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This homemade creamy caesar dressing is the last caesar dressing recipe you will ever need. It’s rich in umami flavors, speckled with black pepper, and has just the right amount of salty tang.
This creamy caesar salad dressing is the perfect balance of tangy, tart, and creamy. It’s inspired by the Cheesecake Factory’s beloved recipe and it’s seriously foolproof. What’s better? It’s super simple to make. All you have to do is whisk or blend the ingredients together and that’s that.
Whether you’re obsessed with a good, old-fashioned caesar or you love having homemade dressing on hand, mastering this dressing will save you from relying on store-bought varieties. You can add more or less garlic, go heavy on the lemon, or add more parmesan cheese as you see fit.
How to Make Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing
Making creamy caesar dressing couldn’t be any easier. All you have to do is mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate the dressing to let it develop. Below, find a brief overview of the recipe before you get to mixing.
- Whisk/Blend the Dressing: Whisk together the lemon juice, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pressed garlic, parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
- Add the mayonnaise and whisk until well-combined. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Toss in your favorite salads or use the dressing as a tangy dipping sauce!
Hot Tip: If you’re blending the dressing, add in your fresh cracked pepper afterward. You don’t want the blender to break apart all the pretty peppercorn kernels!
Tips for Making the Best Caesar Salad Dressing
Below, find some quick-hitter tips to help you make the best dressing.
- Use fresh lemon juice versus bottled. Bottled lemon juice tends to have additives that dilute the natural lemon flavor.
- Use fresh cracked pepper. Fresh cracked pepper not only adds more flavor, it adds a pretty, speckled appearance to the dressing.
- Press the garlic versus mincing it. Pressing the garlic will prevent you from getting chunks of raw garlic.
- Grate your parmesan off the block. Grate the parmigiano reggiano by hand versus buying it pre-shredded. Block cheese touts so much more flavor and natural oils!
Serving Caesar Salad Dressing
The most obvious way to serve creamy caesar salad dressing is mixed into a traditional caesar salad. Using two spoons, toss the dressing into crunchy romaine, garlicky croutons, and thick shaved parmesan. Yum! Although caesar salad is the most traditional use of caesar dressing, its not the only place that it’s delicious. You can use it as a spread for fresh deli wraps or sandwiches, as well as a dipping sauce for air fryer french fries or air fryer zucchini fries. Use it anywhere you would use ranch dressing for an extra zing of flavor!
Storing Caesar Salad Dressing
Store leftover caesar dressing in an airtight container or sealable canning jar. It should last for up to 10 days. What’s better? The flavor will continue to develop as it marinates in the refrigerator. Make two to three batches at a time for a quick salad or dip!
FAQ
Do all caesar salad dressings have anchovies?
All caesar salad dressings do not require anchovies. In fact, this recipe brings in the signature tang with lemon juice, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Do all caesar salad dressings require raw eggs?
Not all caesar salad dressings require raw eggs. In this recipe, the mayonnaise will make it creamy enough without the need to fuss around with raw egg.
Is there a way to make this dressing less creamy?
To make this dressing less creamy increase the amount of lemon juice or use a lighter mayo.
Can I blend the dressing instead of whisking it?
You can blend the caesar dressing versus whisking it. It’s up to you!
How long with this dressing last?
This creamy caesar dressing will last up to two weeks when stored correctly. Keep it in an airtight container or a sealable canning jar to ensure it doesn’t absorb any lingering smells in your refrigerator.
Other Yummy Salad Dressings
- Light Ranch Dressing Recipe – Guilt-free ranch
- Beet Salad Dressing – Balsamic and dijon dressing
- China Coast Dressing – Teriyaki salad dressing
Recipe
Homemade Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing
Print Pin
Servings
8 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
This homemade creamy caesar dressing is rich in umami flavors, speckled with black pepper, and has just the right amount of salty tang.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 garlic cloves pressed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
US Units – Metric
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pressed garlic, parmesan cheese, and black pepper until well blended.
Add the mayonnaise and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing
Amount Per Serving
Calories 219 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g35%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 13g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 16mg5%
Sodium 365mg15%
Potassium 28mg1%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 69IU1%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 80mg8%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted September 1, 2021
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Leah Renee MooreApr 14, 2024 This was a 10 out of a 10. This will be my once a week salad! I have missed my caesar being on keto and OMG THANK YOU FOR THIS! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 15, 2024 I'm so glad you love it as much as I do! Thanks for sharing Leah.
MaryApr 4, 2024 Could I use full fat Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise?
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 5, 2024 Hi Mary, I dont thin that would be true Caesar Salad. I havent tried making it with Greek Yogurt. If you do try it, please let me know what you think.
AnneApr 1, 2024 I LOVE this recipe. I'm not an anchovy fan but love the Ceasar dressing.
