This easy creamy Caesar salad dressing comes together so fast, and you don't need any fancy ingredients or special tools to make it. It's seriously delicious and better than store-bought or even at a restaurant!
Making Caesar salad? You definitely need to add in my easy homemade croutons.

Best Caesar dressing
This quick and easy Caesar dressing is the one you've been searching for. It's my go-to, and it's damn good. It's incredibly simple to whip up on busy weeknights, and it doesn't make a huge mess like other more involved versions do. You don't have to deal with a blender, no food processor, nada. And it's got rich, bold flavors and that restaurant-quality taste you crave!
You will never go back to the stuff in a bottle after trying this homemade Caesar dressing with pantry ingredients since you can feel good knowing exactly what's going into it. I'm pretty picky when it comes to Caesar dressing, and this is by far my favorite! It's the real deal.
Caesar dressing ingredients
- Mayonnaise - mayo makes a wonderful creamy base so that there are no raw eggs, and it eliminates all the guesswork. I use Hellmann's mayo, but you can use organic or whatever you prefer. You can also make your own mayo, but honestly the pre-made stuff is great for salad dressings and is such a time saver.
- Sour cream - adds more creaminess and a tangy zip
- Worcestershire sauce - Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so we're not using whole anchovies like other recipes do. This gives it just enough of that signature anchovy umami flavor in a great Caesar dressing without it being overwhelming!
- Fresh lemon juice - for a pop of acidity and bright freshness
- Dijon mustard - it's a beloved trick of mine to give dressings and sauces even more savory depth of flavor.
- Garlic - always use fresh garlic that you mince yourself. I use this garlic press to make it that much easier.
- Parmesan - freshly grated parmesan cheese is an absolute must in any Caesar dressing for that nutty, cheesy quality
- Salt and pepper - be generous with both
Pro tip
- The S&L kitchen feels this Caesar dressing is perfect as written, but not everyone's tastebuds are the same, and that's totally okay! Feel free to adjust to your own preferences. Need more lemon juice? Add it. More salt or pepper? More garlic? Don't be shy!

How to make Caesar salad dressing
This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Grate your parmesan. This Microplane grater makes it super easy.
- Add all the ingredients to a small bowl or a measuring cup. Stir or whisk until smooth.
- Chill if desired in the fridge, and then drizzle it over romaine lettuce, croutons, and parm!
Substitutions and variations
- You could leave the parmesan cheese out, but I recommend including it. It really tastes much better with it in here. You could also sub for asiago cheese in a pinch.
- If your heart is set on using anchovies or anchovy paste, you could, but I prefer Worcestershire sauce. Be careful not to overdo it if you do go that route!
- Need to make it vegetarian? Sub in some minced capers instead of the Worcestershire sauce for that briny, savory flavor. Start with 1 tbsp and adjust from there.
Leftovers and storage
- This Caesar dressing recipe yields about a cup of dressing, so it'll make two decently sized salads or one large one, so you probably won't have leftovers!
- But if you do have leftovers or doubled the recipe, this dressing will keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- I love storing salad dressings in these covered yogurt jars.
What to serve with it
- Caesar salad goes with basically any main course, but I love it with this Creamy Garlic Chicken, Easy Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe, or these Garlic Butter Steak Bites!
- Want to make something other than a classic Caesar salad with this dressing? Try my Chicken Caesar Crostini or this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

Is this your new favorite Caesar salad dressing recipe? You're only about 10 minutes away from finding out. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions!

Easy Caesar Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large clove garlic minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate your parmesan.
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl (or add them to a measuring cup like I do - I measure out the mayo first).
- Give everything a good stir (or whisk it) until the dressing is smooth.
- Serve immediately or chill first.
- Dressing will keep in the fridge, covered, for a few days.
Notes
- I encourage you to play with the ingredient quantities if the taste isn't exactly what you're looking for. I'll occasionally make this without measuring and I usually end up adding more Worcestershire and Dijon than written.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. Serving size in this salad dressing is one tablespoon (it makes about a cup in total).
Maryann White says
Looks delicious
Lisa says
This is over the top! My husband loved it! He used it as a dip with broccoli and actually drank what was left! lol I didn't have sour cream so I used some heavy cream I had in the fridge instead. It came out thick and creamy. Just perfect. Thanks for the recipe.
Natasha says
Hahaha I love that. I'm so glad it's a new fave!
Barb says
To do it with blender you use eggs and olive oil and vinegar and rest of stuff. Using mayo is the substitute for eggs, if you have a recipe calls for eggs and you don’t have any you can use mayonnaise.
Natasha says
Yes. This is an easier version. 🙂
Amanda says
I love this receipe so much, thank you!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!
Etta says
Love this dressing! It's so easy and tastes just as good as a much more complicated dressing. I make it regularly as I love caesar salad; but to be honest I also use it on other salads. Thanks for a great dressing!
