Copycat Houston’s Spicy Caesar Dressing

My first taste of Houston’s Spicy Caesar Salad changed my perception of what a Caesar salad could be. That perfect balance of creamy richness with an unexpected heat lingered in my memory long after the restaurant rebranded to Hillstone and changed its menu. I tried recreating that distinctive flavor at home for years, experimenting with different chili pastes and spice combinations. After countless attempts (and some memorable failures!), I finally cracked the code to this legendary dressing that disappeared from restaurant menus but can now live forever in your kitchen.

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Why This Spicy Caesar Dressing Is Worth Making

While traditional Caesar dressing is a classic for good reason, Houston’s spicy version elevates the experience to new heights:

It’s no longer available at Houston’s/Hillstone restaurants, making this homemade version the only way to experience this unique dressing

• The heat builds gradually, enhancing rather than overwhelming the classic Caesar flavors
• It transforms an ordinary salad into a memorable, crave-worthy dish
• The complex flavor profile works with more than just salads (think dips, sandwiches, and more)
• You can adjust the spice level to perfectly match your heat preference

Spicy Caesar Dressing Ingredients

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

For the Dressing:

• Egg yolk – Creates the rich, creamy emulsion that forms the dressing’s base
• Garlic clove – Provides essential pungent flavor that defines Caesar dressing
• Dijon mustard – Acts as an emulsifier while adding tangy depth
• Anchovy fillets – Deliver umami depth and authentic Caesar flavor
• Ground black pepper – Contributes subtle heat and complexity
• Salt – Enhances and balances all other flavors
• Ground coriander – Adds citrusy, slightly sweet notes that complement the heat
• Ground cumin – Provides earthy warmth that deepens the flavor profile
• Worcestershire sauce – Contributes complex umami and subtle tanginess
• Ice-cold water – Helps create a stable emulsion and lightens the texture
• Extra virgin olive oil – Provides fruity richness and carries flavors
• Canola oil – Creates a balanced oil blend with a neutral background
• Sambal oelek (chili paste) – Delivers the signature spicy kick with complex chili flavor
• Fresh lemon juice – Adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness
• Fresh lime juice – Contributes additional citrus complexity with subtle differences from lemon
• Parmesan cheese – Adds savory umami notes and slightly thickens the dressing

For a Complete Spicy Caesar Salad:

• Romaine lettuce – Provides the crisp, sturdy base that stands up to the bold dressing
• Parmesan cheese – Offers savory counterpoints to the spicy elements
• Croutons – Add essential textural contrast and absorb the flavorful dressing

How to Make Spicy Caesar Dressing

To prepare the dressing:

1. Pulse 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. 

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. 

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 for pasteurized 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 Paste is available in some grocery stores and online in the US. If you can’t find sambal oelek near you, use Thai Chili paste or Sriracha instead. 

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 of soft breadsticks to 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. 

Storage & Freshness Tips

• Temperature: For optimal flavor, remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Duration: For best quality and safety, consume within 2-3 days
• Separation: Natural separation will occur; shake vigorously before using
• Thickening: If the dressing becomes too thick during storage, whisk in a few drops of cold water

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!

The History Behind Houston’s Restaurants

Houston’s restaurant chain, now essentially rebranded as Hillstone, built its reputation on consistently high-quality American classics with creative twists. Founded in 1977, the chain became known for its attentive service and menu items, which were a step above typical casual dining fare. While the Spicy Caesar Salad has been removed from their current menu, this copycat recipe preserves one of their most beloved signature items.