Caesar Dressing Recipe
This Caesar Dressing Recipe brings that creamy restaurant comfort right into your kitchen—silky, garlicky, lemon-bright, and finished with a salty Parmesan bite that makes every salad feel special. It’s quick to whisk together, but it tastes like the kind of dressing you’d happily pay extra for on the side.
The texture is thick but pourable, perfect for coating crisp romaine, drizzling over roasted veggies, or turning a simple wrap into something crave-worthy.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Caesar Dressing Recipe
Equipment
- 1 medium bowl Or use a mason jar for mixing and storing.
- 1 Whisk For smooth, creamy emulsification.
- 1 Microplane or garlic press Helps the garlic blend smoothly into the dressing.
Ingredients
Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 Garlic clove Grated or pressed
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Use gluten-free if needed
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese Finely grated
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt To taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper To taste
- 1 tablespoons Water Optional, to thin
Instructions
Make the dressing
- Step 1: Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 2: While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is silky and emulsified.
- Step 3: Stir in grated Parmesan until well combined.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning. If desired, whisk in water a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
- Step 5: Chill for 15 minutes, then whisk again before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Caesar Dressing Recipe
- Creamy, bold flavor with a bright lemon finish.
- Fast and beginner-friendly—no complicated technique required.
- Easy to adjust (more lemon, more garlic, thinner or thicker).
- Works beyond salads: dips, bowls, wraps, and more.
- Keeps well in the fridge for easy, flavorful meals all week.
Recipe Snapshot
| Recipe Snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Category | Sauce / Dressing |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian; Gluten-free (use gluten-free Worcestershire if needed) |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Cold, whisked smooth and chilled 15 minutes |
Ingredients for Caesar Dressing Recipe
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives classic caesar texture fast.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a silky mouthfeel and rounds out the richness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dressing and keeps it from tasting heavy.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and helps the dressing taste more “restaurant-style”.
- Garlic: The bold, signature bite (grated or pressed blends in smoothly).
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that savory depth; choose a gluten-free option if needed.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty flavor that makes caesar taste like caesar.
- Salt and black pepper: Fine-tunes the flavor and adds that classic peppery finish.
How to Make the Caesar Dressing Recipe
Step 1: In a bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to help it emulsify and turn silky.
Step 3: Stir in finely grated Parmesan until fully combined.
Step 4: Taste and adjust (more lemon for brightness, more pepper for bite, or a splash of water to thin).
Step 5: Chill 15 minutes for best flavor, then whisk again before serving.
Pro Tips for Caesar Dressing Recipe
- Grate the garlic (or press it) so it disappears into the dressing without harsh chunks.
- Use finely grated Parmesan so the dressing turns creamy, not gritty.
- Add water 1 teaspoon at a time if you want a more drizzle-friendly consistency.
- Let it chill briefly—cold dressing tastes smoother and more balanced.
- Keep it refrigerated and don’t leave it out for long periods; egg-containing foods shouldn’t sit out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F).
How to Serve Caesar Dressing Recipe
- Toss with chopped romaine for a classic caesar salad vibe.
- Drizzle over grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas in a salad bowl.
- Use as a dip for raw veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Stir into pasta salad for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Spread onto wraps and sandwiches like a flavor-packed mayo.
- Drizzle over roasted potatoes for a cozy side.
- Spoon over grain bowls with roasted vegetables.
- Use as a dip for oven fries.
- Thin with a little water and use as a drizzle for cooked veggies.
- Add extra black pepper on top right before serving for that restaurant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Store in a tightly sealed jar or container in the refrigerator.
- Shake or whisk before each use since it can thicken as it chills.
- For best quality, aim to use within about 5–7 days (varies by ingredients used).
Freezing
Reheating
For More Recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest
FAQs
Is this caesar dressing recipe vegetarian?
How do I make it thicker or thinner?
Can I make it without olive oil?
How long does homemade dressing last in the fridge?
Many recipes suggest storing it chilled and using within about a week for best quality.