Name: Homemade Classic Caesar Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 large egg yolk; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and flavorful with no preservatives
Ready in just 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients
Versatile — perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip
Customizable — adjust garlic, lemon, or cheese to your taste
Creamy, tangy, and savory just like a classic Caesar should be

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and vegetable oil while whisking continuously to form a creamy emulsion.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 1 cup (8 servings of 2 tablespoons each)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add anchovy paste for a more traditional Caesar flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of part of the oil for a lighter version.
Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Add extra garlic and lemon juice for a bolder, zesty flavor.
Blend instead of whisking for an ultra-smooth consistency.

Storage/Reheating

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake or whisk before using, as separation may occur. This dressing should not be frozen or reheated.

FAQs

Can I make Caesar dressing without raw egg yolk?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise for the egg yolk or use pasteurized eggs for safety.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free.

Can I make this without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, you can omit it or replace it with soy sauce or anchovy paste for depth of flavor.

How can I make the dressing thicker?

Use less oil or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.

How can I make the dressing thinner?

Whisk in a tablespoon of water or lemon juice.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.

Does it taste like store-bought Caesar dressing?

It’s fresher, richer, and more flavorful since it doesn’t contain preservatives or stabilizers.

What type of oil works best?

A mix of extra virgin olive oil and neutral oil like vegetable or canola balances flavor and texture.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan is best, but pre-grated can work in a pinch.

What can I use this dressing for besides Caesar salad?

It’s delicious on wraps, sandwiches, grilled chicken, or as a dip for veggies.

Conclusion

Homemade classic Caesar dressing is simple to make and elevates any salad or dish with its bold, creamy, and tangy flavor. With just a few fresh ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation, you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy dressing right at home. Once you try this version, store-bought Caesar dressing will never taste the same again.