Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
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My family loves this rich and creamy Caesar salad dressing. It’s not overly garlicky or fishy — it’s just right.
Though most people buy Caesar salad dressing in a bottle, homemade is incredibly easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought. There are many variations, but this rich and creamy version is the one my whole family loves. It’s not too garlicky and not too fishy – it’s just right. Unlike authentic Caesar dressings which are made with olive oil and thickened with raw eggs, this one has a mayonnaise base, which means you don’t have to worry if you’re squeamish about raw eggs. My kids love this dressing so much that they’ve learned to make it themselves. They don’t even wait for me to make a salad; while I cook dinner, they sit at the kitchen table with a big heart of romaine and dip the leaves in.
This recipe is part of my classic salad dressing collection, which includes go-to recipes for oil and vinegar based dressings, like vinaigrette and balsamic vinaigrette, as well as creamy dressings, such as buttermilk ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing, which are typically made with mayonnaise and dairy products.
What You’ll Need To Make Caesar Salad Dressing
Instead of whole anchovies, I use anchovy paste — makes it easy, especially if you’re squeamish about anchovies (just hold your nose and add it in; the dressing needs every last bit to taste like the real deal!)
For the cheese, it’s important to use imported Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy; domestic Parmesan pales in comparison. You can always tell if it’s authentic by looking at the rind, which is embossed with the name over and over. If the cheese is already grated, it should be labeled “Parmigiano-Reggiano,” not “Parmesan.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by whisking together the garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Next, whisk in the mayonnaise, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper.
The dressing will keep well in the fridge for about a week. For a main course Caesar, try pairing this with my best grilled chicken. Enjoy!
Caesar Salad Dressing Video Tutorial
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Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
My family loves this rich and creamy Caesar salad dressing. It’s not overly garlicky or fishy — it’s just right.
Ingredients
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (see note)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (I like the brand Maille)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann's Real
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Add the mayonnaise, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt and pepper and whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust to your liking. The dressing will keep well in the fridge for about a week.
- Note: Anchovy paste can be found near the canned tuna in the supermarket.
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (10 servings)
- Serving size: About 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 184
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 296mg
- Cholesterol: 13mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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This Caesar dressing has become the standard from which I judge all other Caesar dressings.
So delicious, so easy and it makes enough for multiple salads.
Super easy and delicious! I will be making it often!
This is the perfect Caesar dressing! Thank you for sharing. I discovered a few weeks ago and have made it 3 times already!! 😀
This is my favorite Caesar dressing recipe! It’s so easy and I’ve made it many times. One question I have though is if I can sub half the Mayo with Greek yogurt just to cut down on calories? Thanks!
Hi KTB, I don’t recommend it – sorry! I think you’d have better luck with low fat mayo.
Incredible taste. Absolute perfection and easy to make. I’ve made this over 10 times this year. Everyone raves.
All I can say is, WOW! Has all the flavor, in a super rich creamy dressing. Can’t believe I’ve never tried this until now! Will make some great chicken Caesar wraps!
Excellent idea using it for wraps also!
Hi Jenn
I want to make your Caesar Dressing, but dont have anchovie paste, but have anchovies in a can. Can I use those? Also, how much and should I put it in a food processor or??
Thanks
Karen
Hi Karen, Yes, you can use anchovies. I’d recommend about two and you can just mash them well with a fork. Hope you enjoy!
I wish I could take credit when everyone who has a taste of this compliments my skills. My Italian American husband from NEW YAWK continues to brag it’s the best. So easy, so delicious!!!
Fantastic. I did not have any anchovies, but used a small amount of smoked herring in oil from a can and smashed it into the Mayo (Hellman’s is the only real may in my opinion). Also used some german mustard called Losenfef Extra, but used only half a teaspoon. I had no real grated Parmesan reggianio so I had to substitute Kraft Parmesan from a container….still the recipe is the best I have ever tasted. CAESAR IS THE KING OF SALADS!
This recipe is so delicious, super easy to make and now that I am on a Keto diet, Ceasar salad has become a staple in our diet. I make it with avocado mayonaise.