Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
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A good homemade Caesar salad dressing can turn a simple salad into something anyone looks forward to eating. This easy salad dressing recipe comes together in just a few minutes and it tastes so much better than bottled dressing ever could!
I think salad sometimes gets a bad reputation for being boring, but a good dressing can completely change that. When it’s thick and creamy and clings to the lettuce, it makes me enjoy every bite so much more!
After I started making my own, it was clear I wouldn’t be going back to using bottled dressing.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The flavor of this dressing is on the money! The anchovy paste is a must-use ingredient.
–Brian
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
One of the best things about this Caesar salad dressing is how quickly it comes together. It takes about five minutes to whisk together, which means you can have a flavorful dressing ready before dinner is even on the table.
You have complete control of the ingredients, too. There are no hidden sugars or chemical preservatives. The flavor is fresh, creamy, and balanced, without any of the extra ingredients you often find in store-bought dressings.
And since it keeps well in the fridge, it is easy to make a batch ahead of time to use throughout the week.
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making this easy salad dressing recipe! I’ve made this countless times, so I can save you from a failed attempt.
- Freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavor and a better texture than the cheese that comes in a green canister (if you know, you know).
- Let the dressing chill for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. The flavors have time to blend, and personally, I think cold dressing tastes better.
- Start with the recommended amount of salt, then taste the dressing and add more if you need or want to. Both Parmesan and anchovy paste are salty ingredients.
This dressing is my first choice on a chicken Caesar salad!
Ingredients
To make the dressing, you’ll want to add these ingredients to your grocery shopping list:
Most of the ingredients are things you may already have on hand. The only one that you might be less familiar with is anchovy paste, which gives Caesar dressing its signature savory flavor. Don’t worry, the dressing does not taste fishy!
You can usually find it in the condiment aisle near the mustard and sauces. If it is not there, check near the canned tuna and other canned seafood products.
Substitutions
If you do not have anchovy paste, use one finely minced anchovy fillet instead.
Greek yogurt can replace part of the mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, although fresh lemon juice always gives the best flavor.
Variations
Add extra lemon juice for a brighter, tangier dressing.
If you like a little kick of heat, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
You can add extra Parmesan cheese if you prefer a thicker, cheesier dressing.
How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing
For the full step by step instructions, see the recipe card! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- Whisk together the garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing becomes creamy.
Helpful Tip
If you have a high speed blender or stick blender, go ahead and use it! The higher speed will help create an emulsion quickly, and your wrist won't get tired.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Keep in mind that both anchovies and Parmesan will add plenty of saltiness.
Make it kid friendly:
If your kids are sensitive to strong flavors, start with a little less anchovy paste and Parmesan cheese. Most kids never realize anchovy paste is in the dressing, but reducing it slightly can make the flavor a little milder.
Storing Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Store the dressing in a covered jar or airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days.
Whisk it well before serving, since it usually separates a bit as it sits.
Serving Suggestions
Of course, this dressing is delicious tossed with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese for a classic Caesar salad. It is also great as a dip for vegetables, a spread for wraps and sandwiches, or drizzled over air fryer grilled chicken.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! The dressing will still be flavorful, though it will taste slightly different than a traditional Caesar dressing.
No, I do not recommend freezing it. Because the mayo and oil molecules are suspended in an emulsion, the dressing will separate as it thaws and you won't be able to blend it back together.
Just whisk in a little extra lemon juice or a splash of water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
After you make this recipe, please give it a star rating below and comment to let me know how it went!
Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic finely minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice from 1 lemon
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 cup mayonnaise until smooth.
- While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in ½ cup olive oil until the dressing thickens and becomes creamy.
- Whisk in ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust with additional lemon juice or ¼ teaspoon salt if desired.
- Use immediately or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Refrigerate dressing in a covered jar or container and use within 7 days for best flavor.
- Anchovy paste can usually be found in the condiments aisle of the grocery store. This Caesar dressing can also be made without anchovies.
- If the consistency is too thick, just add an extra splash of lemon juice or water to thin it out to your liking.
The flavor of this dressing is on the money! The anchovy paste is a must-use ingredient.
Thank you! 😊 It is the secret to that classic Caesar flavor!