Anchovy-Free Caesar Dressing
This creamy Caesar dressing is rich and zesty, featuring mayo, lemon juice, Parmesan, and capers for a bold flavor without anchovies. Perfect for salads!
Let’s talk about this delicious, anchovy-free Caesar dressing. This version is all about big, bold flavors without the fishy stuff! The base of creamy mayo gives it that rich, smooth texture, while olive oil adds a bit of extra silkiness. The tangy fresh lemon juice balances out the creaminess, bringing brightness and acidity to the mix. A generous amount of grated Parmesan adds that salty, nutty goodness you expect from a Caesar dressing.
Instead of anchovies, capers bring a pop of briny flavor, and Dijon mustard adds a sharp, tangy punch. The garlic gives it that signature savory depth, while the Worcestershire sauce delivers just the right amount of umami without overpowering. Finally, a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper ties it all together. This homemade Caesar dressing is creamy, zesty, and full of flavor—perfect for salads, sandwiches, or even as a dip!
What goes in this Caesar Dressing?
- Mayonnaise – This is the creamy foundation of your Caesar dressing, giving it that rich, velvety texture we all love. It helps the dressing coat every leaf perfectly.
- Olive Oil – Adds a luxurious silkiness to the dressing, enhancing the smoothness while adding a subtle richness that balances the other bold flavors.
- Lemon Juice – Brings a burst of citrusy brightness and a sharp, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness, making the dressing light and refreshing.
- Parmesan – The salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan is a must for that authentic Caesar taste. It adds depth and a savory bite that keeps the dressing well-rounded.
- Garlic – Fresh, minced garlic gives the dressing that signature punch of bold, savory flavor, essential for a Caesar dressing.
- Capers – These little briny bursts replace the traditional anchovy flavor, adding just the right amount of salty tang without any fishiness.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a sharp, tangy bite that helps tie all the flavors together while working as a natural emulsifier.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Just a touch of this adds a subtle hint of umami, giving the dressing a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper – A sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper elevates the overall flavor, because no recipe is complete without seasoning!
Georgie’s Tips
More Of My Dressing Recipes
🌟 Love this recipe? Spread the love by leaving a star review or dropping a comment below! I’d really love to hear what you think. If this recipe hit the spot for you, you’d be helping me out big time by sharing it on Pinterest or Facebook! 💬✨
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (It won’t cost you extra, promise). This helps support my work and allows me to continue creating content—thank you for your support! Rest assured, I only recommend products I personally use and love.
Anchovy-Free Caesar Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayo
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ capers
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate for one hour.
- Serve, ensuring that everyone gets a little of the capers and parmesan that settles to the bottom. Or use an immersion blender to get a smoother dressing.