The Best Homemade Caesar Dressing (Garlicky & Easy!)

If you’ve been searching for the best homemade Caesar dressing, this bold and creamy version will be your new go-to. Made with real ingredients and a garlicky punch, it’s far better than anything you’ll find in a bottle.

This has to be one of my favorite recipe creations I’ve made. It is so delicious and easy to whip up with such clean ingredients. Who doesn’t love a classic Caesar salad. It pairs well with almost any meal or with some protein for a meal on its own. It is made with all real ingredients- no preservatives or yucky stuff added. You will be hooked and never want that store-bought bottle again.

Why You’ll Love this Caesar Dressing

• Bold, garlicky flavor (we use 3 cloves!)
• Quick and easy to make
• Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
• No raw egg or complicated steps
• Perfect for salads, wraps, and more

Ingredients Breakdown

• Mayonnaise – creamy and rich base
• Grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty flavor
• Garlic cloves, minced – bold flavor that makes this dressing pop
• Anchovy paste (optional) – for authentic umami
• Fresh lemon juice – brightens and balances
• Dijon mustard – subtle tang and depth
• Worcestershire sauce – adds a savory kick
• salt + black pepper – simple seasonings to add more flavor
• Water – adjust to get your perfect consistency

How to Make Homemade Caesar Dressing

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, anchovy paste (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. I like mine thick enough to coat salad leaves well, but not too heavy.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. More lemon for tang, more Parmesan for richness, or more garlic if you’re like me and just can’t get enough!

4. Enjoy your dressing or store it in an airtight container.

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Use fresh garlic – It makes all the difference!
• Don’t skip the lemon juice – Squeeze a lemon because bottled just doesn’t compare
• Blend for extra smoothness – If you like a smooth dressing you can use an immersion blender to blend.
• Make it ahead – The flavor gets even better after a few hours in the fridge.

How to Use Caesar Dressing

Of course, it’s amazing tossed with crisp romaine and crunchy croutons, but here are some other ways to try it:

• As a dip for fresh veggies
• Drizzled over grilled chicken or steak
• In a wrap or sandwich for a flavorful spread
• Mixed with pasta and chopped greens for a quick Caesar pasta salad
• Make a rollup with cheese and turkey and add some dressing to up the flavor

Storage Instructions

Store leftover dressing in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just give it a quick stir before using. (Though I doubt it’ll last that long!)

Recipe Variations

• No anchovies? No problem. Just skip them—it’s still delicious!
• Dairy-free? Use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or leave it out
• Add a little spice with extra black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes
• Want a lighter version? Try subbing half the mayo with Greek yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies? 
Yes! It still tastes amazing without them, though you lose a bit of that signature depth and flavor.

Can I use bottled lemon juice? 
Fresh is best, but if bottled is all you have, it’ll work in a pinch.

How long does homemade Caesar dressing last? 
Up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container.

Is this dressing gluten-free? 
Yes, just double-check your Worcestershire sauce and Parmesan to be sure they’re gluten-free.

More Delicious Condiments and Sauce Recipes

• The Best Homemade Ranch Dressing
• Simple Homemade Chocolate Syrup
• Easier and Healthier Homemade Mayo

If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!

Best Homemade Caesar Dressing

This is the best homemade Caesar dressing—creamy, garlicky, and full of bold flavor. Made in minutes with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for salads, wraps, and more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course: condiment

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp anchovy paste optional
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 –4 tbsp water to thin as needed

Method

 

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, anchovy paste (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Enjoy or Store in airtight container for up to a week in the fridge.

Notes

• Fresh garlic makes all the difference if you want that bold Caesar flavor.
• Leave out the anchovies for a milder taste; it’s still delicious!
• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
• This dressing also makes a great dip, spread, or pasta salad sauce.