Creamy, savory and easy to make, this homemade Caesar salad dressing is the best way to top a classic Caesar salad! Made with only a handful of ingredients, it’s better than any store-bought variety.
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No Need for Store-Bought!
Making homemade dressings like this one, ranch dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, blue cheese dressing, and homemade Italian dressing are all so easy and impressive.
The flavors are so much better than anything store-bought, and having them on hand is an easy way to take all your salads up a notch.
With just a few fresh ingredients, no preservatives, and about 5 minutes of your time, you can have a delicious classic Caesar salad dressing ready to put on your Caesar salad or chicken Caesar salad recipe and so much more!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple ingredients. This Caesar salad dressing recipe is as authentic as you’re going to get without the use of raw eggs. Instead, I make mine with mayonnaise!
- Authentic flavors. Garlic, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, and Parmigiano-Reggiano for the sharpness and umami flavors, and Dijon mustard and lemon juice for a tangy zesty finish.
- Easy to make. If you can whisk ingredients in a bowl, you can make this dressing.
- Goes with everything. Sure it’s amazing on a fresh, crispy Caesar salad with crunchy croutons, but it also works with all kinds of different salad recipes and as a dip!
Caesar Dressing Recipe Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Minced garlic: This can be as prominent or as subtle as you like. Some people love a Caesar salad dressing where the garlicky flavors stand out. Others prefer less, so it’s up to you. Start with the amount stated and work your way up to more if you want it.
- Anchovy paste: This salty, umami ingredient gives great flavor without being “fishy.” It’s quite strong, so a little goes a long way.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice cuts through the rich creaminess and adds an acidic note to brighten up the homemade Caesar salad dressing.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: Freshly grated, authentic Parmesan cheese makes a big difference in flavor. This specific type of cheese comes from Italy and is the only type of Parmesan that comes from this region. Try and find it if you can!
- Mayonnaise: Instead of using olive oil and raw egg yolks, mayonnaise is the perfect replacement.
Variations
- To make this lower in calories, feel free to substitute low-fat mayo or half the amount of mayo for Greek yogurt.
- Use any Parmesan cheese you can find, but I still recommend grating it yourself from a block of cheese.
- If you’re not a fan of anchovies, or you’re concerned about a fish allergy, skip them altogether or replace them with capers. Keep in mind that Worchestershire sauce is also made with anchovies, so if it’s an allergy, make sure to use anchovy-free Worcestershire sauce!
How to Make Homemade Caesar Dressing
This best Caesar salad dressing can be made as pungent and garlicky as you’d like. Do a little taste test as you go, and adjust as needed.
- Combine the pungent ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
- Make it creamy. Then, whisk in the mayo, Parmigiano, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined. Do a little taste test and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Assemble a salad or refrigerate it for later. Transfer it to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and chill until you’re ready to use it, or go ahead and assemble your bowl of romaine lettuce to make a homemade Caesar salad.
- Use it! Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss to combine. Top your salad with homemade croutons and shavings of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
You can also use it as a dip on your mezze platter or fruit and veggie platter too!
Expert Tip
Always use the freshest ingredients. From freshly squeezed lemon juice to grating the cheese yourself, use good quality mayo, and make sure your garlic is fresh too. The only time I’ll give myself a pass is I’d rather use anchovy paste than whole anchovy fillets.
Recipe FAQs
It can usually be found near canned anchovies, salmon, and tuna.
One anchovy fillet equals 1/2 a teaspoon of paste. It typically comes in oil, so you may want to pat it a bit first. Then, chop it up and use it the same way you would the paste.
This recipe makes enough dressing for about 4 salads, which is about 3/4 cup. If you need more, double or triple the recipe.
You can for sure. It will be creamy and smooth, however, if you like a few chunks of garlic or cheese in yours, you may want to just whisk your homemade dressing by hand.
Storing Caesar Salad Dressing
Your homemade Caesar salad dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Do not freeze leftover dressing as it will separate when thawed.
Looking for ways to use up this homemade salad dressing? Pour it on a wedge salad, Cobb salad, and Italian salad.
More Homemade Dressings
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Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1-2 garlic cloves , minced
- ½ teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until anchovy paste is combined.
- Whisk in the the mayonnaise, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined. Season to taste, if needed. Chill until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
This homemade caesar salad dressing is spot on. It is so delicious and super easy to make. Love it!!
This is the best caesar salad dressing. I love that it’s so easy to make!
Caesar salad is one of my favorite salads, my comfort food! I’m glad I found this easy caesar salad dressing. It is so rich and yummy. I’m impressed, no more store-bought dressing!