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A small bowl of creamy homemade Caesar salad dressing made with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan.

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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 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.