Natasha says
I'm so happy you love it!! 😀 Thanks for your review!
Deborah Harsant says
I love this recipe. Creamy with a tang. I reduced the garlic as it could over power. Not good for lunch guests going back to work. I’ve made it with fresh dill too. Another level of flavour. Definitely a go to.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Glad you liked it, Deborah!! Thanks for your review. 🙂
Diane Raucci says
This recipe is OUTSTANDING!!! It’s a keeper!! Thank You!!! I’m eating it as we speak! Three days in a row. Love it.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
That's wonderful to hear, Diane!! Thank you so much! 🙂
Tricia Galey says
Wowwie wow wow!! I just now made this dressing and the taste test was awesome!! I might have to do another taste test before I put in the fridge for dinner later . I followed the recipe exactly, it’s delicious !! Thank you 😊
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Tricia! 😀 I'm so glad you like it!!
Isabel says
Incredibly easy to make and delicious. My picky eater approves!
Natasha says
That's what I like to hear! 😀
Trace says
We have been using this recipe for years, it is just that good. Thanks!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! I'm glad it's a favorite. Thanks for taking the time to write me a review - I really appreciate it!
Kristin says
Would be helpful to have s&p measurements. I'm trying to multiply recipe x4 & now I'm guessing.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Hi Kristin! We don't list measurements for salt & pepper because that's subjective from person to person. Give it a taste and adjust as necessary. Enjoy the dressing 🙂
Cheryl says
This is by far the best Caesar dressing I’ve ever had! It tastes just as good if not better than our favorite Italian restaurant. Thank you!
Natasha says
Excellent!! I'm so glad to hear it!! 🙂 Appreciate you taking the time to let me know, Cheryl!
Melissa says
We loved this! I'm actually making it for the second time this week. Also, I rarely leave reviews, but this one deserved some praise lol.
Natasha says
That's awesome!! I really appreciate your review - it helps us small business out more than you know! 🙂
Tina McK says
My go-to recipe for Caesar dressing....so yummy! Thank you!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!!
Anna says
sorry did not find this to taste anything like Ceasar dressing,
Natasha says
... ok?
Barrie says
This was great and fast! My in laws have covid and I dropped food off on their steps. I was going to buy a Caesar salad kit but they all looked horrible. I had everything at home to make a kit so I did that and used this recipe for the dressing. I did add some lemon juice because I like my dressing tangy but other than that I followed the recipe! Perfect. Thank you!
Natasha says
That's so nice of you to do a homemade Caesar kit for them. 🙂 Thanks for your review!
Dee says
Very good but a little thick. I may add a little milk and a touch of honey for a bit of sweetness.
Natasha says
Hi Dee! You can definitely tweak as needed - the milk is a great idea if you prefer a thinner consistency. 🙂 Glad you like the flavors!
Samantha says
WOW! This recipe is simply amazing, I can't wait to make this again this week. Thank you!
Natasha says
Thank you so much!! 😀
Becky says
I always assumed homemade Caesar would be complicated and super involved, so I am thrilled to know I was wrong! This dressing is so delicious and simple to throw together quickly, ,and included ingredients I already had on hand. I am officially done with store-bought dressings!
Natasha says
Yay!! That makes so happy. I'm glad you tried it, Becky! Thanks for your review. 😀
Laurie Heald says
Love this Caesar Salad dressing!! Quick, easy, and delicious! My new go to for sure!! Everyone loves it! My grandson says I should make that all the time! 👌🏻
Natasha says
Fantastic!! I'm so happy to hear that!
Ali says
This is my new go-to recipe for Caesar ... I absolutely love the taste, how simple it is and that everyone loves it.
Natasha says
I'm thrilled to hear that, Ali! Thank you!
Laura says
Will this dressing last a week covered in fridge?
Natasha says
I think that should probably be fine.
Barbara says
The Caesar salad dressing is delicious but I find it very thick, how would I thin it out? Any suggestions?
Natasha says
You could add more lemon juice and/or Worcestershire sauce depending on your tastes.
Barbara says
Thanks Natasha, I'll try that
Natasha says
You’re welcome!
Debra Brown says
Actually adding a tablespoon or two of water does the trick and it doesn't change the taste of the dressing like another ingredient would.
Cris Raver says
My husband says this is the best Caesar dressing. We no longer buy pre made dressing from the store.
Natasha says
Thrilled to hear that!! 🙂
Stephanie says
Thank you for this recipe - it’s AMAZING!
Natasha says
You're welcome! 😀
JennyO says
Outstanding!
Our 13 year-old boy had (3) servings of salad because he loved this dressing, it’s so garlicky and good. Only subs were full fat plain yogurt instead of sour cream & 2 splashes Red Boat fish sauce instead of anchovy paste. I will use this recipe forever.
