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Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe

4.5 from 130 reviews

This Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing is a rich and creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for drizzling over crisp romaine lettuce or using as a flavorful dip, this dressing combines savory, tangy, and umami notes for an authentic Caesar salad experience in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Caesar Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • 1 ½ teaspoons anchovy paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 12 teaspoons water (optional, to thin if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Garlic and Anchovy Paste: Grate or finely mince the garlic and mix it with the anchovy paste until smooth, creating a flavorful base for the dressing.
  2. Add Mustard and Worcestershire Sauce: Whisk in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce with the garlic-anchovy mixture until well combined and smooth.
  3. Add Mayonnaise and Lemon Juice: Stir in the mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice, whisking the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
  4. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Fold the finely grated Parmesan cheese gently into the dressing to add a rich, savory flavor and slight texture.
  5. Season the Dressing: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
  6. Adjust Consistency if Needed: If the dressing feels too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water and whisk again until the desired consistency is reached.
  7. Chill or Serve: For best flavor, chill the dressing in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes before serving; alternatively, use immediately.

Notes

  • For a thinner dressing, gradually add water until desired consistency is achieved.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, tangy flavor.
  • Anchovy paste is key for the authentic umami taste—do not omit unless substituting with a similar salty ingredient.
  • You can store this dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Adjust salt carefully, as Parmesan cheese and anchovy paste already contribute saltiness.

Keywords: Caesar dressing, homemade Caesar dressing, easy Caesar salad dressing, creamy salad dressing, anchovy dressing, Parmesan dressing, mayonnaise dressing