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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Comments
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Amazing!!!! And so quick and easy 🙌🏻
really tasty,will make again
Oh my goodness!! I can’t believe how easy this recipe is and the taste is absolutely perfect! Reminds me of the old days when we would make table side at the finer restaurants! Thank you!
Calling this home made with hellmans mayonnaise is pretty silly. If you make your own dressing, do it from scratch. Make your own mayonnaise.
Are you making your own Worcestershire too?
Really, no need for this comment. If you don’t like the recipe, just don’t use it.
What’s even more silly? Making a comment like yours when you are addressing a classically trained chef and cookbook author with years of experience. Wild guess…the recipe might be for that quick weeknight Caesar when you don’t have a ton of time but wish to make something tasty for your family?
You are free to make your own ANYTHING such as mayonnaise, Worcestershire, anchovy paste, etc. Maybe go the ‘traditional & authentic’ route (raw egg yolks, etc) and lay your own eggs if you wish. The possibilities are endless! 😱
WOW Love this recipe Delicious and easy
OMG, finally a great tasting dressing that we have been looking for.
Forget about store brand, make this and you won’t regret it.
This was absolutely delicious! This is my go to recipe from now on.
This has quickly become a family favorite! We double up on the mustard, Worcestershire Sauce and anchovy paste. And I “cheat” by using Trader Joe’s minced garlic — two heaping tea spoons. Also TJ’s shredded Parmesan. It’s going in the recipe collection I’m making for kiddo who goes off to college in 2 years. 😀
Great idea! Ill have to try that. Was too much mayo for my son
This took under 5 minutes, used household staples, and came out perfectly balanced. Never buying Caesar dressing again!
This is probably one of THE best Caesar dressings that I have add. I will definitely be making this my go to dressing. Thank you for sharing!!!!! 10 stars worthy.