Creamy Caesar Dressing

Name: Creamy Caesar Dressing (Homemade Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 anchovy fillets, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Romaine lettuce, for serving

This creamy Caesar dressing combines mayonnaise, anchovy fillets, fresh garlic, and lemon juice for a thick, restaurant-quality sauce that's garlicky, tangy, and perfectly salty. Ready in under 10 minutes and far superior to store-bought versions.

🌍American 🏷️Caesar dressing 🏷️Salad dressing 🏷️Creamy 🏷️Cheesy Garlicky

🏷️

🏷️Parmesan

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TikTok

Total

5 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 anchovy fillets, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Romaine lettuce, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced anchovy fillets, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
2
Season with freshly ground black pepper.
3
Stir everything together until well combined and smooth.
4
Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
5
Stir again until the cheese is fully incorporated into the dressing.
6
Serve immediately as a dip with romaine lettuce or toss with a salad.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Mince anchovies and garlic into a fine paste before stirring into mayo—this prevents chunks and ensures smooth, even distribution.
Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go; acidity varies by lemon, and you can always add more but cannot remove it.
Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-grated powder; the texture and flavor are noticeably superior and won't clump in the mayo base.
For a thinner consistency, whisk in water or extra lemon juice 1 tbsp at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Substitutions

Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt (tangier, slightly less rich; use 3/4 cup yogurt + 1/4 cup mayo for balance)
Dijon mustard → whole-grain mustard (more texture, earthier flavor)
Fresh lemon juice → white wine vinegar (sharper acidity; use 1.5 tbsp)
Parmesan → Pecorino Romano (saltier, sharper)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Thin with water or lemon juice if it thickens. Do not freeze.

Common Questions

Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?

Yes. Replace anchovies with 1 tsp anchovy paste, or omit entirely and increase Worcestershire sauce to 3 tbsp for umami depth. The dressing will be milder but still flavorful.

How long does homemade Caesar dressing keep?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving; thin with water or extra lemon juice if it thickens.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?

Yes. All ingredients scale proportionally. Halve the recipe for 1/2 cup dressing, or double it for 2 cups. Taste and adjust garlic, lemon, and salt to preference.

What's the best way to mince anchovies and garlic for this dressing?

Mince anchovies finely on a cutting board, then mash with the flat of your knife into a paste. Mince garlic the same way. This releases oils and ensures even distribution throughout the mayo base.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly preferred for brightness and flavor. Bottled juice will work in a pinch but lacks the acidity and aroma; use the same amount but taste and adjust.