests may need to wake the hell up! 🙂

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