Ways to serve Caesar dressing
You can serve this Caesar dressing recipe in all sorts of ways, the most classic being the ubiquitous Caesar salad! We often make it into an easy dinner by topping it with a protein. Here are a few ideas: What we love about this recipe: This Caesar dressing makes authentic-tasting salad dressing in minutes, bursting with fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Drizzle it over romaine lettuce for a classic Caesar salad, or use it to elevate sandwiches, wraps, and more. We’ve also got a lighter variation using Greek yogurt—we might like it even better!
Mayonnaise: That signature savory creaminess comes from mayonnaise. Use a high-quality mayonnaise if you can: you can taste the difference. Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings in a savory saltiness. Make sure to use grated (not shredded), which melds into the creamy texture. Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brings in that signature tang. Don’t use bottled juice, since it doesn’t have the same fresh flavor as using a real lemon. Anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce: Anchovies are traditional, though the original Caesar salad used Worcestershire sauce. Both add a savory flavor, but we like anchovy paste for the most classic Caesar flavor. Fresh garlic and Dijon mustard: Fresh garlic is important; avoid using jarred or otherwise preserved garlic. Dijon rounds out the tangy, savory flavor.
Do you have to use anchovies in Caesar salad? No, but we’ve found anchovy paste really adds that sharpness of classic Caesar flavor! Or, substitute Worcestershire sauce, a vegan Worcestershire sauce or this Worcestershire sauce substitute.
No blender needed! Just whisk together the ingredients in a bowl. Use a fine grater or microplane: If you’re grating your own Parmesan cheese from a block, use a fine grater or microplane for both the garlic and the Parmesan. This helps the garlic and Parmesan melt right into the creamy texture of the dressing instead of making it chunky.
Make a Classic Caesar Salad with romaine lettuce, Parmesan shavings, and croutons. Try a Kale Caesar Salad with kale and a sprinkling of breadcrumbs. Go for a Salmon Caesar Salad by topping the salad with baked salmon, blackened salmon, or poached salmon. Mix up Chicken Caesar Salad by adding Parmesan crusted chicken or blackened chicken. Make a Shrimp Caesar Salad by adding sauteed shrimp. Make Grilled Caesar Salad by using this dressing with grilled romaine.
More homemade salad dressing recipes
Love making homemade salad dressing? Ditch the grocery store bottles and opt for making our own! Here are some of our top favorite salad dressing recipes:
Go classic with creamy ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, cilantro lime dressing, or Green Goddess dressing. Make our favorite balsamic vinaigrette, easy vinaigrette recipe, or Italian dressing. Blend up avocado dressing or raspberry vinaigrette Salad. Make tangy honey mustard dressing.
Frequently asked questions
5 from 3 reviews Vegan variation: Go to Vegan Caesar Dressing. **Anchovy paste really does add that classic Caesar flavor, but Worcestershire sauce works too (or a Worcestershire substitute). If all you can find is whole anchovy fillets, blend 2 anchovy fillets to make 1 teaspoon anchovy paste. Keep in mind that anchovy paste has added vinegar and spices and is milder in flavor.
