Caesar Dressing

Caesar dressing is a timeless classic that transforms any salad into a flavorful masterpiece. Creamy, tangy, and packed with umami-rich ingredients, this dressing elevates simple greens into a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh. Whether you’re topping a crisp romaine salad, drizzling over grilled vegetables, or even using it as a dip, this Caesar dressing recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make from scratch. Skip the bottled versions and enjoy the depth of flavor that homemade dressing brings to your table. Plus, it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Caesar dressing recipe hits all the right notes. It is perfectly balanced with the creamy richness of mayonnaise, the distinctive savory punch from anchovy fillets, and the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. Garlic adds a bold kick while Dijon mustard gives a subtle layer of complexity. Grated Parmesan cheese rounds out the flavor with a salty, nutty finish.

What makes this dressing truly exceptional is how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need a blender or fancy equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and quality ingredients. It comes together in minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. Plus, since the recipe uses anchovy fillets, it offers authentic flavors without relying on artificial additives or preservatives.

This dressing is also incredibly versatile. Use it traditionally with romaine and croutons for a classic Caesar salad, or get creative by drizzling it over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought bottled dressing!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup mayonnaise – provides a creamy base that is both rich and smooth.
• 4 anchovy fillets, minced and mashed – these bring the signature savory depth that defines Caesar dressing.
• 2 cloves garlic, mashed – adds a pungent, aromatic kick.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the dressing with fresh acidity.
• ½ teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – gives a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – adds a gentle heat and complexity.
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – delivers a salty, nutty finish.

How To Make Caesar Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Anchovies and Garlic

Start by mincing the anchovy fillets finely on a cutting board. Then, use the flat side of your knife to mash them into a smooth paste. Do the same with the garlic cloves, mashing them thoroughly to release their flavor. This step is crucial as it ensures these bold ingredients integrate smoothly into the dressing without any large chunks.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until the mixture is well combined and creamy. The lemon juice will add freshness, while the Dijon mustard helps bind everything together.

Step 3: Add Anchovy and Garlic Paste

Stir the mashed anchovy and garlic paste into the dressing base. Whisk thoroughly to incorporate these savory flavors evenly throughout the mixture. This will give the dressing its signature umami punch.

Step 4: Mix In Parmesan Cheese

Finally, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese not only adds flavor but also adds a lovely texture to the dressing. Give it one last whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste your Caesar dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a touch more lemon juice for brightness, salt for savoriness, or pepper for a bit more spice. Once it’s perfect, your dressing is ready to serve!

Expert Tips

• Use high-quality anchovy fillets packed in oil for the best flavor and easy mashing.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a big difference—avoid pre-grated cheese for a creamier texture.
• If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a splash of water or extra lemon juice to loosen it up.
• Let the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end; acidity and salt levels can be tailored to your preference.

Variations and Customizations

• Make it lighter: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat dressing.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Vegan option: Use vegan mayonnaise, omit anchovies, and add a teaspoon of capers mashed for that briny flavor.
• Herb infusion: Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
• Extra cheesy: Double the Parmesan for a richer, cheesier dressing.

How to Store Leftovers

Store your leftover Caesar dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week. Before using, give it a good stir or shake as ingredients may separate over time. If the dressing thickens too much after refrigeration, simply whisk in a little water or lemon juice to bring it back to your desired consistency.

FAQ

Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?

Yes! While anchovies provide the traditional umami flavor, you can substitute them with a teaspoon of capers or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory depth. Keep in mind, the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is this Caesar dressing safe to eat raw?

Absolutely. This recipe uses mayonnaise as the base, which is made from pasteurized eggs, making it safe to consume without cooking. Just be sure to use fresh, quality ingredients and store the dressing properly.

How can I make the dressing creamier?

If you want an even creamier texture, you can add a small amount of olive oil while whisking, or blend the dressing briefly in a food processor. Another option is to increase the mayonnaise slightly.

Can I use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for this recipe?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended! Freshly grated Parmesan not only tastes better but also melts and incorporates into the dressing more smoothly, giving you a richer flavor and smoother texture.

Conclusion

This Caesar dressing recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, classic flavors to your salads and more with minimal effort. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, savory anchovies, bright lemon, pungent garlic, and salty Parmesan creates a perfectly balanced dressing that’s both rich and refreshing. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s a staple you’ll return to time and again. Whip up a batch today and elevate your meals with this homemade Caesar dressing that tastes far better than anything store-bought!