I follow it exactly and it comes out great every time.Natalya DrozhzhinApr 2, 2024 I'm the same way Anne. So happy you can enjoy a Ceasar dressing without anchovies! Thanks for sharing.
SharonMar 28, 2024 I notice no anchovies in this recipe. I have a homemade Caesar dressing with anchovies in it. To me it’s just not Caesar dressing without anchovies. It adds a lot of flavor to the dressing. I usually doubled my recipe and used about 4 anchovies. The best dressing ever.
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 29, 2024 I love that there's so many great recipes that tailor to different taste preferences! I personally prefer a more mild umami flavor in my dressing, but I'm happy you love yours with anchovies. Enjoy! 🙂
TaylorMar 26, 2024 If I purée (blend) it do I add all the ingredients at once minus the pepper?
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 26, 2024 Hey Taylor, I'd add the ground black pepper at the same time too. Enjoy!
AnneMar 10, 2024 I just made this dressing for tonight’s dinner-grilled chicken Caesar salad. It is delicious. I made it a little healthier by using my homemade mayonnaise! Can’t wait for dinner.
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 11, 2024 Sounds like my type of dinner! Yum! Thanks for sharing Anne. 🙂
MyrandaFeb 14, 2024 Amazing recipe. I’ve made it a few times and it always turns out delicious. I make mine in a small personal blender.
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 15, 2024 Thanks for sharing Myranda. I'm happy to hear you love this dressing as much as I do.
KarenOct 5, 2023 OMG this is delicious. Garlicky, creamy, easy and quick to make. Will definitely be a fave go to.
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 5, 2023 Hi Karen, It's my fav! I'm happy to hear you love it too! Enjoy!
BridgetAug 28, 2023 Can we put in anchovy paste or it’s fine without it? Just curious
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 29, 2023 Hi Bridget, The ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, dijon, and lemon juice create that tangy flavor without needing anchovy paste. If you add it to this recipe, it might be too much. Enjoy 🙂
JulieJul 17, 2023 I am so picky about Ceasar dressing and this is the absolute best I have ever had!..I just love how thick it is!
Thank you so much!Natalya DrozhzhinJul 18, 2023 Julie, I loved reading your feedback because I can relate. I literally order Caesar salad at every restaurant that makes their own dressing and I think ours is darn good. 🙂 Happy you got to try it.
LindaJul 1, 2023 This is so good. I made it with light mayonnaise and used shredded Parmesan that I ground up in my little food processor. I’m going to use it on chicken wraps for dinner tonight and I know they’re going to be awesome. Thanks for the recipe!!
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 2, 2023 Oh Linda, I love the idea of of wraps with caesar salad dressing. I am totally inspired and will be making it as well. Thanks for sharing with me. Enjoy
Brenda LJun 5, 2023 This is a perfect caesar dressing. I used shredded parmesan...makes it a bit thicker...so so good. Great for dipping veggies, too.
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 5, 2023 Hi Brenda, I am so happy to hear that you loved this recipe. We are Caesar Salad family and its always our go with with salmon. Such a great quick dinner. 🙂
Charli E.Apr 24, 2023 Super easy to make. Didn’t have everything on hand so had to substitute. The recipe doesn’t say when to add the salt so I just put it in with Mayo. Thanks.
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 24, 2023 Hi Charli, thank you for sharing your feedback with me. I am glad the recipe turned out well for you even if you didn't have everything on hand. Enjoy!
Tammy K.Apr 23, 2023 We love Caesar salad and have tried a variety of homemade dressing. I did substitute 1/2 plain yogurt for 1/2 of the mayo. This is our new favorite dressing!
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 24, 2023 Hi Tammy, I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a success. Thank you for sharing your process and feedback with me. Enjoy!
SophieApr 17, 2023 Made this last night, took only 5 mins and it was so tasty. Will never buy a shop bought one again. Thank you for sharing.
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 17, 2023 Hi Sophie, I am so pleased to hear that the recipe was a success. Thank you for sharing your feedback. Enjoy it, dear!!
ElenaApr 14, 2023 Best Caesar dressing ever!! I get asked for recipe every time!!! Thank you!!
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 15, 2023 Hi Elena, I am so glad to hear that the recipe was a success! Thank you for sharing your feedback with me! Enjoy it, dear!!
SherryApr 6, 2023 I have never left a review on a recipe, but I HAD to this time. Oh my word! This dressing is AMAZING! I'm literally eating ceasar salad for lunch and dinner every day because I can not get enough of it. I'm making a double batch this time since the last batch I made only lasted 3 days 😁 Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 7, 2023 Hi Sherry, Aw thank you so much for the kind words! You have absolutely made my day, I am so thrilled that the recipe was a success!! Enjoy it dear!
