Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe: A Classic Made Easy at Home

There are few dishes as universally loved or consistently ordered as the iconic Caesar salad. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, a generous snowfall of Parmesan cheese… it’s a classic for a reason. But what truly sets a Caesar salad apart is the dressing — rich, creamy, tangy, salty, and utterly addictive. While many people buy bottled versions at the supermarket, nothing comes close to the flavour of a homemade Caesar salad dressing recipe crafted from fresh ingredients in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a dinner party starter, or looking to elevate your weekday meals, learning to make Caesar dressing yourself is one of those small skills with a big payoff. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the history behind the dressing, the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful variations, and expert tips to make sure your Caesar salad is unforgettable every single time.

A Quick History of the Caesar Salad

Despite its Italian-sounding name, the Caesar salad was invented in Tijuana, Mexico, in the early 1920s by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini. The story goes that during a particularly busy shift on a holiday weekend, his kitchen ran low on ingredients. Thinking fast, he tossed together a salad with what he had on hand: romaine lettuce, eggs, olive oil, Parmesan, and garlic. He served it tableside and it became an instant sensation.

Originally, anchovies were not added directly to the salad, but today their deep umami flavour is considered essential to a truly authentic dressing. Over the decades the recipe has spread across the world and evolved — but it remains a tribute to simple ingredients combined with clever culinary technique.

Why Make Caesar Dressing from Scratch?

Supermarket dressings certainly offer convenience, but they can fall short in key areas:

✅ Fresher flavour
✅ Better texture — thick and velvety, not gloopy
✅ Complete control over ingredients
✅ No preservatives or artificial stabilisers
✅ Customisable to your tastes (extra garlicky, anyone?)

Making your own dressing also turns a basic dish into something worthy of a restaurant menu — without the restaurant bill.

What You’ll Need: The Essential Ingredients

The magic of Caesar dressing lies in the balance of flavours: salty, tangy, savoury, and lightly creamy. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the table:

Anchovy fillets
These small fish pack a powerful savoury punch called umami, which gives the dressing its signature depth. If you’re unsure about anchovies — trust us, they blend in and contribute flavour rather than fishiness.

Garlic
A fresh clove is essential. Minced finely, it creates the foundation of flavour.

Egg yolk
The key to a rich, creamy texture. It emulsifies the oil like a homemade mayonnaise. (See substitutions below if you prefer to skip raw egg.)

Dijon mustard
Provides a sharp tang and helps stabilise the emulsion.

Lemon juice
Brightens and balances the richness.

Worcestershire sauce
Adds extra umami with a blend of vinegar, molasses, and anchovies.

Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated is best — it melts seamlessly into the dressing.

Olive oil
Always choose a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for flavour.

Salt and pepper
Season to taste, but go lightly — anchovies and Parmesan are salty already.

Classic Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 egg yolk, room temperature
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
50g (½ cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
120ml (½ cup) extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

Make a paste
On a cutting board, smash the anchovies and garlic together with the side of your knife until a smooth paste forms. This step ensures a silky dressing.
Create the base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the paste with the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined.
Emulsify
Slowly — and we mean very slowly — drizzle the olive oil into the mixture while whisking constantly. The dressing will thicken and become glossy as the oil incorporates.
Finish with Parmesan
Stir in the grated cheese until the texture becomes creamy and slightly textured.
Season carefully
Taste first, then add salt and pepper as needed.
Serve immediately or chill
The dressing can be used right away or stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Safety Note: Raw Egg Options

If you prefer to avoid raw eggs, you can:

✅ Use pasteurised eggs from the supermarket
✅ Substitute with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise for similar creaminess
✅ Coddle the egg yolk by dipping it in boiling water for 45 seconds

None of these will significantly change the flavour of your dressing.

How to Build the Perfect Caesar Salad

Pair your fresh dressing with:

Crisp romaine lettuce (well-dried so the dressing clings)
Homemade or rustic croutons for crunch
Shaved Parmesan for a luxurious finish
Freshly cracked black pepper

Want to turn it into a meal? Add:

Grilled chicken breast
Sliced avocado
Crispy bacon
Seared prawns
Garlic butter croutons for extra indulgence

Delicious Variations

Once you master the traditional recipe, try experimenting:

Spicy Caesar
Add a pinch of crushed chilli flakes or a drop of hot sauce.

Greek-Style Caesar
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino and add a splash of red wine vinegar.

Vegan Caesar

Replace anchovies with capers or miso paste
Use vegan mayo instead of egg
Choose a dairy-free Parmesan alternative

Yoghurt-Light Caesar
Mix in 2–3 tablespoons Greek yoghurt for a healthier, tangier version.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Your dressing split (looks oily or separated)?
👉 Whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to bring it back together.

Too thick?
👉 Loosen with a splash of cold water or extra lemon juice.

Too salty?
👉 Add more lemon juice to rebalance.

Garlic overpowering?
👉 Steep the garlic in the dressing for 5 minutes, then remove.

Dull flavour?
👉 Fresh lemon and freshly-cracked black pepper work wonders.

Pro tip: Chill your lettuce for maximum crispness — a good Caesar salad is all about contrast!

Pairing Ideas

Caesar salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside:

🍽 Grilled steak
🍽 Lemon roasted chicken
🍽 Fresh pasta dishes
🍽 Tomato and basil bruschetta
🍽 A glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with extra lemon

It’s perfect for everything from family dinners to elegant gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Mastering a great Caesar salad dressing transforms an everyday dish into a restaurant-quality experience. It’s a quick, easy, and rewarding recipe that showcases how the simplest ingredients can create exceptional flavour. So next time you reach for a bottled dressing, consider whisking up your own instead — your taste buds will thank you!

Whether you stick with the classic or explore creative twists, you now have all the tips you need to enjoy the perfect Caesar salad at home, anytime you like.