I have a history with Caesar salad dressing. Years ago, before I started loving salads (yes, I know!), I thought I didn’t like creamy Caesar dressing. Turns out I just had to give it a chance! Since then I’ve come up with this homemade classic Caesar salad dressing and it’s so delicious!
Recently, I was at a meeting at a nice restaurant, and the hosts served Caesar salad. I ate it because I didn’t want to seem rude… but it was so delicious! I’ve been semi-obsessed ever since. Crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese come together to create an amazing salad.
As I transitioned to real food, I wanted to find a version free of refined vegetable oils and artificial additives, so I experimented with homemade versions. This was definitely one of the harder salad dressing recipes to figure out and required a lot of experimentation. I wanted it to be dairy free and creamy. Caesar salad dressing traditionally uses Italian Parmesan Reggiano cheese to give it a cheesy, nutty flavor.
I don’t mean to brag, but I ended up coming up with a Caesar dressing that is unlike any dressing I’ve ever had, even in the best gourmet restaurants! I loved this recipe so much that I included it in the Wellness Mama Cookbook.
And taste isn’t everything!
Healthy Caesar Dressing
Caesar dressing purchased from the grocery store may have a fishy smell and is not made with anchovies. You will often find undesirable ingredients like GMO soybean oil, MSG, gluten, and preservatives.
that Original Caesar Dressing It was first created in 1924 and was made tableside from scratch. Tart lime juice with the umami flavor of anchovies combined with Dijon mustard and topped with cubed crostini. It is still made this way in the original restaurant in Tijuana.
We’ve come a long way from fresh table ingredients to today’s MSG-laden dressings! Home cooks can recreate the taste of the original by using simple, fresh ingredients. Homemade croutons are optional. Just use a whisk or a small blender and it will take just a few more minutes.
This healthy Caesar dressing is a great way to incorporate more olive oil into your diet, as it has both anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. Free-range eggs, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice add 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 work well as a substitute and have a “cheesy” flavor. The dressing goes well even without cheese because the eggs add a rich, creamy texture.
Caesar Salad “Dressing”
Just because a traditional Caesar salad 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 color by mixing in olives, peppers, freshly chopped herbs, sliced red cabbage, chopped carrots, and sunflower seeds. Serve with fresh lemon slices on the side for an added refreshing flavor.
For a complete meal, top with grilled chicken or shrimp. If you’re like me and want to add Caesar salad to your menu, get more meal planning ideas here. This salad dressing is great drizzled over roasted potatoes or with eggs for breakfast. You don’t have to stop at salad!
Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Homemade Caesar dressing using real ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
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In a medium bowl, whisk room temperature raw egg yolks. Otherwise, use the blender on low speed.
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Add apple cider vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, garlic cloves, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, and Parmesan cheese, if using, and mix until creamy.
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Slowly add the olive oil and emulsify, whisking or blending continuously on low speed until combined.
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Season to taste.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Serving Size (2 TBSP)
calorie 182
Calories from fat 171
% Daily Value*
province 19g29%
3g saturated fat19%
2g polyunsaturated fat
14g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 49mg16%
sodium 86mg4%
potassium 49mg1%
carbohydrate 2g1%
0.1 g fiber0%
0.5g sugar1%
protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 70IU1%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
calcium 16mg2%
steel 0.5 mg3%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you want a “cheesy” flavor without the dairy, try adding nutritional yeast flakes instead of the Parmesan cheese.
Tips for making Caesar dressing
This recipe is best made immediately after making, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If the dressing doesn’t mix well, your eggs may be too cold! If necessary, let stand at room temperature for another 10 minutes and then stir or mix again.
What is your favorite Caesar salad mix-in? Please share in the comments below!
