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!
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.
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.
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.
This dressing is so versatile. Toss it through crisp cos (romaine) lettuce for a classic caesar salad, or use it as:
Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos
Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Southern Fried Chicken Burgers
Crispy Oven Fries
Oven-baked Crispy Potato Wedges
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Tracy says:
I made this tonight, rather than purchasing a Caesar salad kit (something I usually do when Mr25 is making dinner). So easy. So delicious. I don’t particularly love raw garlic, so was going to use garlic powder. Someone put the empty jar in the cupboard (ugh!). So no garlic. Still an absolute winner!
Nicole says:
Hi Tracy, so glad this was a hit and that you made it work even without the garlic! 👏🏻 It’s so satisfying to make it yourself, isn’t it? Nic x
Sonia says:
How can I see if you have replied to my comment please?
Nicole says:
Hi Sonia, I am so sorry to answer your query a little late! Thanks for your question about the old version – yes, you’ve got a great memory! I did update this recipe to the version you see now (with dijon and Worcestershire) because it’s closer to a classic caesar and a bit creamier. But I know some of you loved the older, lighter version too, so I’ve added it into the notes section of the recipe card for easy reference. That way you can choose whichever one you prefer. Hope that helps! Nic x
Sonia says:
Hi Ive used this recipe before but it was a bit different. Im wondering if there is any chance you could please send me a copy of the old recipe as I preferred it to this one? Thank you
Nicole says:
Hi Sonia, I have now added the old recipe into the notes for people who preferred those flavours. Nic x
Sue says:
Sooooooo GOOD! and easy 😊
Nicole says:
So happy you liked it! xx