Introduction
There’s nothing like a classic Caesar salad – the crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a rich, creamy dressing that ties it all together. Forget store-bought bottles; this homemade Caesar dressing is quick, easy to make, and so much better than anything you can buy. Plus, no raw eggs are required, making it a safe, creamy alternative everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Caesar Salad Recipe
✔ No raw eggs – Uses mayonnaise as a safe, creamy base.
✔ Adjustable flavor – Anchovies are optional, making it perfect for picky eaters.
✔ Thick & luxurious – Whisked to perfection for a beautifully creamy texture.
✔ Stores well – Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Ingredients (Makes about 1 cup)
For the Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise (real, full-fat for best texture)
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds depth)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (contains anchovies for authentic flavor)
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2 garlic cloves, grated or pressed
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2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (brightens the flavor)
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ cup neutral oil (light olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil)
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¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Salad:
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1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
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Homemade or store-bought croutons
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Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dressing Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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Mayonnaise
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Dijon mustard
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Worcestershire sauce
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Grated garlic
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Lemon juice
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Salt & pepper
2. Emulsify the Dressing
While whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in the oil. This helps to create a thick, creamy texture.
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Once smooth, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Adjust & Store
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed (add more lemon, salt, or pepper to your liking).
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Transfer the dressing to a jar and refrigerate. It keeps for up to 5 days.
4. Assemble the Salad
Toss the chopped romaine with the homemade dressing (start with a little and add more as needed).
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Top with croutons and extra Parmesan cheese for the finishing touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Caesar Salad
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🧄 Garlic Tip: Freshly grated garlic provides the best flavor.
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🍋 Lemon Trick: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice – bottled juice won’t taste the same.
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🥬 Lettuce Prep: Dry the lettuce thoroughly before tossing with the dressing to ensure it sticks well.
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🧀 Cheese Must: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the dressing better than pre-shredded cheese, giving you a smooth, creamy texture.
Variations & Swaps
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Anchovy Lovers: Add 1-2 minced anchovy fillets for extra umami flavor.
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Lighter Version: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to cut the calories.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit Parmesan cheese, or use nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative.
Why This Recipe Works
This Caesar dressing achieves its creamy richness from mayonnaise (without the need for raw eggs!). Worcestershire sauce and garlic bring deep, savory flavor, while the lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy brightness. The slow emulsification of oil ensures the perfect, luxurious texture that coats every leaf of lettuce perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic Caesar Salad: Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
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Dipping Sauce: Use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or roasted veggies.
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Smoky Twist: Drizzle over grilled romaine for a delicious, smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this homemade Caesar dressing, you’ll never go back to store-bought again! It’s simple, foolproof, and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Plus, with no raw eggs, it’s safe and delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Tried this recipe?
Let me know how it turned out in the comments! If you’re a fan of homemade dressings, don’t miss out on my other favorite salad recipes.
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