Creamy Homemade Caesar Dressing (with a Healthy Twist)
There’s something about a good Caesar salad that’s just so satisfying—comforting, savory, and always a crowd favorite. But let’s be honest, bottled Caesar dressing doesn’t always do the trick. It’s often too salty, overly processed, or full of additives we don’t need. That’s why I started making this creamy homemade Caesar dressing from scratch—and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
It’s everything you want in a Caesar: creamy, tangy, with a punch of garlic and that signature umami from anchovy paste (don’t skip it—it makes the dressing!). Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead for quick lunches or elegant dinners.
And because I’m always thinking about how to support wellness—especially for women in their 50s and beyond—I’ve included a few notes on the health perks of this dressing, too.
Suggested Pairings
- Toss with chopped romaine, shaved Brussels sprouts, or massaged kale for a fiber-rich, satisfying salad.
- Drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes or grilled salmon for a flavorful twist.
- Use as a base for a wrap with grilled chicken, avocado, and greens.
Classic Caesar Dressing
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Equipment
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or small fork
- Garlic press or fine grater
- Measuring spoons and cups
- citrus juicer
- Airtight glass jar or small storage container
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (use avocado oil-based or vegan if preferred)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp anchovy paste
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tbsp water to thin
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste, and Parmesan or nutritional yeast.¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 small garlic clove, 1 tsp anchovy paste, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to help emulsify the dressing—it should become smooth and creamy.1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.1-2 tbsp water
- Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp sea salt
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a stir before each use.
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Kitchen Tips
- If you’re unsure about anchovy paste, start with half the amount, taste, and add more as needed. It’s subtle but adds depth.
- For a dairy-free version, swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast—it still gives that savory, cheesy flavor.
- Use a small whisk or even an immersion blender for an extra-smooth consistency.
- Make a double batch to keep on hand—it’s perfect for everything from salads to grilled chicken wraps or as a veggie dip.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Small mixing bowl – For whisking all the ingredients together
- Whisk or small fork – A whisk is ideal for getting a smooth, emulsified texture
- Garlic press or fine grater – To finely mince or grate the garlic for even flavor distribution
- Measuring spoons and cups – For precise ingredient amounts
- Citrus juicer – Optional, but helpful for getting the most juice out of your lemon
- Airtight glass jar or small storage container – For storing leftover dressing in the fridge
Nutrition
Health Benefits for Women Over 50
This dressing isn’t just delicious—it’s full of nutrient-dense ingredients that support healthy aging.
- Lemon juice adds vitamin C, which helps boost collagen production and keeps skin feeling firm and hydrated.
- Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that support heart health and reduce inflammation. Olive oil may even play a role in improving cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women.
- Anchovies (via the paste) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, supporting brain health and hormone balance.
- Garlic is known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great ingredient for reducing inflammation that naturally increases with age.
- Parmesan or nutritional yeast both offer calcium for bone health—especially important for maintaining density as we age.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Caesar dressing is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: it’s easy, versatile, packed with flavor, and made with ingredients that actually support your wellness. And as someone who appreciates good food and feeling good, I can tell you this dressing does both.
It’s the little recipes like this that quietly elevate everyday meals—and remind us that nourishing our bodies can (and should!) be simple, joyful, and so, so good.
Let me know if you give it a try—I’d love to hear how you use it!