Cheat’s Caesar Salad Dressing

A quick, no-fuss caesar dressing you’ll want to put on everything!

There are plenty of supermarket shortcuts I’ll happily recommend, but salad dressing just isn’t one of them. Homemade is too quick, too easy, and too good to pass up. Making your own means avoiding another expensive, half-used bottle of something sitting in the fridge until it gets thrown away. You also avoid all the preservatives, and you end up with a dressing that’s fresher and more delicious than anything store-bought.

The best part is how simple it is. You only need a handful of everyday staples – mayonnaise, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, dijon mustard, a splash of Worcestershire, and salt and pepper. No special trips to the shops needed, no raw eggs, no blender – just a whisk and 5 minutes. This version is also kid-friendly with no anchovies, though you can absolutely add them if you want that traditional caesar kick.

And once you’ve got a jar in the fridge, you’ll use it for everything. Of course, it’s perfect on a caesar salad, but it also makes a great spread for wraps and sandwiches, a drizzle over tacos (like my Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos), or even a dip for veggie sticks and fries. It’s the kind of small step that makes meals feel that little bit more special, and once you try it, you won’t go back to bottled dressing!

Does this dressing include anchovies?

Traditional caesar dressing usually includes anchovies, but I’ve kept this version kid-friendly and anchovy-free. You still get loads of flavour from the Worcestershire sauce, parmesan, garlic and lemon. If you miss that salty, briny kick, just mash 1–2 anchovy fillets into the dressing before whisking.

Can I spice up the dressing?

You sure can! You could add a touch of chilli powder or ground cayenne pepper, some sliced fresh chilli or a drizzle of chilli oil.

How do I store the dressing?

Keep the dressing in a clean, airtight jar or container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving to bring everything back together.

What are some serving suggestions?

This dressing is so versatile. Toss it through crisp cos (romaine) lettuce for a classic caesar salad, or use it as:

• A spread for wraps, sandwiches or burgers.
• A drizzle over tacos.
• A dip for veggie sticks, fries or even wedges.
• A quick way to dress roasted veggies or grilled chicken.

Recipes to enjoy serving with Cheat’s Caesar Salad Dressing:

Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos
Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Southern Fried Chicken Burgers
Crispy Oven Fries
Oven-baked Crispy Potato Wedges

Cheat’s Caesar Salad Dressing

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This Cheat’s Caesar Salad Dressing is creamy, garlicky and full of flavour – ready in 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Fresher, tastier and more versatile than anything from a bottle!

• Total Time: 5 mins
• Yield: About ¾ cup (enough for 1 large salad or 4 serves as a dressing/dip)

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ⅔ cup (160 g) whole-egg mayonnaise (see note 1)
• 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan 
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• ½ tsp freshly minced garlic
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1.     In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth. 

Notes

Note 1 – The end result of this dressing will only be as good as the mayonnaise you choose. Make sure to use a full-fat, whole-egg mayonnaise. 

Note 2 – Old version Caesar Salad Dressing. Some of you loved the earlier version of this recipe, so here it is if you’d like to make it again. (Note: the older version is lighter, tangier, and uses fewer ingredients. The updated recipe is creamier and closer to a traditional caesar, so you can pick whichever suits your taste.)

• ⅓ cup (90 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 heaped tbsp freshly grated parmesan
• ½ tsp cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp sea salt flakes

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

 

Make Ahead

The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Leftovers

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before using. Not suitable for freezing.

• Author: Nicole
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Sauces and Dressings, Salads
• Method: Whisk
• Cuisine: Modern Australian