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If you need a simple Caesar dressing recipe, this homemade recipe is the one to blend up every single time. It’s just the right balance of garlicky flavor that’s also creamy and rich. Ready in just 5 minutes, you’ll love having this recipe in the fridge.
about this caesar dressing recipe
Caesar dressing is a classic for a reason. The creamy texture and bold flavor has been a favorite for a long time in our home, but it’s always hard to find one that is good enough in the grocery store.
The best dressings I’ve had have always been in a nice restaurant where it is made from scratch. Of course, I don’t have the budget to eat at a steakhouse every single time I crave caesar dressing… So I learned to make it at home!
Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff.
I used to think it would be super complicated to make the dressing at home. I’d see all these recipes calling for raw egg yolks, and I’d just nope right out of there. But then I got tired of bland salads and decided to give it a shot.
Turns out, making the best Caesar salad dressing doesn’t have to be a big production. This recipe is so simple, you could probably make it with your eyes closed. (But don’t, because, you know, knives and all that.)
It tastes fresh, tangy, and way better than anything you’d get in a bottle. Plus, you can adjust it to your taste. Want it extra garlicky? Go for it. Like it with a bit more zing? Add more lemon juice. It’s your dressing, so make it your own.
ingredients
mayonnaise. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise for this recipe! You can use full-fat or light mayonnaise.
mustard. Creamy Dijon mustard gives a tangy flavor to the Caesar dressing.
Worcestershire. The sharpness of Worcestershire sauce cuts through the creaminess of the dressing to get more flavor.
garlic. garlic is a must for EVERYTHING, so I always have a jar of minced garlic in the fridge! The best shortcut to pay for, for sure. It’s easier than dealing with peeling garlic cloves.
lemon. Fresh lemon juice is best in this recipe!
salt and pepper. All you need is fine kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to season the dressing.
anchovies. Anchovies are a small saltwater fish that give this dressing a TON of flavor. The nicer the anchovies you buy, the better your dressing will taste. You can also use anchovy paste!
oil. Use extra virgin olive oil for this dressing! Make sure it is a nice quality as it will impact the overall flavor. You could also use a neutral oil like avocado oil, but the flavor of EVOO is much better.
cheese. Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds some depth of flavor to the dressing!
this recipe’s must-haves
You will need a high-speed blender like a Vitamix to make the dressing. You can also use a food processor.
I like to store this dressing in a mason jar.
here’s how to make caesar dressing
blend
Add mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and anchovies to a blender. Blend until smooth on High speed.
emulsify
Switch speed to Low and slowly drizzle in the oil from the opening at the top. Once creamy and thickened, add parmesan. Blend on low until well combined.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
More delicious sauces to make: Thai Peanut Dressing | Bang Bang Sauce | Bacon Aioli | Garlic Aioli
do I have to use the anchovies in the dressing?
You do not have to use the anchovies called for in this dressing if you are vegetarian.
They bring a ton of flavor to the dressing, so if you are not vegetarian, I highly recommend using it in the dressing recipe.
how long does homemade caesar dressing last in the fridge?
This dressing will last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or a jar (like a mason jar).
Need some inspiration for main dishes? Check out my main dish recipes page!
how to use this caesar dressing
Obviously, this caesar dressing recipe is ideal for salads! However, there are lots of different ways to use up this recipe:
use it as a marinade. You can use this dressing as a marinade for chicken or even shrimp! Let the chicken marinate for a few hours or even overnight to help tenderize the meat and give it a ton of flavor.
dress roasted vegetables. Toss your veggies in dressing before roasting them, instead of using olive oil!
use it as a dip. Grab your favorite vegetables and make a veggie platter with this dressing as the dip! It also is tasty with chicken wings, and better than ranch in my opinion 😉
dress pasta salad. I use this dressing on pasta salad ALL the time and it’s amazing. You won’t even miss the croutons.
use as a spread. Spread this dressing on your favorite burger bun, wraps, or sandwich bread. It works particularly well with turkey, ham, roast beef, and veggies.
add it to coleslaw. Caesar dressing is a nice shortcut to make a really flavorful slaw! Add to a bowl with shredded cabbage for a quick and easy slaw.
how to store
Store. Stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator, this dressing will last for up to 2 weeks.
more caesar-inspired recipes to try
Enjoy that caesar salad into a chicken caesar sandwich for a whole new take on the recipe!
Charred caesar salad chicken tacos are the best way to bring something new and exciting to Taco Tuesday.
Want to make a lunch that’ll keep you satisfied all week long? Chicken caesar pasta salad is the best combination of all the classic flavors, plus pasta!
Finally, if you make this homemade caesar salad dressing recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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caesar dressing
ingredients
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 anchovy fillets optional
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
instructions
- To make the dressing, add mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and anchovies to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Switch to Low speed and slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil through the opening in the top. Once emulsified, add parmesan and blend on low speed until combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container or jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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