Homemade Caesar Dressing No Anchovies

If you’re a fan of classic Caesar flavor but not so into anchovies, this homemade Caesar dressing recipe is for you. It’s creamy, rich, and loaded with that signature umami flavor. Perfect for your favorite salad, a chicken Caesar salad, or even a Caesar pasta salad, this is the best Caesar dressing to whip up when you want bold flavor from simple ingredients.

This recipe is a balance of classic Caesar flavor and easy prep. Whether it’s your first time making dressing or you’ve been avoiding store-bought dressings for a long time, this version delivers all the flavor of an authentic Caesar dressing without the anchovy flavor. There is no tricky emulsifying or blending, and you get a smooth, delicious dressing that works for nearly every Caesar-style recipe.

And unlike many store-bought salad dressings, you control the salt, ingredients, and freshness—meaning a healthier Caesar salad option made right in your kitchen. This anchovy-free Caesar dressing proves you can get bold, crave-worthy umami flavor using simple ingredients from your pantry and fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Anchovy-Free Caesar Dressing

• One Bowl – This one’s done by hand in a mason jar or large bowl. No need for a blender, food processor, or immersion blender
• No Anchovy Paste or Fillets – Just that rich, savory taste using Worcestershire sauce or a vegan swap.
• Mayonnaise Base – Delivers that creamy texture and depth you expect in a creamy Caesar salad dressing.
• Made with Common Ingredients – You likely already have everything in your fridge or pantry.
• Delicious – It pairs perfectly with my homemade Caeser salad recipe!

A Note About Anchovies

While this recipe contains no anchovy paste, anchovy fillets, or actual anchovies, it does call for Worcestershire sauce, which typically includes a small amount of anchovy. If you’re looking for a truly anchovy-free Caesar dressing because of a fish allergy or other reason, you can:

• Omit the Worcestershire sauce altogether.
• Use a vegan Worcestershire sauce. (look for one labeled free of anchovies)
• Add a dash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast as a good substitute for that deep umami flavor.

Ingredients for the Best Caesar Dressing (Without Anchovies)

This original recipe keeps it simple and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, see substitution note
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic, use a garlic press for best results, or you can use minced dried garlic
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

How to Make Homemade Caesar Dressing (No Anchovies)

1. Start by adding all your ingredients to a bowl or mason jar. Mix everything until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
2. If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in a small splash of water until it reaches the texture you like.
3. Once blended, transfer the dressing to an airtight container or keep it in the same mason jar. Store it in the fridge and stir it before using.
4. Serve it over crisp romaine lettuce, with homemade croutons for a classic Caesar salad.

How to Serve

This homemade Caesar dressing is incredibly versatile:

• Toss with crisp romaine lettuce and homemade croutons for a traditional Caesar salad.
• Drizzle over grilled chicken breast and greens for a complete meal.
• Mix into a Caesar pasta salad with noodles, veggies, and extra cheese.
• Use as a dip for raw veggies or toasted breadsticks.
• Try it in place of the packet from a Caesar salad kit for way better flavor.

Want to impress your family or guests? Add a few hard-boiled egg slices and grilled chicken to turn this into the best salad and a real main dish.

Recipe Tips

• Use full-fat mayonnaise for that rich, creamy dressing texture for the best results. Avoid Greek yogurt in this version—it changes the classic taste.
• Avoid using pre-grated cheese here—it can make the dressing grainy. Go for fresh ingredients like freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that smooth, creamy texture.
• Use a Garlic Press to finely mince your garlic. It distributes better and blends into the dressing.
• Fresh Lemons are always better than bottled. A little fresh lemon juice goes a long way in boosting the brightness.
• This recipe doesn’t need avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil, making it lighter and simpler.
• If you want a thinner dressing, add one tablespoon of water for a thinner consistency.

How to Store Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

Store in an airtight container or sealed mason jar in the fridge. For best flavor, use within 5–7 days. Shake or stir before using if it separates.

More Salad Recipes You Will Love

• Strawberry and Walnut Salad with Feta
• How to Make Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Cilantro Lime Dressing with Sour Cream
• Easy Homemade Caesar Salad Recipe
  

Homemade Caesar Dressing No Anchovies

This creamy homemade Caesar dressing is made without anchovies! It’s rich, tangy, and perfect for topping your favorite Caesar salad.

Print

Rate

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Serving Size 8 servings

Ingredients

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce see substitution note
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic use a garlic press for best results or you can use minced dried garlic
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Start by adding all your ingredients to a bowl or mason jar. Mix everything until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in a small splash of water until it reaches the texture you like.
• Once blended, transfer the dressing to an airtight container or keep it in the same mason jar. Store it in the fridge and stir it before using.
• Serve it over crisp romaine lettuce, with homemade croutons for a classic Caesar salad.

Notes

While this recipe contains no anchovy paste, anchovy fillets, or actual anchovies, it does call for Worcestershire sauce, which typically includes a small amount of anchovy. If you’re looking for a truly anchovy-free Caesar dressing because of a fish allergy or other reason, you can:

• Omit the Worcestershire sauce altogether
• Use a vegan Worcestershire sauce (look for one labeled free of anchovies)
• Add a dash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast as a good substitute for that deep umami flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use full-fat mayonnaise for that rich, creamy dressing texture for the best results. Avoid Greek yogurt in this version—it changes the classic taste.
• Avoid using pre-grated cheese here—it can make the dressing grainy. Go for fresh ingredients like freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that smooth, creamy texture.
• Use a Garlic Press to finely mince your garlic. It distributes better and blends into the dressing.
• Fresh Lemons are always better than bottled. A little fresh lemon juice goes a long way in boosting the brightness.
• This recipe doesn’t need avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil, making it lighter and simpler.
• If you want a thinner dressing, add one tablespoon of water for a thinner consistency.

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About Sarah

Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.

I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.

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