Quick Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing (with Anchovies)

My Quick Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing is made with the classic Caesar flavors of lemon, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy, Dijon mustard and fresh parmesan.

Hail Caesar!

My Easy Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing is simple and simply perfect. A bright, flavorful dressing made with the classic Caesar flavors of lemon, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy, Dijon mustard and fresh parmesan, it’s ready to pour over your favorite Caesar salad in a matter of minutes!

Fresher is Better!

Store bought is great for convenience, but I love having the option to make my favorite salad dressings at home. My homemade ranch dressing is a must-try. And this caesar dressing is just too easy and too delicious to settle for anything less. It’s so flavorful and fresh.

A classic Caesar dressing is all about contrasting flavors. Umami (a savory flavor) and salt from the anchovy and Worcestershire sauce, the acidic tang from the fresh lemon juice, and the earthiness of parmesan and garlic. All together, the flavors make that strong, unmistakable Caesar dressing we love pouring over our favorite Caesar salad (or a scrumptious chicken caesar pasta salad), or dipping a Hot Honey Chicken Caesar Wrap in. Whatever you’re using it for, you’d better make extra!

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

• Garlic cloves: gives the dressing its bold, savory bite and classic Caesar flavor. In a pinch, you could use about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, though fresh garlic gives the dressing a much better flavor. Mince or lightly chop before adding to the blender to avoid chunks in the dressing.
• Fresh lemon juice: adds bright acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and Parmesan. Freshly squeezed is key as bottled lemon juice lacks vibrancy.
• Anchovy fillets: add salty, savory umami that gives Caesar dressing its signature depth of flavor. Anchovy paste is the easiest swap; use about 1 teaspoon in place of the two fillets, but I don’t recommend skipping the anchovy altogether as it’s what makes Caesar dressing taste authentic.
• Dijon mustard: adds tang, subtle sharpness, and helps bring the creamy dressing together.
• Worcestershire sauce: adds another layer of savory, tangy umami that deepens the dressing’s flavor. A little goes a long way so don’t overdo it.
• Mayonnaise: creates the thick, rich, creamy base of the dressing. I use a good quality light mayo and it tastes so great!
• Black pepper: adds a little warmth and peppery bite that complements the garlic, Parmesan, and anchovy. Use freshly ground for better flavor than pre-ground pepper.
• Kosher salt: enhances and balances all the other flavors in the dressing.
• Parmesan cheese: adds salty, nutty flavor, extra umami, and body to the finished dressing. A medium grate on the Parmesan works best as it gives you great coverage and just the right bite without overpowering the other ingredients. Pecorino Romano can work, but it’s sharper and saltier, so you may want to reduce the added salt. Use freshly grated for best flavor and texture over pre-grated.

Supplies:

• Food processor or blender

How to Make Homemade Caesar Dressing

• Add all ingredients, except the parmesan cheese, to a blender or food processor.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Add grated Parmesan and blend again until incorporated and smooth.
• Taste and adjust salt, pepper, lemon, or anchovy as desired.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

Storage

Store leftover salad dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Stir well before serving. I generally do not recommend freezing as separation can occur.

If you make my Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

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