Olive oil instead of canola oil?

Hi Diane!

This is an amazing question. Olive oil is far more flavorful so it would make sense to use here right?

In theory and in most cases that would be true, but not here. A good caesar dressing is an emulsion of fresh eggs and oil, essentially a runnier mayonnaise. An emulsion is a mixture that is formed by dispersing tiny droplets of oil into a liquid (in this case egg yolk which is largely water). This is done by vigorously whisking or blending.

Olive oil contains polyphenols which are bitter-tasting chemical compounds that are activated by this intense mixing and will result in a caesar dressing that tastes really bitter. These are most present in high quality olive oils like extra virgin.

When I make caesar dressing, I'll often finish it with a bit of EVOO for richness and flavor but I definitely agree with Molly here in using a neutral oil like canola.

Another great dressing oil, and all around cooking oil, is grapeseed oil!

Hope this helps.

- Justin from the Hotline team