Natasha says
That makes me so happy!! 🙂
Bruxanne says
Fantastically easy recipe, and it’s soooo good, everyone loves eating salad now! We add a little more garlic and a teaspoon of anchovy paste - honestly, I could eat this by the spoonful!
Natasha says
So happy to hear that!!
Diane says
Great recipe but to add a touch of surprise I add 5 drops of Tabasco or other hot sauce , more garlic for garlic lovers and what is Caesar dressing without anchovies ? YUM YUM UMAMI
Natasha says
Yup, you could definitely add some hot sauce to it. I always add more garlic as well. The Worcestershire sauce has anchovies, so that's covered! 😉
Cindy says
Delicious! So easy, won't be buying in a store anymore!
Natasha says
That's great!! So pleased you enjoyed it!
Andrew says
This turned out delicious. Thanks for sharing. No more need to buy store Caesar dressing.
Natasha says
You're welcome! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you.
Anna says
My husband loved it! Never going back to store bought dressing.
Natasha says
That's amazing!! Thanks for commenting, Anna!
Kara says
I made this last night and it was delish! So easy and I had all of the ingredients on hand! And it made lots so we can have that yumminess again tonight!
Natasha says
So glad to hear it!! 🙂
Mariel Martin says
Yum! I have a thing with Mayo - is there something else I could use instead? More Greek yogurt? Or olive oil?
Natasha says
Honestly it won’t be the same and I can’t really comment without testing. The mayo gives it a nice silky texture. I understand if you don’t like mayo by itself, but I promise it doesn’t taste like mayo in the dressing. Mayo is the basis of many creamy dressings/aiolis, so if you like those, you shouldn’t have a problem with this one. ☺️ I just buy the tiny containers of mayo from the store for things like this since I don’t eat it too often.
Maggie says
Seriously amazing recipe. My kids love Caesar salads and I’m through buying the bottled dressings. Made my own mayo and all... delicious! Thanks
Added more mustard and a good amount of fresh pepper.
Natasha says
That makes me so happy!!
Jess says
This is such an easy and delicious recipe! I'm with everyone else who made this before me - never buying bottled Caesar dressing again! I added a touch of olive oil, and since I didn't have lemon juice, I used just a smidge of rice vinegar. YUM!
Natasha says
Aww I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Jess! 🙂
Michelle says
Was out of Cesar dressing and looking for a simple recipe. This was perfect, so quick and easy, I already had everything on hand! Tastes really good, not sure I will buy store bought again.
Natasha says
Yay I'm so happy to hear that!! XO
Marta Berger says
Oh boy - not only was this recipe easy and delicious as written, I did it again without the sour cream - so it would be thicker - and it made a perfect dipping sauce for artichokes; thanks! 👍
Natasha says
Artichokes - good idea!!
Tina says
Yum! Thank you so much!
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Tina!!
Poune Bahrampour says
I luv Ceasar dressing, and I adore that you don't have to break out the blender. I'm not a big fan of anchovies either so this is perfect.😍
Natasha says
Awesome!! Thanks!
Lena says
Made this today and just had to give my review. So easy to prepare (used mini food processor attachment). So creamy and delicious. I did not add salt because cheese, Hellman's mayo and the other ingredients had enough sodium. I added 3 shakes of black pepper.
Natasha says
I am so glad it hit the spot, Lena!
Lauren says
This looks delicous! My husband used to love Caesar dressing until he found out it had anchovies as an ingredient. Maybe he would like this variation! (No one tell him what Worcestershire is made of!)
Natasha says
Haha good plan!!
Christina says
Thank you! I needed a no nonsense recipe and this is a HIT! I had to make a second batch because, once everyone sampled it there was none left!
Natasha says
Excellent... I'm so happy you liked it!! 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment!
nick p says
It is very hearty and good!
Natasha says
So glad you liked it, Nick!
Sarah says
Have you tried a dash of the salty liquid that capers are packed in, in place of anchovy paste? I find it gives it a dash of the salty sharpness that anchovies bring....without all the fishyness!
Natasha says
I have, actually. It's definitely a good trick! I've also blended up capers too. So good. 🙂
Jennifer Farley says
Homemade dressings are the best!
Natasha says
Thanks, Jennifer! Definitely!
PRANITA DESHPANDE says
I think you have made ''Satvik'' recipe. Very nice easy method, thanks for a good recipe.
Natasha says
Thanks!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Caesar salads are my favorite Natasha! And homemade dressing is always better than store-bought! Can't wait to try your recipe. Happy weekend!
Natasha says
Thank you!! I hope you do try it. I love Caesar salads too! 🙂
Matt Robinson says
I love homemade dressing, this looks awesome. And so easy!
Natasha says
Yes! Thanks, Matt!