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.

Fork on a plate with a Caesar salad.

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

how to make caesar salad

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.

how to make caesar salad dressing

Next, whisk in the mayonnaise, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper.

how to make caesar salad dressing

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!

Fork on a plate with a Caesar salad.

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.

Servings: Makes 1⅓ cups (enough for about 10 starter salads)
Total Time: 10 Minutes

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

  1. 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.
  2. Note: Anchovy paste can be found near the canned tuna in the supermarket.

Nutrition Information

Powered by Edamam

  • 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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Comments

  • Best Caesar dressing ever!! Definitely a keeper . Thank you for a great recipe.

    • — Bruny on February 12, 2024
    • Reply
  • Amazing!!!!!! I did not have the anchovy paste so I made it without but it still turned out soooooo good. Say good bye to store bought Caesar

    • — Shereen on February 4, 2024
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  • I never knew I could duplicate my fav Caesar dressing at home. This is a total winner for me & my every night salad. Yes, the authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is $$. Whole Foods around here, has smaller cuts in their cheese section making it affordable. If I’m going through all this potchki, I’m making enough for the whole week of salads.
    Bravo Jenn.

    • — Kelly on January 31, 2024
    • Reply
  • Sooo good. Made the mistake of 1st combining all ingredients in a Vitamix and it didn’t turn out as well. Followed the steps and it turned out GREAT. Amazing. Delicious. A keeper. Thank you soooo much!!!! Everyone is happy. 😊 Wonderful.

    • — Robyn on January 29, 2024
    • Reply
  • I don’t usually respond to these things but this is a great recipe. Captures the flavor of classic caesar salad with a minimum of prep work. It is also excellent as a dip for raw vegetables and as dressing on a tuna sandwich – it really kicks up the old humdrum tuna on toast. And I’m sure I will find many other uses for it. Love it. Thank you!

    • — Mike L. on January 29, 2024
    • Reply
  • I make this every time I have salad, which is a lot and whenever we are asked to dinner at friends or family’s home, they request I bring it. Everyone loves it.

    • — Virginia Murrell on January 26, 2024
    • Reply
  • After making this recipe for years I had to comment… This is truly the best Caesar dressing. I’ve bought dressings I’ve made dressings and by far this one is the superior choice. I have never changed anything other than my measuring a times has been a little more loose than others. Every time it’s comes out absolutely delicious.

    • — Sara on January 25, 2024
    • Reply
  • So good, quick, easy and great ingredients!! Thankyou for the recipe!!

    • — Christene Dorsett on January 20, 2024
    • Reply
  • This is my FAVORITE Caesar dressing recipe. The proportions are perfect. I have used it numerous times, and I love it. Thank you!

    • — Renee Simpson on January 17, 2024
    • Reply
  • Not sure what you made here, but it’s certainly not ceaser salad dressing.

    • — Chooch on January 17, 2024
    • Reply

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