Caesar salad dressing is a creamy, savory blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tangy lemon juice with a hint of umami from anchovies or Worcestershire sauce. This homemade version is fresher, richer, and more flavorful than store-bought dressings, making it the perfect topping for crisp romaine lettuce and croutons.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, fresh flavors that elevate any salad.
- Easy to make with pantry staples in just a few minutes.
- Customizable to suit your preferences (anchovies optional).
- Perfect for more than just Caesar salad—use it as a dip or spread!
- Fresher and healthier than most store-bought versions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Garlic (minced or grated)
- Anchovy fillets (optional, finely chopped) or anchovy paste
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- Olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Capers for additional tang
Directions
- Prepare the Garlic and Anchovies:
- In a small bowl, mash the minced garlic and anchovy fillets (if using) into a paste using the back of a spoon or a mortar and pestle.
- Mix the Base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic-anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Add the Mayo and Olive Oil:
- Stir in the mayonnaise and gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a creamy emulsion.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese:
- Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice for tanginess, Parmesan for richness, or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Serve:
- Toss the dressing with crisp romaine lettuce and croutons for a classic Caesar salad, or use it as a dip for veggies or a spread for sandwiches.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 1 cup (enough for 4-6 salads).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes.
- Total Time: 10 minutes.
Variations
- Dairy-Free Caesar Dressing: Skip the Parmesan and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for fewer calories and more protein.
- Vegan Caesar Dressing: Replace anchovies with capers or miso paste, and use a vegan mayonnaise.
- No-Raw-Egg Version: This recipe avoids raw eggs by using mayonnaise as a base. If you prefer a traditional version, replace mayo with a pasteurized raw egg yolk.
- Spicy Caesar Dressing: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Caesar dressing is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. Stir well before using if it has been refrigerated.
FAQs
Can I skip the anchovies?
Yes, but anchovies add a signature umami flavor to Caesar dressing. If you skip them, Worcestershire sauce can still provide depth.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) are great substitutes.
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors meld.
How can I make the dressing thicker?
Use more mayonnaise or reduce the amount of lemon juice and olive oil.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
How do I prevent the dressing from separating?
Whisking continuously while adding olive oil ensures a smooth emulsion.
Can I freeze Caesar dressing?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may separate when thawed.
Can I use this dressing for other dishes?
Yes! It works well as a dip for vegetables, a spread for wraps, or a sauce for grilled chicken or shrimp.
What pairs well with Caesar salad?
Serve it with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or alongside pasta or soup for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Homemade Caesar salad dressing is a rich, creamy, and flavorful addition to any meal. With simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep, this dressing is far superior to store-bought versions. Try it today and elevate your salads with a restaurant-quality touch!
PrintCaesar Salad Dressing
A rich and creamy dressing featuring garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese, delivering the classic Caesar flavor.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1½ cups 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or 2 anchovy fillets, minced)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended.
- Add Mayonnaise and Cheese: Add the mayonnaise and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to the mixture, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Season: Stir in the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Anchovy Paste: If you prefer not to use anchovy paste, you can substitute with 2 minced anchovy fillets or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
- Mayonnaise Substitute: For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.