Name: Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 clove garlic, finely grated; 1 ½ teaspoons anchovy paste; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1–2 teaspoons water (optional, to thin if needed)

I’ve always believed that a good Caesar salad starts with an unforgettable dressing. There’s something about the rich, creamy texture and the sharp, garlicky tang that brings a bowl of crisp romaine or kale to life. When I set out to make my own version of Caesar dressing from scratch, I wanted it to be classic, but better—balanced, bold, and bursting with flavor in every spoonful.

Making this dressing at home gives me control over the quality of ingredients and the intensity of flavors. I skip the shortcuts, go for fresh garlic and lemon, and choose real Parmesan. The result is a luscious, velvety dressing with just the right touch of umami and zing. Once you taste this homemade version, you’ll never reach for the store-bought bottle again.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

This dressing is incredibly rich and satisfying without being overly heavy. It strikes a perfect balance of creamy, salty, tangy, and savory. Whether you’re tossing it with romaine lettuce or massaged kale, it’s versatile and always delivers. Plus, you can whip it up in less than 10 minutes, making it an easy yet impressive addition to meals.

What Kind of Anchovies Should I Use?

Anchovies are a key ingredient in a traditional Caesar dressing—they bring a deep, savory backbone to the flavor. I prefer using anchovy paste because it’s easy to measure and mixes in smoothly, but finely chopped canned anchovy fillets work just as well. If you’re hesitant about the strong taste, trust me: they blend in seamlessly and won’t make the dressing taste fishy—just flavorful.

Options for Substitutions

Not everyone loves anchovies, and that’s okay. You can use Worcestershire sauce as a substitute, since it contains anchovy essence and mimics that umami depth. For a vegetarian version, try miso paste or capers. If you want to lighten the dressing, swap out some of the mayo with Greek yogurt. And for a dairy-free take, nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan.

Ingredients for This Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy base for the dressing, replacing raw eggs in traditional recipes while offering richness and body.

Garlic – Fresh garlic provides a sharp, savory flavor that defines Caesar dressing. Grated or finely minced for even distribution.

Anchovy Paste – Adds umami and depth without overwhelming the palate. A staple for authentic Caesar flavor.

Dijon Mustard – Brings a mild tang and slight heat, helping to emulsify the dressing.

Worcestershire Sauce – Offers complexity with sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Also boosts the umami component.

Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the dressing with acidity and freshness.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty richness and gives the dressing its signature cheesy flavor.

Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Enhances all the flavors and allows you to control seasoning to taste.

Water (optional) – Just a splash if you want to thin the consistency without diluting flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic and Anchovy Base

Start by grating or finely mincing a clove of garlic. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the garlic with anchovy paste (or chopped anchovy fillets). Mash together until it forms a smooth paste—this step ensures you won’t get large bites of either ingredient.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Builders

To your garlic-anchovy mixture, whisk in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. These add depth and help build the layers of flavor that make Caesar dressing so addictive.

Step 3: Mix in the Mayonnaise and Lemon Juice

Add mayonnaise to the bowl and whisk until smooth. Then squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten things up. Continue whisking until fully combined into a creamy, cohesive mixture.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan Cheese

Fold in finely grated Parmesan cheese. This thickens the dressing further and infuses it with that nutty, salty Caesar flavor we all crave. Use fresh Parmesan for best results.

Step 5: Season and Adjust Consistency

Taste your dressing and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If it’s a bit too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Chill or Use Immediately

For best flavor, let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Or, use it right away if you’re short on time—it’ll still be fantastic.

How Long to Prepare the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

Making this Caesar dressing is a quick and simple process. The active preparation time is about 10 minutes, which includes measuring ingredients, grating cheese, and whisking everything together. If you’re using whole anchovies instead of paste, add a few more minutes to finely chop them into a paste.

For best flavor, I recommend allowing the dressing to rest in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld together and creates a more balanced, flavorful dressing. However, if you’re in a hurry, it’s absolutely fine to use it right away.

Tips for Perfect Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, freshest flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
Grate the garlic finely or mash it into a paste to avoid overwhelming bites.
Finely grate the Parmesan so it blends seamlessly into the dressing.
Balance the salt—Parmesan and anchovies are both salty, so taste before adding more salt.
Let it chill—a short rest in the fridge helps flavors develop beautifully.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overpowering garlic: A little goes a long way. Too much raw garlic can make the dressing harsh.
Skipping anchovies altogether: The flavor won’t be as rich or authentic without some form of anchovy.
Using pre-shredded Parmesan: It won’t blend well and lacks the intense flavor of freshly grated cheese.
Over-thinning the dressing: A touch of water is fine, but too much will dilute the flavor and make it runny.
Not tasting as you go: Caesar dressing is all about balance—adjust seasoning to your liking.

What to Serve With Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing?

1. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Top your romaine or kale with grilled chicken breast for a hearty, protein-packed lunch.

2. Roasted Vegetable Bowl

Drizzle the dressing over a warm bowl of roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower.

3. Shrimp Caesar Wraps

Toss shrimp and greens in the dressing and wrap in a tortilla for a refreshing handheld meal.

4. Caesar Pasta Salad

Mix with cooked pasta, greens, and cherry tomatoes for a chilled, picnic-perfect dish.

5. Garlic Croutons

Make homemade croutons and toss them generously with dressing for a crunchy, crave-worthy snack or side.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store the Caesar dressing in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Stir or shake well before each use, as some separation is natural.

Freezing: Not recommended. The mayonnaise and cheese components tend to break and separate once thawed, affecting texture and flavor.

Serving Tip: If the dressing thickens in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes and stir before serving.

Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (approx.)
Calories: 160
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade Caesar dressing last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make this dressing without anchovies?

Yes, substitute with Worcestershire sauce, capers, or miso paste for similar umami flavor.

Is this Caesar dressing safe for pregnant women?

Yes! Since it uses mayonnaise instead of raw eggs, it’s safe if all ingredients are pasteurized.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.

What if my dressing is too thick?

Add a teaspoon of water or lemon juice at a time and whisk until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing is everything you want in a salad dressing—creamy, tangy, and full of bold flavor. It’s easy to make, versatile enough for many dishes, and better than anything you’ll find in a bottle. Whether you’re making a quick lunch salad or dressing up a dinner bowl, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try and taste how simple ingredients can create something truly special.