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    Home » Recipes » Condiments, Dips, Dressings, and Sauces

    Homemade Caesar Dressing

    Published: Oct 17, 2023 · Last Updated: Apr 29, 2025 by Kyndra Holley

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    A jar of homemade caesar dressing with fresh garlic bulbs next to it and a salt and pepper cellar behind it.
    A caesar salad, topped with air-fried salmon and lots of fresh grated parmesan cheese.
    A mixing bowl with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dijon, anchovies and garlic in it.
    A jar of homemade caesar dressing with fresh garlic bulbs next to it and a salt and pepper cellar behind it.

    Extra creamy and bursting with flavor, this Homemade Caesar Dressing recipe tastes so much better than store-bought versions, and it is a lot healthier for you, too. This recipe combines homemade mayo with Worcestershire, Dijon, fresh lemon juice, savory garlic, and lots of umami flavor from the anchovies and parmesan cheese to make the perfect caesar salad.

    A jar of homemade caesar dressing with fresh garlic bulbs next to it and a salt and pepper cellar behind it.
    Table of Contents show
    Ingredients in Homemade Caesar Dressing
    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
    How to make Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
    Recipe Tips and Variations
    Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips
    More Condiment Recipes
    Homemade Caesar Dressing

    Ingredients in Homemade Caesar Dressing

    A mixing bowl with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dijon, anchovies and garlic in it.

    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

    • Mayonnaise: For this homemade caesar dressing recipe, you can start with a base of store-bought mayo or use homemade. I definitely recommend making your own Homemade Avocado Oil Mayonnaise.
    • Anchovies: Anchovies in homemade Caesar dressing add a rich umami flavor, saltiness, and depth, enhancing the complexity of the dressing. They balance the tanginess of the lemon juice and the richness of Parmesan cheese. Using anchovy paste or finely mining the anchovies ensures a subtle presence in the dressing.
    • Garlic: I believe garlic is something that should be measured with your heart. The recipe as written calls for 4 cloves, but I usually use 6 cloves. You can also substitute garlic paste, dried minced garlic, garlic powder, granulated garlic, jarred garlic, etc. Go with what you have on hand.
    • Lemon Juice: Again, fresh is best, but bottle lemon juice will work just fine. You can also substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
    • Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce in the Caesar salad dressing imparts a savory, slightly tangy flavor. You can substitute with soy sauce, coconut aminos, or a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
    • Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor to the dressing. You can substitute it with Pecorino Romano cheese. For a dairy free version, omit the parmesan cheese or substitute it with 2 to 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
    • Dijon Mustard: The Dijon mustard adds a nice tang to the dressing. You can also substitute with spicy brown mustard, stone ground mustard, or even yellow mustard.

    How to make Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

    Step by step photos for how to make a homemade Caesar dressing recipe

    Making the best caesar dressing from scratch is really simple... especially if you are starting with mayonnaise as the base. (Try my Roasted Garlic Mayo)

    Traditional table-side classic caesar in a restaurant would start with egg yolk being whisked with dijon and lemon juice until it is a thick paste, and then slowly whisking in the olive oil a little at a time.

    But this version is so much easier because it starts with mayo, which is already an emulsion of egg and oil. Simply add all of your ingredients to a bowl and mix!

    A caesar salad, topped with air-fryer salmon and lots of fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

    Recipe Tips and Variations

    • Storage: Store Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (I use these jars and lids)
    • Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the anchovies. To replace that umami flavor that the anchovies provide, you can add extra parmesan cheese (to taste) or ½ teaspoon of umami powder.
    • Make it Dairy Free: For a dairy free caesar salad dressing version, simply omit the parmesan cheese, or substitute it with 2 to 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
    • Make it Egg Free: For an egg free caesar dressing, you can use a store-bought egg free mayo as the base.
    • Thin it out: This is a very thick dressing. If you prefer it a little thinner, you can add water, a little at a time, until you have reached your desired consistency.
    A jar of homemade caesar dressing with fresh garlic bulbs next to it and a salt and pepper cellar behind it.

    Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips

    Do you have to use anchovies in Caesar dressing?

    You can omit the anchovies if you're not a fan. The dressing will still be delicious, but it might not have the same traditional Caesar dressing flavor.

    How long does homemade Caesar dressing last in the refrigerator?

    This can be stored for up to 2 weeks. However, I think it will be gone well before then.

    How do you make a dairy free caesar dressing?

    To make dairy free caesar dressing, simply omit the parmesan cheese or substitute it for a little nutritional yeast.

    More Condiment Recipes

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    This recipe is just one of over 100 quick and easy recipes in my new cookbook - Simply Delicious. It's full of slow cooker, one pot, 30 minute, air fryer, and sheet pan recipes.

    ORDER A COPY HERE

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    A jar of homemade caesar dressing with fresh garlic bulbs next to it and a salt and pepper cellar behind it.

    Homemade Caesar Dressing


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    • Author: Kyndra Holley
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
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    Description

    Extra creamy and bursting with flavor, this Homemade Caesar Dressing recipe tastes so much better than store-bought versions, and it is a lot healthier for you, too. This recipe combines homemade mayo with Worcestershire, Dijon, fresh lemon juice, savory garlic, and lots of umami flavor from the anchovies and parmesan cheese to make the perfect caesar salad.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup mayonnaise, store-bought or homemade
    • ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 anchovy fillets, minced
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions

    1. Put all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Category: Salad Dressing Recipes
    • Method: Mixing
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
    • Calories: 182
    • Fat: 22g
    • Carbohydrates: 1g
    • Fiber: .2g
    • Protein: 1g

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    Kyndra Holley - International Best Selling Cookbook Author, and the face behind this blog and Peace Love and Low Carb. When I am not hard at work creating recipes and healthy living content, I can be found exploring the world, playing with our 5 crazy pups, hiking, or just kicking back and relaxing with a cup of coffee and a good book.

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