Easy Caesar Salad Dressing

This Caesar salad dressing keeps the familiar flavor of the classic version but uses simple pantry ingredients and skips eggs and anchovies. The result is a smooth, balanced dressing that comes together quickly and works well for everyday meals. The mayonnaise provides body, the lemon adds brightness, and the Worcestershire sauce introduces just enough savory depth to mimic traditional Caesar character.

It’s ideal for tossing with crisp romaine, croutons, and Parmesan, but also works beautifully as a dip, sandwich spread, or drizzle for grilled vegetables. Once you try this version, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

What I Love About This Recipe

• No raw eggs or anchovies. This simplifies the ingredient list and makes the dressing approachable for more households. You still get familiar Caesar notes from Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Parmesan without handling specialty ingredients.
• Quick to prepare. The ingredients whisk together in minutes, and the texture smooths out nicely as the oil incorporates. It’s a dependable recipe for busy days or last-minute salads.
• Balanced flavor. The lemon, garlic, Worcestershire, and Parmesan work together to create a dressing that’s tangy without being sharp and savory without being heavy. You can easily adjust the lemon or garlic depending on your taste.
• Consistent texture. Mayonnaise creates a stable base, so the dressing stays creamy even after chilling. This makes it reliable for meal prep and make-ahead entertaining.
• Versatile use. In addition to Caesar salads, the dressing works well on grain bowls, chicken salads, sandwiches, or as a dip for raw vegetables.

Ingredient Notes

• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Use full-fat for best flavor and texture.
• Garlic: Freshly grated or finely minced garlic adds punch.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and tang—use freshly squeezed if possible.
• Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami and a bit of complexity.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral oil like safflower or canola ensures a smooth texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives this dressing its signature flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste—fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper work best.

Steps to Make Caesar Salad Dressing

1. Whisk the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings together until smooth. Starting with these ingredients helps them blend evenly.
2. Stream in the oil slowly while whisking. This helps the dressing emulsify and prevents it from becoming too thin.
3. Stir in the Parmesan, allowing it to soften slightly into the dressing as you mix.
4. Taste and adjust the lemon, salt, or pepper as needed. The flavors continue to develop as the dressing rests.
5. Refrigerate the dressing to let it thicken and mellow before using it on salads or as a dip.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Caesar: Top with grilled or fried chicken slices or rotisserie chicken shreds.
• Kale: Substitute kale for the lettuce for a nutrient-dense alternative. Massage the kale with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice before adding the dressing.
• Seafood: Incorporated seasoned grilled or sautéed shrimp or scallops.
• Avocado: Top the salad with avocado slices for extra creaminess and healthy fat.
• Pasta: Toss the salad with some cooled cooked pasta and enough dressing to make it creamy. Top with croutons and shredded Parmesan.
• Bacon: Add crisp, cooked, crumbled bacon before serving for a savory crunch.
• Lettuce: Romaine is traditional, but any crisp lettuce is fine.

What to Serve With Caesar Salad

• Steak: A juicy, tender steak pairs well with the crisp texture and tangy dressing.
• Grilled Chicken: Flavorful grilled chicken complements the savory notes of Caesar salad.
• Pasta: Pasta dishes like shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, a roasted garlic pasta, or cacio e pepe.
• Soups: A creamy tomato soup or hearty minestrone pair well with the crisp, flavorful salad.
• Bread: Serve the salad with a crusty focaccia or garlic bread.