This is our favorite Caesar salad dressing recipe! It’s rich, creamy, tangy and garlicky, perfect for tossing with romaine, croutons and Parmesan.
Skip the store-bought dressing, this Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing is so much better!
When it comes to making a Caesar Salad, a great dressing makes all the difference. Sure, you could grab a bottle of dressing at the store, but this homemade version tastes so much better.
My homemade Caesar salad dressing is creamy, tangy and fresh, and so simple to make. Instead of using the traditional egg yolk and oil, I use mayo in my recipe to save time and effort. (Plus, no raw eggs!) Then I add a handful of other ingredients that work together to create the most flavorful Caesar dressing.
Besides dressing our salads, I also use this creamy dressing to make my Chicken Caesar Wrap, a favorite of ours for lunch. If you love making making homemade salad dressings, try my Coleslaw Dressing, Homemade Ranch Dressing and Balsamic Vinaigrette next!
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a look at what you need to make this Caesar dressing recipe. Find the printable recipe with ingredient amounts below.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for a great Caesar dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality mayo. I like to use avocado mayo.
- Olive Oil: Thins out the dressing and adds richness.
- Grated Parmesan: For savory, salty flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors and balances out the richness of the creamy dressing.
- Dijon Mustard: I love the sharp, tangy flavor that a bit of Dijon brings.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami flavor.
- Anchovy Paste: Minced anchovies or anchovy paste are traditional in Caesar salad dressing. I like to use anchovy paste because it’s easier (no chopping) and I can store the tube in the fridge to use multiple times. If you prefer not to use anchovies, the Worcestershire sauce in this recipe brings a similar flavor profile.
- Fine Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper.
How to Make Caesar Dressing
I start by using the back of a spoon to mash the minced garlic and salt together into a paste. This breaks down any larger pieces of garlic and helps to infuse the garlic flavor throughout the dressing.
Then add the remaining ingredients: mayonnaise, olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste and black pepper. Whisk everything together until combined.
Adjust as needed. Taste the dressing and add more salt and pepper, if needed. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in a little water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage Instructions
This homemade Caesar dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Stir it again to make sure everything is well combined before using.
Best Homemade Caesar Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 small cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
- ½ cup good quality mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoon anchovy paste, optional
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the minced garlic in the bottom of a medium bowl. Pour the salt onto the garlic and use the back of a small spoon to mash the garlic and salt together into a paste.
- Add the mayonnaise, olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste (if using), and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
- Taste and add more salt and/or pepper, if needed. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in a little water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Notes
- Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Stir it again to make sure everything is well combined before using.
- Dressing recipe makes a little over 3/4 cup.
