Homemade Caesar Dressing

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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.

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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.

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.

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