Easy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe (2024)

This recipe is: dairy freeegg freegluten freenut free

Skip the heavy, creamy dressing and make this easy, Caesar vinaigrette instead. This homemade caesar salad dressing recipe only takes a few minutes and it’s egg and dairy free.

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Easy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe (1)

This is the best Caesar salad dressing recipe

I have a major love-hate relationship with salad. I’m not sure why, but I go through major phases of wanting to eat salad everyday to avoidingit like the plague. I seriously can’t decide how I feel about it. Though, I will say that I think dressing is a major contributing factor.

I’m pretty against bottled dressing even though it’s inevitable that I’ll have to use one every now and then, and I’m really picky about having my salad dressed. I’m not a fan of putting my dressing on at the table. I know it seems like there isn’t much of a difference, but it seems huge to me.

So I try to make homemade dressing whenever I can. It’s not all that hard, and it makes such an impact on the flavor of a salad.

Easy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe (2)

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

Easy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe (6)

Why you’ll love this caesar dressing

  • Now, I know caesar dressing can be a bit controversial. There’s so many stances you can take on the subject – creamy vs. non-creamy, anchovies or not, and is there seriously supposed to be raw egg in this.
  • I’m actually onboard with all of them (I’m not about to do the whole raw egg thing just out of laziness). But, I have to say, a caesar vinaigrette with anchovies is by far my favorite.
  • And, it’s so easy to make. The secret is anchovy paste. Ok, it’s not actually a secret, but it’s quite a time saver and gives you the flavor you’re looking for from the anchovies without having to actually chop up those squishy little filets.

This recipe makes enough for 1 really big salad or two average sized ones.

Easy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe (7)

Everything you need to know about recipe name

What can I substitute for anchovies in Caesar dressing?

I like to use anchovy paste to add this particular flavor to caesar dressing. This is easily kept in the fridge and can be added to all sorts of things for adding salty, fishy flavor. Whole anchovy fillets can be pureed, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce or even capers can be substituted as an alternative to anchovy paste.

Do all Caesar dressings have anchovies?

Traditionally Caesar dressing does include anchovies or anchovy paste, and you won’t quite get the flavor right without it.

More salad dressing recipes:

  • Dijon vinaigrette
  • Homemade ranch dressing
  • Thousand island dressing
  • Ginger dressing
  • Cilantro dressing

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Easy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe (8)

Caesar Salad Dressing

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4.7 from 6 reviews

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Skip the heavy, creamy dressing and make this easy, Caesar vinaigrette instead. This homemade caesar salad dressing recipe only takes a few minutes and contains no raw egg. Plus, it’s healthy, dairy free and paleo friendly so you can enjoy it whenever you want.

  • Author: Melissa Belanger
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 23 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon anchovy paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk together dressing ingredients until the oil has emulsified.
  2. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 176
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 498.7 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 2.6 mg

Published: June 8, 2020. Updated: October 10, 2022.

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I will never recommend a product I don’t use or trust.

Easy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe (9)

Melissa Belanger

Melissa Belanger is the founder and food-obsessed visionary behind Simply Whisked, where she creates dairy free recipes with simple ingredients. She lives in Wisconsin with her milk-allergic husband and two kids. Melissa's experience in developing dairy free recipes is unparalleled and she strives to make dairy-free living accessible and enjoyable. In addition to running Simply Whisked, Melissa also manages two other publications: Another co*cktail Blog, a co*cktail recipe website, and The Pasta Twins, a joint venture with her twin sister.

Easy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the original Caesar dressing made of? ›

The dressing was made with raw egg yolks, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. All these fresh ingredients give the salad a unique, satisfying flavor that's hard to beat. American influences: The original Caesar salad made in Tijuana was created during Prohibition in the 1920s.

What are the two types of Caesar dressing? ›

Caesar salad dressing comes in a few basic forms. First, some are creamy, like ranch dressing, while others are more like vinaigrette, with a visible separation of oil and water-based ingredients.

