Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a classic Caesar salad. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese—all brought together by a rich, tangy dressing that packs a punch of umami. While store-bought Caesar dressings can be convenient, nothing compares to the bold flavor and fresh ingredients of a homemade version. This recipe for Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing is creamy, garlicky, and perfectly balanced, making it a must-have for any salad lover.

Creating your own Caesar dressing at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the quality of each ingredient. It’s also incredibly rewarding to whip up a batch from scratch—especially once you taste how much better it is than anything you can buy pre-made. The dressing comes together quickly, using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients you may already have on hand.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The combination of garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese delivers a flavor that’s both complex and familiar. A little mayonnaise provides the creamy texture, while olive oil helps to emulsify the dressing into a smooth, luxurious consistency.

One of the most common misconceptions about Caesar dressing is that it’s complicated or requires raw eggs. This version skips the eggs entirely and uses mayonnaise instead, making it both easier and safer to prepare without sacrificing flavor.

This dressing isn’t just for Caesar salad, either. It can double as a zesty dip for veggies, a sandwich spread, or even a marinade for grilled chicken. It’s so versatile and delicious that you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or simply want to elevate your lunch salad, this homemade Caesar dressing is a game changer. Its bold flavor profile complements everything from crisp lettuce to hearty proteins.

For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and freshly squeezed lemon juice. These small details make a big difference in the final result. And don’t skip the anchovy paste—it adds depth and authenticity without tasting “fishy.”

In just a few minutes, you can have a jar of restaurant-quality dressing in your fridge, ready to elevate your meals throughout the week. It stores well and tastes even better after a day or two when the flavors have had time to meld.

Once you try this homemade Caesar salad dressing, it’s likely you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff again. It’s a simple upgrade that delivers big rewards in flavor.

Servings: Makes about 1 cup (8-10 servings)

Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp anchovy paste (or 2 anchovy fillets, minced)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste, salt, and pepper.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Tips:

• Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
• If you prefer a thinner dressing, whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of water until desired consistency is reached.
• For a bolder taste, increase the amount of garlic or anchovy paste slightly.
• Let the dressing sit for a few hours in the fridge to enhance flavor.
• Pairs perfectly with homemade croutons and romaine hearts.

Summary: This Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with savory flavor. Made with fresh ingredients and no raw eggs, it’s a quick and easy way to elevate your salads and more.