Homemade Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing is rich, tangy, and packed with classic flavors. Made with simple ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and anchovies, this dressing is far better than anything store-bought. Perfect for drizzling over crisp romaine lettuce, tossing with croutons, or using as a dip, this dressing is a must-have for salad lovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy: Velvety smooth texture that clings perfectly to lettuce.
- Authentic Flavor: Made with real ingredients for that classic Caesar taste.
- Quick & Easy: Comes together in just minutes with no fancy equipment.
- Versatile: Great for salads, wraps, and even as a dip for veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mayonnaise
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic, minced
- Anchovy fillets or anchovy paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Directions

- Blend the ingredients: In a mixing bowl or blender, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, anchovies, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add olive oil: Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper as needed.
- Chill before serving: Let the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Enjoy: Toss with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and extra Parmesan for the perfect Caesar salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 1 cup (enough for 4-6 salads)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Lighter Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Extra Tangy: Add more lemon juice or a splash of white vinegar.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
- Egg-Free: Use a plant-based mayo for an egg-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: No need to reheat; simply stir before using.
FAQs
Can I make this dressing without anchovies?
Yes! You can omit them or use extra Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.
What’s the best way to blend this dressing?
A whisk works fine, but a blender or food processor creates an ultra-smooth consistency.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for a bright, fresh taste.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes! Just check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Can I make this dressing dairy-free?
Yes, swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
How do I thin out the dressing if it’s too thick?
Add a little water or extra lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use this dressing for anything besides salad?
Absolutely! It’s great for wraps, sandwiches, and as a dip for veggies.
Does this dressing taste like store-bought versions?
Homemade Caesar dressing has a richer, fresher taste with real ingredients.
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors meld.
Why does my dressing taste too strong?
Let it chill for a while—flavors mellow over time. If still strong, add a little extra mayo or oil.
Conclusion
This Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing is a game-changer—bold, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Once you try homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought! Drizzle it over fresh greens, use it as a dip, or get creative with other dishes. Try it today and elevate your salads with restaurant-quality dressing!
PrintCreamy Caesar Salad Dressing
This homemade creamy Caesar dressing is packed with bold flavors from garlic, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. It’s smooth, tangy, and perfect for tossing with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and extra cheese! Plus, it’s quick and easy to make in just 5 minutes.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ¾ cup (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Dressing, Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional, but adds depth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
-
Blend the Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and anchovy paste (if using).
-
Slowly Add Oil:
- While whisking, drizzle in the olive oil to help emulsify the dressing.
-
Adjust to Taste:
- Add more lemon juice for tanginess, more Parmesan for richness, or more Worcestershire for depth.
-
Chill & Serve:
- Let the dressing sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to develop flavors. Serve over romaine lettuce with croutons and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- No Anchovies? Substitute with an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Make It Lighter: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.