Homemade Caesar Dressing

Homemade Caesar Dressing is made in a blender and ready in less than 5 minutes. Use it to make Caesar salad, spread on wraps and sandwiches, use in pasta salad, and more! 

Making This Quick and Easy Caesar Dressing 

It’s no surprise that homemade Caesar salad dressing tastes better than store-bought. It’s creamy rather than gloopy, has layers of flavor rather than being one-note, and it contains no questionable preservatives or additives. 

Best of all, this super quick Caesar dressing is ready in less than 5 minutes with the help of your blender. 

This classic Caesar dressing recipe comes straight from the kids’ Grandma Carol’s recipe box. It truly is the best Caesar dressing I’ve had, and it’s one I now happily make for my own family over and over again. 

The Caesar dressing is incredibly creamy thanks to the combination of mayonnaise and olive oil (no raw eggs required!). Anchovy paste adds layers of umami flavor without making the dressing tate remotely fishy, and a splash of lemon juice brings everything together. 

Use this homemade Caesar dressing to make the classic salad, or add to sandwiches, wraps, pasta salads, and so much more. 

Tools You’ll Need 

You need just two key pieces of equipment to make creamy Caesar dressing from scratch.  

• Blender — Using a blender means you don’t need to chop anything beforehand, and it also makes for the creamiest dressing. A food processor may also be used. 
• Measuring Cups and Spoons — A must for any recipe. 

What is in Caesar Salad Dressing?

Caesar dressing uses easy-to-find ingredients, with anchovy paste being the only specialty item you might not already have on hand. Yes, the anchovy paste is essential! 

Here’s what’s in Caesar salad dressing:   

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• Anchovy Paste
• Garlic
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon Juice 
• Salt and Pepper

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Homemade Caesar Dressing 

It doesn’t get quicker than this when making a homemade dressing! Here’s how the eggless Caesar dressing is made:  

1. Place all ingredients in a blender. 
2. Blend until combined. 
3. Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to come together. 

The above is simply a quick summary of this Caesar salad dressing recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe Tips 

• Don’t substitute any ingredients. This is a very simple recipe as written, so there’s really no wiggle room for ingredient swaps. 
• Don’t omit the anchovy paste! I promise the anchovy paste doesn’t make the dressing taste like fish; it’s the “secret” ingredient that makes Caesar dressing taste like Caesar dressing and as such is essential. 
• Fresh lemon juice is best. Again, because the recipe is so simple it’s important that you use the highest quality ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a lovely pop of acidity to the otherwise rich and creamy dressing. 
• Use any kind of mayonnaise, so long as it’s real mayo. I prefer using olive oil mayonnaise, but any kind will work. I do not recommend using a lighter alternative such as Miracle Whip.  
• Fresh garlic is key. Don’t use garlic powder as a substitute in this recipe. Fresh garlic is much more pungent and cuts through the heavy mayo and olive oil. 
• Don’t have a blender? You can use a food processor as well. 

Homemade Caesar Dressing FAQs

Got questions about how to make this recipe for quick Caesar dressing? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Are anchovies in Caesar dressing? 

Yep! I know anchovy paste will have some of you wrinkling your nose, but it’s the key ingredient to making Caesar salad dressing taste like it’s meant to. Without the anchovy paste, you’ll wind up with a ranch-esque dressing that’s flat in flavor. 

Anchovy paste adds a nuanced umami flavor to the dressing and doesn’t make it taste like fish. 

Can the anchovies be omitted or substituted? 

Nope. I’ve seen some recipes offer substitutes, but this is our kids’ Grandma’s recipe recipe and she has always made her Caesar dressing with anchovies. 

Why is it called Caesar dressing? 

Caesar dressing was created for the Caesar salad. An Italian restaurateur named Caesar Cardini moved from the USA to Mexico during the Prohibition. While there, he invented the Caesar salad — hence the name. 

How long does homemade Caesar dressing last? 

If stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 2 days in the fridge. 

Homemade Caesar Dressing Storage Instructions 

Store the dressing in a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate it for up to two days. Note that the creamy dressing doesn’t freeze well. 

Ways to Eat Caesar Dressing 

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy Grandma Carol’s Caesar dressing beyond the classic salad! Here are some ideas for ways to use up your Caesar dressing:  

• In a homemade Caesar salad 
• As a spread for sandwiches, wraps, and lettuce wraps 
• As a burger topping 
• As a marinade for baked chicken 
• Drizzled over roasted asparagus or roasted broccoli
• As a dip for crudites
• As a dressing for potato salad
• As a dressing for pasta salad 
• As a dressing for chicken salad

Try Making This Quick Caesar Dressing at Home! 

Next time you’re looking for a homemade Caesar dressing recipe, give this eggless version try!

Did you love how quick and easy this dressing was? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this creamy dressing!

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Learn how to make three of my favorite Simple Salad Dressing Recipes: Creamy Balsamic, Honey Mustard, and Lemon Garlic. Each takes less than five minutes to make and is full of flavor!

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This Cold Asparagus Salad is the perfect side dish to enjoy during asparagus season! In this easy asparagus salad recipe, you’ll find small pieces of tender crisp asparagus with quinoa and a tarragon vinaigrette.

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