Better than bottled. Made with real ingredients you already have.
Store-bought Caesar dressing rarely hits the mark. It’s either too garlicky, too thick, or oddly tangy. That’s why I set out to make a version that’s easy, balanced, and delicious, using real, everyday ingredients—no raw eggs, no additives, and no weird aftertaste.
This recipe gives you a creamy, zippy Caesar dressing you can whip up in 10 minutes or less. No blender needed. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a few pantry staples.
Whether you’re tossing it with crisp romaine, using it as a dip, or spooning it over roasted potatoes (trust me on that one), this dressing brings flavor to everything it touches.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Caesar Dressing
- No raw eggs – We use mayo for creaminess and food safety.
- Full of classic flavor – Anchovy paste, Parmesan, lemon, and garlic give it that bold Caesar bite.
- Quick and easy – Stir it up in one bowl. No gadgets required.
- Customizable – Easily adapt it to be dairy-free, lighter, or egg-free.
- Versatile – Great for more than just salads.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have most of these on hand:
- ½ cup mayonnaise – Creamy base, no raw egg required
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Fresh is best
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds depth and tang
- 1 clove garlic – Finely minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste – Essential for that umami flavor
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Not shredded; you want it to blend in
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory background flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Smooths out the texture
- Salt and pepper – To taste
👉 No anchovy paste? Use one mashed anchovy fillet or swap with a little soy sauce or tamari for similar depth.
👉 Dairy-free option? Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
👩🍳 How To Make It
No blender, no whisking overhead. Just stir and go.
Step-by-Step:
- In a bowl, add ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard.
- Stir in 1 clove finely minced garlic and 1 tsp anchovy paste.
- Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
- Slowly drizzle in 2 tbsp olive oil while stirring.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Pro Tip: Let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. It helps the flavors blend beautifully.
🥗 More Ways to Use Caesar Dressing
This isn’t just a salad dressing. It’s your new secret sauce:
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps
- Toss with cold pasta for a quick Caesar pasta salad
- Dip chicken tenders, fries, or raw veggies
- Drizzle over roasted potatoes, grilled chicken, or baked salmon
- Mix into rice bowls with greens and protein
It’s rich, savory, and adds a bold punch to just about anything.
🧈 Bonus: Caesar Butter (Yes, Really)
Turn your leftover dressing into a flavored butter that’ll blow your mind.
How to make it:
- Soften 1 stick of unsalted butter
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing
- Add extra garlic or Parmesan if desired
- Stir until smooth
Use it on:
- Toast or garlic bread
- Roasted corn
- Grilled meats
- Popcorn (seriously)
Keeps in the fridge for up to a week or freeze in small scoops for later.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store in a glass jar or airtight container
- Keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge
- Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination
- Do not freeze—the texture won’t hold up
Label the jar with the date, and give it a stir before each use.
🔁 Easy Customizations
Adjust the recipe to suit your taste, diet, or pantry:
| Need to Substitute? | Try This Instead |
|---|---|
| No anchovy paste | Soy sauce, tamari, or miso |
| No lemon juice | Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar |
| No Parmesan | Nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan |
| No mayo | Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream |
| Want it vegan | Vegan mayo, skip cheese, add capers |
| Want a lighter version | Use light mayo + less olive oil |
Add-ins to try:
- Smoked paprika for depth
- A splash of hot sauce for heat
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill) for brightness
- Honey for a hint of sweetness
🥗 Make It a Full Meal
Caesar dressing pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken + roasted vegetables + salad
- Baked salmon + rice + Caesar drizzle
- Chicken Caesar wraps with croutons + romaine
- Stuffed potatoes with Caesar instead of sour cream
- Grain bowls with chickpeas, cucumbers, and Caesar
Or serve it as a party dip with veggie sticks and crackers!
📌 The Recipe Card
Creamy Homemade Caesar Dressing
No eggs. No blender. Just real ingredients and bold flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine mayo, lemon juice, and Dijon in a bowl.
- Stir in garlic, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and Worcestershire.
- Drizzle in olive oil while mixing.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Chill for 30 minutes if possible.
- Store in fridge up to 5 days. Stir before using.
✅ Final Thoughts
Once you make this homemade Caesar dressing, it’s hard to go back to the bottled kind. It’s fresh, full of flavor, and adaptable to whatever you’re making. From salads to sandwiches to dips and spreads, this dressing brings more to your meals than just a drizzle.
So go ahead—grab a spoon and give it a stir. You’ve got a new favorite dressing waiting in your fridge.