Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Simple Caesar Dressing

A bold, creamy Caesar you can whisk in minutes. Bright lemon, punchy garlic, salty Parmesan, and a little anchovy magic for that classic bite.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
A glass jar of creamy Caesar dressing with lemon wedges, grated Parmesan, and a whisk on a wooden kitchen counter
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Some dressings are background noise. Caesar is not one of them. A good Caesar dressing should be bright, savory, and a little bit addictive, like you keep “testing” the salad and suddenly half the bowl is gone.

This is my simple, fresh version that keeps the ingredients accessible and the steps low drama. You get that classic Caesar punch from Parmesan, garlic, and a touch of anchovy, then you balance it with lemon and a creamy base that actually clings to the leaves. No blender required, but I will not stop you from using one if that is your vibe.

Romaine lettuce being tossed in a large bowl with creamy Caesar dressing using tongs

Why It Works

  • Fast but legit: Whisked in one bowl, ready in about 10 minutes, and it tastes like you tried harder.
  • Bright and balanced: Lemon and Dijon keep the richness in check so it stays vibrant, not heavy.
  • Classic Caesar flavor: Parmesan plus a little anchovy gives you that savory, restaurant-style depth.
  • Flexible texture: Make it thick for salads or thin it with a spoonful of water for wraps and grain bowls.

Pairs Well With

  • A grilled chicken breast sliced on a cutting board with herbs

    Grilled Chicken Cutlets

  • A sheet pan of golden roasted potatoes with crispy edges

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes

  • Garlicky croutons in a skillet with a wooden spoon

    Homemade Garlic Croutons

  • A bowl of creamy tomato soup with basil on top

    Cozy Tomato Soup

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store in a sealed jar or airtight container for 5 to 7 days. The flavor actually gets better after a few hours.

Shake or whisk before using: The dressing can separate a bit as it sits. Totally normal. Give it a vigorous shake and it comes right back together.

If it thickens: Whisk in 1 to 2 teaspoons cold water or lemon juice until it is pourable again.

Freezing: I do not recommend freezing. Mayo-based dressings tend to split and get grainy after thawing.

Common Questions

Do I have to use anchovies?

No, but they are the reason Caesar tastes like Caesar. The dressing will not taste fishy, it just tastes deeper and more savory. If you are nervous, start with 1 teaspoon anchovy paste.

Can I use Worcestershire sauce instead?

Yes. Worcestershire brings a similar salty, fermented vibe. Swap in 1 to 2 teaspoons Worcestershire for the anchovy paste, then taste and adjust salt.

Is raw egg traditional in Caesar dressing?

Traditional versions often use raw egg yolk. This recipe uses mayonnaise for a safer, simpler shortcut that still gives you that creamy body.

Why did my dressing break or look oily?

Usually the oil went in too fast or the ingredients were very cold. Whisk in 1 tablespoon mayo to pull it back together, or blend for 10 seconds. Then drizzle in a splash of water to smooth it out.

How do I make it less garlicky?

Use 1 small clove instead of two, or grate the garlic on a microplane so it disperses evenly without big spicy pockets.

I started making Caesar dressing at home because I was tired of the bottle that tasted like sweet ranch wearing a tuxedo. The first time I whisked my own, I had that moment of, oh, this is what Caesar is supposed to taste like. Sharp lemon, salty Parm, and that sneaky umami that makes you go back for “one more bite” until the romaine is basically just a delivery system.