Creamy, tangy, and full of bold umami flavor, this Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing is the kind of recipe that makes you question ever buying store-bought again. Made with just a handful of everyday ingredients, it transforms your salads with a silky texture and deeply savory taste. Perfect for crisp romaine, drizzled over grilled chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.

Unlike bottled versions, this homemade dressing is rich with fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, sharp Parmesan, and the unmistakable kick of Dijon and anchovies. It blends in minutes and keeps in the fridge for days, making it a reliable favorite for weeknight dinners or fancy gatherings.

What Anchovy Should I Use in Caesar Dressing?

While fresh anchovy fillets can be used if you have them, the most common choice is oil-packed anchovy fillets from a jar or can. They melt beautifully into the dressing and add that classic briny punch. If you’re not a fan of handling fillets, anchovy paste is a great shortcut.

Ingredients for the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

Anchovy Fillets – These are essential for that signature savory, umami depth. A little goes a long way.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings a spicy sharpness that balances the richness.

Egg Yolk – Acts as an emulsifier, giving the dressing its creamy consistency.

Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and helps stabilize the emulsion.

Worcestershire Sauce – Boosts the umami and adds complexity.

Lemon Juice – Provides brightness and balances the salty elements.

Olive Oil – The base fat that brings everything together in a silky, pourable texture.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is best for the boldest flavor.

Salt & Black Pepper – Just enough to enhance all the other ingredients.

How To Make the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Base

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1-2 mashed anchovy fillets. Mix until smooth.

Step 2: Add the Acidity

Whisk in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. This starts to build the dressing’s signature tang.

Step 3: Emulsify

While continuously whisking, very slowly drizzle in ½ cup olive oil. The dressing will thicken as it emulsifies into a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve over romaine lettuce, with croutons and extra Parmesan for the classic Caesar salad experience.

Tips for Serving and Storing This Dressing

Keep your dressing in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it separates slightly, a quick stir or shake will bring it back to life. This dressing is also fantastic as a spread on sandwiches or a creamy dip for roasted veggies.

What to Serve With Caesar Dressing?

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Juicy grilled chicken on a bed of romaine with a generous drizzle of dressing makes for a satisfying meal.

Caesar Pasta Salad

Toss cooked pasta with Caesar dressing, cherry tomatoes, and greens for a hearty twist.

Shrimp Caesar Lettuce Cups

Crisp lettuce leaves filled with shrimp, avocado, and a dollop of dressing make for a refreshing appetizer.

Garlic Croutons

Homemade croutons tossed with garlic and butter taste even better with this dressing.

Roasted Potatoes

Use the dressing as a creamy dip for roasted baby potatoes – perfect for parties.

Steak or Burger Topping

Add a dollop on your next steak or burger instead of mayo for a gourmet upgrade.

Want More Dressing Ideas with Big Flavor?

If you’re a fan of bold, creamy sauces like this one, you’ll love diving into these flavor-packed favorites from Savor Queen:

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Garlic Butter Fettuccine for a rich and hearty dinner.
Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce when you want seafood that sings with spice.
Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken if you’re looking for a slow-cooked comfort food.
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins to balance your savory with sweet.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy for ultimate comfort and convenience.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this creamy Caesar dressing recipe to your go-to Pinterest board so it’s right there when that salad craving strikes.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a roasted garlic swap or a spicy kick of Sriracha? Drop your ideas or tweaks in the comments below – I love hearing how others make it their own!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen on Pinterest. You never know which easy recipe or dinner idea will become your next obsession!

Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup

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Description

Turn your everyday salad into a restaurant-style favorite with this *Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing*. This easy recipe delivers a creamy, tangy punch with fresh garlic, egg yolk, anchovies, and Parmesan. Forget store-bought—this dressing is rich, flavorful, and ready in minutes. It’s perfect for quick lunch salads, weeknight dinners, and even as a dip or sandwich spread. Whether you’re meal prepping or entertaining, this easy recipe adds a gourmet touch. A must-have for anyone who loves healthy snacks, dinner ideas, or classic Caesar salad flavor with fresh ingredients and bold taste.