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–+ servings
Caesar dressing in a jar with a spoon coming out.

Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Chef Ryan Littley
Our Caesar salad dressing recipe is easy to make using simple ingredients. It's creamy, tangy, and full of bold garlic-Parmesan flavor.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 295 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons garlic minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons anchovy paste or whole anchovies mashed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add the mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Romano cheese, sea salt, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl or container.
  • Use an immersion blender or whisk to mix the ingredients.
  • Continue to blend the creamy mixture and slowly pour the olive oil into the container while continuing to mix.
  • For best results, allow it to rest for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Video

Notes

Recipe Variations
  • No-Anchovy Version: Use a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for similar umami depth.
  • Avocado Caesar: Blend in ½ avocado for a creamy, green twist.
  • Greek Caesar: Add crumbled feta and a splash of red wine vinegar.
  • Spicy Caesar: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a kick
  • Smoky Caesar: Blend in a touch of smoked sea salt or roasted garlic for a deeper, smoky edge.
  • Truffle Caesar: Add a few drops of truffle oil for a luxurious upgrade.
 
Chef Tips
  • For a more authentic flavor, use a mortar and pestle or small food processor to mash the anchovies and garlic into a paste for the smoothest texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor and a hint of smokiness.
  • No Anchovy Version: Skip the anchovies and add a little fish sauce for a mild umami flavor.
  • Upscale Version: Finish with a drizzle of white anchovy oil or aged Parmigiano Reggiano for restaurant-quality flair.
 
Flavor Pairing Guide
Caesar dressing isn't just for salad; it's a flavor bomb that elevates everything it touches. Its creamy, garlicky tang pairs beautifully with:
  • Grilled chicken - the smoky char plays perfectly with the dressing's bold flavor.
  • Steak or shrimp - it adds a rich, savory counterpoint.
  • Roasted vegetables - drizzle over asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes.
  • Pasta salads - toss with penne or rotini for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Wraps and sandwiches - use instead of mayo for a zesty kick.
Think beyond lettuce. This dressing was made to make good food even better. Pair it with
  • Grilled romaine hearts topped with shaved Parmigiano and lemon zest for that charred, smoky edge.
  • Seared tuna or salmon, where the umami depth of anchovy meets the buttery richness of fish.
  • Crispy roasted fingerling potatoes, tossed warm so the dressing melts into every crevice.
  • Crostini with prosciutto and arugula, lightly drizzled over them, for a gourmet appetizer.
  • Savory grain bowls with farro, chickpeas, and shaved fennel. It brings creamy balance to earthy flavors.
 
Wine Pairing
  • A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness beautifully.
  • Try a Vermentino from Sardinia or a Gavi from Piedmont. The bright acidity with a clean finish complements the salty tang of the cheese and anchovy.
 
How to Store
Store refrigerated in a sealed jar for 5-7 days. The dressing does not freeze well.
If it separates, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water or olive oil to bring it back together.
 
Can I make the dressing without anchovies?
Yes, you can, but you'll lose that signature umami depth of flavor.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors get better after a few hours in the fridge.
What kind of cheese works best?
We used grated Romano cheese, but for the classic restaurant taste, use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
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Nutrition

Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 518mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 0.4mg
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