Homemade Caesar Dressing

Homemade Caesar Dressing is deceptively simple, with just a bit of chopping and some good whisking will create this delectable salad topper. 

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A good homemade caesar salad is a staple of both restaurant and dinner party menus, with the perfect blend of crunchy textures and savory flavors that make it a timeless classic.

You could be forgiven for thinking that making a caesar dressing is something that should be left to the pros, with countless options out there ready to pick up at the store. But Homemade Caesar Dressing is incredibly simple to make with just a few simple ingredients from the pantry.

 

What’s In Caesar Dressing With No Mayo

Traditional caesar dressing Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, anchovies, raw eggs, and Worcestershire sauce. This Caesar dressing with no mayo uses Greek yogurt, salt and pepper to taste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

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Do I Need To Use Anchovies

These salty little fish definitely fall into the love-it-or-hate-it category, but even if you’re not so keen I highly recommend still using them in this dish. Anchovies don’t make Homemade Caesar Dressing taste fishy, but instead lend the dressing a complex, savory flavor that makes it really special. 

You do not use anchovies when making this homemade recipe. Although as stated above it will not hurt the recipe.

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Certain brands of anchovy are saltier than others, so make sure to check your dressing before adding any more salt.

If you would rather not handle the anchovies at all, then using an anchovy paste can be a great substitute that doesn’t require any additional prep.

Parmesan

The deep, nutty taste of parmesan cheese works along with the anchovies, if you decide to use it. It will add a real kick to Caesar dressing, and you will not miss the mayo at all.

For best results, opt for a genuine parmesan instead of the generic American cheese that you’ll find in any supermarket.

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The American variety will likely have been aged for less than a year and so won’t have the same depth of flavor as the real deal. 

Buying a block rather than the pre-grated variety also gives you the option to garnish your salad with some lovely big cheese shavings that give it that finishing touch.

However, if you can’t get a hold of it, the pre-grated kind will work just as well in giving you a delicious dressing.

Should I Use Egg Yolks

It depends on your preference. Egg yolks are used to create an emulsion when combined with the oil in Homemade Caesar Dressing. However, some home cooks can be wary about using raw egg in their food.

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Using eggs that are really fresh (ideally from a local market) is ideal, but depending on where you live these aren’t always the easiest to find. 

Otherwise, you can look for pasteurized eggs at your local grocery store. These have been briefly heated to kill off bacteria and so will be just as safe to use.

To double check for freshness, you can put an egg in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom, while older eggs will float to the top.

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Oil

While most salad dressings require extra-virgin olive oil, there is some flexibility with Homemade Caesar Dressing that allows you to use a neutral oil if you would prefer.

That’s because the other flavors are so strong that they will overpower even the most flavorful oil, so frankly, using the expensive stuff is a bit of a waste.

Grapeseed, canola, vegetable or any other neutral oil works just fine in this recipe, but feel free to use your everyday olive oil too.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What To Serve With The Dressing

Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad

Tuna Wrap

Garden Salad

Asparagus Salad

Instant Pot Air Fryer Chicken Wings

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