SuzyMar 24, 2023 Best Ever, ! Thank you so much, I’m making smoked salmon Cesar salad with fried baked potato chunks as croutons ! Stolen from a chef from Seattle….Yummy
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 25, 2023 Hi Suzy, Wow! That sounds incredible! Thank you for sharing. Enjoy!!
Tracy BlanchardMar 23, 2023 Omg the best ceasar dressing I've ever had I can't get enough. I have been eating salad for the last 3 days and the dressing gets better every time I am now resorting to sticking my finger in it and licking it off because I ate all my romain. Sooooo good.
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 23, 2023 Hi Tracy, I am so thrilled to hear that this recipe was a wild success. Thank you so much for sharing your feedback! Enjoy it!!
ChristineFeb 24, 2023 Is the Parmesan cheese grated (fine powder) or shredded (like Mozzarella for a pizza).
I don't mean to be picky, the instructions say grated but in the picture it looks more coarse.Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 25, 2023 Hi Christine, I use a coarser parmesan. You can either buy it pre shredded or do it at home. Thank you for clarifying! I hope this answers your question.
ChristineMar 11, 2023 Your Caesar Dressing is amazing.
A new family favourite.
Thank you.Natalya DrozhzhinMar 12, 2023 Hi Christine, I am so glad to hear that you found a recipe that you love! Thank you for sharing your feedback. Enjoy!
Amanda BellFeb 8, 2023 I found this recipe a few weeks ago when I was dying for a Cesar salad but not dressing at home.. so to Pinterest I went and found this heavenly recipe. Just used the last bit of it and off to make more!! Love how garlicky it is, and had all the ingredients on hand! Makes me want more salad!
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 8, 2023 Hi Amanda, I am so delighted that you found a recipe you love! It makes my day hearing things like this. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback! Enjoy!
KipsgirlJan 23, 2023 This recipe is fantastic! I am trying to make homemade more often (yet keep it simple). I keep a Costco container of grated Parmesan cheese in the freezer and I used that. I added a bit more garlic and about a t. of anchovy paste and whisked it all up! We all enjoyed it very much on our kale Caesar salad (with grilled chicken, bacon bits, diced cucumber and grape tomatoes). A keeper for sure!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 24, 2023 Hi there, that sounds so delicious! I like the tip of keeping the grated Parmesan cheese in the freezer, mine always goes bad in the fridge. Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. Enjoy!
KristineJan 12, 2023 Delicious! Way better than restaurants or anything you get in the stores. Especially the pride you get from knowing YOU made it!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 12, 2023 Hi Kristine, I am so thrilled to hear you love the recipe as much as I do! Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. Enjoy!
KaylaJan 4, 2023 Can this be blended for a smoother consistency?
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 5, 2023 Hi Kayla, you can absolutely blend it for a smoother consistency! Thanks for asking! Enjoy!
RaineNov 6, 2022 How long does it last in the fridge?
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 7, 2022 Hi Raine, It will last up to two weeks when stored correctly. Keep it in an airtight container or a seal-able canning jar to ensure it doesn't absorb any lingering smells in your refrigerator.
Donna DJul 31, 2022 I made this and it tasted real garlicky. I used what the recipe. How can I tone down the garlic taste?
Thanks Donna
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 31, 2022 Hi Donna- ah, I'm sorry it came out too garlicky! I would recommend adding a bit more lemon juice to see if that helps tone it down; if that doesn't work I suggest making another batch of the dressing (without the garlic though) and adding it to this garlicky batch. Hope this helps!
Cat K.May 21, 2022 Thanks for this recipe!
I'm allergic to lemon, so a quick (and smaller) splash of vinegar helped out!
It all tasted delicious!Natalya DrozhzhinMay 21, 2022 Hey Cat, thats so great to hear that you were still able to make this recipe. Thanks for that tip!
GinyMar 16, 2022 Making this tonight for the second time. Absolutely delicious!! Thank you for sharing this on your blog - our taste buds are the better for it! BTW, it is now only my husband and me, but I made the full recipe and we found a number of ways to use up this deliciousness pretty quickly!
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 16, 2022 Hi Giny- thanks so much for the feedback! There's nothing like a homemade salad dressing, right?!
DonnaMar 5, 2022 Can I substitute 1 cup mayo with 1/2 cup mayo and 1/2 cup oil so as not to be too creamy?
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 5, 2022 Hi Donna- that's a great question. I haven't tried this combination so I can't say for certain, but I think it could work. As long as you're ok with it being thinner in consistency. Hope this helps! If you give it a go, let us know how it worked out!
HalynaJan 4, 2022 Didn’t have any Dijon mustard so I didn’t use that. But still turned out so delicious!! Will continue to remake 👍🏻Thanks!!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 4, 2022 Yay! So happy it turned out well for you despite the mustard. Happy New year, Halyna!
