I have experience with Caesar salad dressing. Years ago, before I started liking salads (yes, I know!), I thought I didn’t like creamy Caesar dressings. I knew I just needed to give it a chance. I’ve since come up with this homemade classic Caesar salad dressing and it’s really delicious!
A while back, I was attending a meeting at a nice restaurant and the host served me a Caesar salad. I didn’t want to seem rude, so I ate it…and loved it! I’ve been semi-obsessed ever since. A delicious salad with crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese.
When I switched to real foods, I wanted to find a version without refined vegetable oils or artificial additives, so I tried the homemade version. This was definitely one of my most difficult salad dressing recipes and required a lot of experimentation. I wanted it to be dairy-free, but really creamy. Caesar salad dressing traditionally gets its cheesy, nutty flavor from Italian Parmesan Reggiano cheese.
Not to brag, but I ended up coming up with a Caesar dressing that rivals any Caesar dressing I’ve ever tried, even at the best gourmet restaurants. I love this recipe so much that I included it in my Wellness Mama Cookbook.
And its appeal lies not only in its taste.
Stay healthy with Caesar dressing
Caesar dressing from the supermarket may taste fishy, but it’s not made from anchovies. They often contain undesirable ingredients such as genetically modified soybean oil, MSG, gluten, and preservatives.
The original Caesar dressing was first created in 1924 and was made from scratch tableside. The flavor of anchovies is combined with tart lime juice and Dijon mustard, and topped with cubed crostini. It’s still made this way at the original restaurant in Tijuana.
We’ve come a long way from fresh tableside ingredients to today’s MSG-filled dressings. Home cooks can bring back the original taste while using simple, fresh ingredients. Homemade croutons are optional. It only takes a few more minutes using a whisk or small blender.
This healthy Caesar dressing is a great way to get more olive oil into your diet, with its anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. Adding pastured eggs, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice adds even more flavor and health benefits.
Dairy-free Caesar salad dressing
For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese. Some readers have suggested that nutritional yeast flakes are a good alternative and have a “cheesy” flavor. Adding eggs adds a rich, creamy texture, so the dressing is delicious even without cheese.
“Dress up” your Caesar salad
Just because a traditional Caesar salad mostly consists of lettuce, dressing, and croutons (and usually lots of cheese too!) doesn’t mean you can’t get creative and add other healthy vegetables .
Add some color by mixing in olives, bell peppers, chopped fresh herbs, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and sunflower seeds. Serve with a refreshing squeeze of lemon to add some acidity.
Top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. If you’re like me and want to incorporate as many Caesar salads into your menu as possible, get more meal planning ideas here. This salad dressing is also great for dressing roast potatoes or drizzling over eggs for breakfast. You don’t have to stop at just salad!
homemade caesar salad dressing
Homemade Caesar dressing made with real ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the room temperature raw egg yolks. Or use a blender on low speed.
Add the apple cider vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, and Parmesan cheese, if using, and mix until creamy.
Slowly add the olive oil, whisking and stirring constantly on low speed to emulsify until incorporated.
Season to taste.
Nutritional information table
homemade caesar salad dressing
Amount per serving (2 TBSP)
Calories 182 Calories from fat 171
% daily value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated fat 3g19%
2g polyunsaturated fat
14g monounsaturated fat
Cholesterol 49mg16%
Sodium 86mg4%
Potassium 49mg1%
Carbohydrate 2g1%
Dietary fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 0.5g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 70IU1%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 16mg2%
Iron 0.5mg3%
*Percent daily intake is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you want a “cheesy” flavor without the dairy, try adding nutritional yeast flakes in place of Parmesan.
Tips on how to make Caesar dressing
This recipe is best freshly made, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If the dressing doesn’t coat well, the eggs may be too cold. If necessary, let stand at room temperature for an additional 10 minutes and whisk or blend again.
What is your favorite Caesar salad mix-in? Share in the comments below!
