Name: Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic (grated); 1 to 1½ teaspoons anchovy paste (or more); 1½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or more); 1 cup mayonnaise; ½ cup grated parmesan

Why You’ll Love Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

This dressing comes together in only five minutes, making it perfect for quick meals or last-minute salads. It has a balanced flavor—tangy from lemon juice, savory from anchovy paste and parmesan, and creamy from mayonnaise. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making it more garlicky, lemony, or bold. Plus, it’s fresher and more flavorful than most store-bought versions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic (grated)
1 to 1½ teaspoons anchovy paste (or more)
1½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or more)
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup grated parmesan

Directions

Add the Dijon mustard, grated garlic, anchovy paste, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to a bowl. Mix until well combined.
Add the mayonnaise and parmesan, then mix until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 servings and takes approximately 5 minutes to prepare.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a stronger umami flavor, increase the anchovy paste slightly. You can also add a splash of olive oil for a more traditional texture or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. For a vegetarian option, omit the anchovy paste and use a bit of caper brine instead.

Storage/Reheating

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before using, as slight separation may occur. This dressing is not suitable for reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing without anchovies?

Yes, you can omit anchovy paste and replace it with caper brine or simply leave it out, though the flavor will be less traditional.

Is this dressing safe to eat without raw eggs?

Yes, this version uses mayonnaise instead of raw eggs, making it safer and more convenient.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of grated?

Yes, but finely grated garlic blends better and distributes flavor more evenly.

How can I make the dressing thinner?

Add a small amount of water or extra lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

What type of parmesan should I use?

Freshly grated parmesan provides the best texture and flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.

Can I freeze Caesar dressing?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may separate when thawed.

How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?

It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored properly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute parmesan with a dairy-free alternative, though the taste will differ slightly.

What can I serve this dressing with?

It’s perfect for Caesar salads, but also works well as a dip, sandwich spread, or drizzle over grilled vegetables.

Conclusion

This homemade Caesar salad dressing is a quick and flavorful way to elevate any dish. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for salads, wraps, and more.

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe