This Dijon Caper Dressing is a good choice for a bold salad, especially served next to something rich and savory.
Dijon Caper Dressing
Course: SaladsDifficulty: Easy5
salad servingsIngredients
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).
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
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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Another winner!
Thanks!
Una salsa da rifare, adoro i capperi!!!
Thank youy!
That looks fabulous with all the flavours and textures!
Thanks, Angie!
This sounds so good!
Thank you, Heather!
Sounds really good, plus I have everything needed on hand. Win!
That is a nice win!
Looks yum!
Thanks!
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
Thanks, Velva!
I love a dressing with capers! This sounds great–acidic and lemony is the best.
Thank you, Lisa!
Very nice and tasty – loving the pronounced flavours of capers and mustard. I make something similar for salads with tuna.
Oh, tuna would be great with this dressing!
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.
Thank you, David!
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!
Thanks, Theresa!
This is a wonderful dressing — it will be nice to use our homegrown and brined capers for this.
Wow, you made your own capers!
I’m a huge fan of Dijon mustard and go through a large jar very quickly. This sounds like a terrific dressing.
Thanks, Karen!
Sounds (and looks!) like a delicious dressing Jeff! There’s nothing like a flavorful homemade dressing. 😋
Thank you, Shannon!
Definitely want to give this dressing a try! I love capers and Dijon mustard. Sounds amazing.
Thanks, Judee!
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! 🙂
Haha!