How to make Caesar salad dressing Jamie Oliver? ›

For the Caesar dressing, finely grate the Parmesan into a bowl, add the mustard, Worcestershire sauce and yoghurt, and whisk to combine. Squeeze in the lemon juice, add 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and mix again. Taste and season to perfection, loosening with a splash of water, if needed.

Does Caesar salad dressing contain vinegar? ›

Knowing how to make caesar salad dressing is the most involved part, really, but even that is super quick and easy. Like most salad dressings, homemade caesar salad dressing is made from an emulsified combination of oil, vinegar, and some seasonings.

Why does Caesar dressing taste so good? ›

Pungent but not too strong, Caesar dressing comes together easily with a lineup of common ingredients—eggs and oil (or an even easier option, mayonnaise); garlic; lemon or white wine vinegar; a splash of Worcestershire; a dollop of Dijon; and ideally, a few anchovies.

How long does homemade Caesar dressing last? ›

You can omit the anchovies if you're not a fan. The dressing will still be delicious, but it might not have the same traditional Caesar dressing flavor. How long does homemade Caesar dressing last in the refrigerator? This can be stored for up to 2 weeks.

Does Real Caesar dressing have anchovies in it? ›

Definitely not your average salad dressing, it's full of flavor-packed ingredients that give it its distinctive taste. And yes, the rumors are true, caesar dressing has anchovies! This is actually an essential ingredient, and gives the dressing a super-charge of mouthwatering umami flavor.

What is in Panera Caesar dressing? ›

Soybean Oil, Water, Egg Yolk, Worcestershire Sauce (Distilled White Vinegar, Anchovies, Garlic, Molasses, Onion, Salt, Sugar, Water, Chili Pepper Extract, Cloves, Natural Flavorings, Tamarind Extract), Red Wine Vinegar, Garlic (Garlic, Water, Citric Acid), Garlic Juice (Garlic, Vinegar, Salt), Anchovy Paste (Anchovies, ...

Can you buy Caesar dressing without anchovies? ›

Gotham Greens offers two different types of Caesar salad dressing, and lucky for us, one of them is totally vegan. Made with miso and Dijon mustard, the dressing also works as a great dip choice thanks to its rich flavor and “peppery kick.”

What is Romano Caesar dressing? ›

Fit for an emperor! This creamy and flavorful favorite has every bit of the traditional flavor of Caesar, but without the eggs and anchovies. Spread this dressing on a wrap with grilled chicken and fresh greens to create the perfect grilled chicken Caesar wrap!

What is the formula for salad dressing? ›

Vinaigrettes, or vinegar-based dressings, are almost always made in a ratio of 1 part acid to 3 or, for less astringent flavor, 4 parts oil. ACID: Traditionally, vinaigrettes are made with vinegar, often one derived from wine.

Why is my Caesar dressing not thickening? ›

The key to a thicker dressing is to slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking vigorously. This keeps the dressing emulsified and also helps incorporate more air into the dressing to help it thicken up. It will get even thicker in the refrigerator as the oil cools.

Does all Caesar dressing have anchovies? ›

Does Caesar Salad Dressing Have Anchovies In It? While anchovy fish or anchovy paste is an ingredient in some Caesar salad dressing recipes, the original recipe did not use this particularly pungent ingredient. You can make this creamy dressing without any fish at all, or use a different type altogether if you prefer.

Does Caesar dressing really have anchovies? ›

Definitely not your average salad dressing, it's full of flavor-packed ingredients that give it its distinctive taste. And yes, the rumors are true, caesar dressing has anchovies! This is actually an essential ingredient, and gives the dressing a super-charge of mouthwatering umami flavor.

Which ingredient is not commonly found in a Caesar salad? ›

The ingredient typically not found in a classic Caesar salad is Iceberg lettuce. A traditional Caesar salad, made primarily of romaine lettuce, doesn't include iceberg lettuce. It may vary in different recipes.

What is a Caesar dressing? ›

Caesar dressing is a pleasant melange of lemon juice, olive oil, egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. You can remember it by using the helpful acronym LJOOEYWSAGDMPCBP. Nice and simple!

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