Here’s a simple, flavorful homemade Caesar salad dressing that’s quick to make and avoids raw eggs and whole anchovies. It delivers the classic tang and umami you expect from Caesar dressing using easy pantry ingredients.
Related recipes: Chicken Caesar Salad, Homemade Seasoned Croutons, Buttermilk Ranch Dressing.
This version isn’t the traditional anchovy-and-egg technique, but it captures the same savory flavor with far less fuss. If you don’t keep anchovies on hand or prefer to avoid them, this dressing is a practical and tasty alternative that gets rave reviews.
- “Just made this and wow, this is the best Caesar dressing I’ve ever had!” – Rissa
- “This recipe is soooo good!!” – Sheri
- “I just made this and everyone loved it. Thank you!” – Amy
- “This is the best! Always come back to your recipe. Thank you!” – Agriunaite
Ingredient & Allergy Alert
Eggs: This dressing itself uses no raw eggs, but most mayonnaise contains eggs. Choose an egg-free mayonnaise or substitute if you have an egg allergy.
Fish: Worcestershire sauce and fish sauce often contain anchovy or fish-derived ingredients. If you have a seafood allergy, omit these or use an alternative recommended below.
Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
Caesar Salad Dressing
10 mins
10 mins
6
Getty Stewart
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise*
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp fish sauce optional
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a jar or a bowl.
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Whisk or shake until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
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Refrigerate. The dressing keeps well for 5–7 days.
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Makes about 3/4 cup—enough to dress one large head of romaine or a big bowl of salad.
Notes
Allergy note: Mayonnaise typically contains eggs, so this recipe is not suitable for someone with an egg allergy unless you use an egg-free mayo or other substitute.
Worcestershire sauce often contains anchovies, so avoid it if you have a fish or seafood allergy.
For the best Caesar salad, toss warm homemade croutons with the romaine before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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Fat: 8 g
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Protein: 2 g
What to Use Instead of Anchovy Paste or Anchovies
Anchovies and anchovy paste add umami, but they’re not always convenient. Fish sauce and Worcestershire sauce both deliver a similar savory depth with much less preparation. They work well in this dressing, especially if you already use them regularly in other recipes.
If you don’t have fish sauce, increase the Worcestershire a little or use a splash of soy sauce for savory backbone. Other umami alternatives include miso paste, dulse (dried seaweed), nutritional yeast, or Maggi seasoning, depending on what you have and dietary needs.
Do you have a favorite anchovy substitute? Try different options to find the balance you like best.
What to Use Instead of Mayonnaise – Allergy Note
Because most mayonnaise contains eggs, use an egg-free commercial mayo or an alternative if you have an egg allergy. Avocado-based mayonnaise or a small amount of mashed avocado can also provide creaminess and healthy fats; start with a few tablespoons and adjust to taste.
Feel free to experiment: Greek yogurt gives tang and body, while avocado or a commercial egg-free mayo will keep the dressing suitable for egg-allergic diners.
Getty Stewart shares practical, flavorful recipes and kitchen tips to make home cooking approachable and enjoyable. She is a Professional Home Economist, cookbook author, and recipe developer who focuses on easy, time-saving ideas for everyday meals.
Step-by-step guide to vinaigrette
Learn basic ratios and techniques so you can make a reliable vinaigrette every time. Use 2 parts oil to 1 part acid, and include an emulsifier such as mustard or yogurt to bind the dressing.
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