18 Creamy Caesar Dressing Recipes for Salad Lovers

Calling all salad lovers! If you’re obsessed with that rich, garlicky goodness of Caesar dressing but tired of the same old bottle, we’ve got you covered. From classic creamy blends to bold twists with avocado or yogurt, these 18 homemade recipes will take your greens from basic to wow. Get ready to ditch the store-bought stuff—your next favorite dressing is just a whisk away!

Classic Caesar Dressing with Anchovies

This rich, tangy dressing is the secret to a truly unforgettable Caesar salad—bold, creamy, and packed with umami depth.

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, chopped anchovies, egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly, until the dressing is thick and emulsified.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

The anchovies melt into the dressing, giving it a savory punch without tasting fishy—just pure, velvety perfection. Toss with crisp romaine and croutons for the ultimate salad experience.

Tip: For extra creaminess, let the dressing sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Garlic Parmesan Caesar Dressing

This creamy, garlicky twist on classic Caesar dressing is so good, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything—salads, roasted veggies, even grilled chicken!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until fully incorporated and the dressing is creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (a pinch more salt or lemon juice works wonders!).

The bold garlic and nutty Parmesan make this dressing irresistibly rich, while the lemon keeps it bright—perfect for tossing with crisp romaine or drizzling over a Caesar-inspired grain bowl.

Tip: For extra depth, let the dressing sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving—the flavors meld beautifully!

Lemon Herb Caesar Dressing

Bright, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors, this zesty twist on classic Caesar dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a veggie dip.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp anchovy paste (optional, for depth)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp anchovy paste (if using) until smooth.
2. Stir in 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 tbsp chopped chives until evenly combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Thin with a splash of water if desired before serving.

The fresh herbs and lemon add a vibrant lift to the rich, umami base—making it way more exciting than bottled versions!

Tip: For extra creaminess, blend all ingredients (except herbs) in a food processor, then fold in the herbs by hand.

Vegan Caesar Dressing with Cashews

This rich, tangy dressing nails the classic Caesar flavor without dairy—thanks to buttery cashews and a punch of umami from capers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp capers, drained
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender with 1/3 cup water, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp capers, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Blend on high until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed (about 2 minutes).
2. Taste and adjust: For a touch of sweetness, add 1/4 tsp maple syrup and blend again for 5 seconds.
3. Transfer to a jar and chill for at least 30 minutes to thicken. The dressing will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated.

The capers and mustard give this dressing a sneaky depth that’ll make even Caesar purists do a double take. Tip: For extra creaminess, soak the cashews overnight in the fridge!

Spicy Sriracha Caesar Dressing

This creamy, fiery twist on classic Caesar dressing will take your salads, wraps, and even roasted veggies to the next level—perfect for those who love a little heat!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Sriracha, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
2. Taste and adjust Sriracha for extra heat or salt for balance. For a thinner consistency, whisk in 1–2 tsp of water.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

The magic here? The Sriracha adds a slow-building heat that lingers beautifully against the creamy, tangy base—no one will guess it’s just a 5-minute whisk job!

Tip: Double the batch and store it in a jar for up to a week—it’s fantastic as a sandwich spread or veggie dip too.

Creamy Avocado Caesar Dressing

This twist on classic Caesar dressing swaps mayo for buttery avocado, adding a fresh, vibrant kick to your salads.

Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2-3 tbsp water (as needed for consistency)

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. For a thinner consistency, add water 1 tbsp at a time until desired texture is reached.
3. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

The avocado lends a luxuriously creamy texture without overpowering the tangy, umami punch of traditional Caesar. Perfect for drizzling over kale or romaine for a lighter take on the classic.

Tip: For extra richness, toast a handful of pine nuts and blend them in with the other ingredients.

Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing

This lighter take on classic Caesar dressing swaps mayo for creamy Greek yogurt, giving it a tangy kick without sacrificing richness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2%)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard until smooth.
2. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp Parmesan, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
3. For a traditional umami boost, fold in the 2 minced anchovy fillets (if using).
4. Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Thin with 1–2 tsp water if desired.

The yogurt base keeps this dressing luxuriously thick yet drizzle-able—perfect for coating crisp romaine without wilting it.

Tip: For extra depth, toast 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over your salad.

Roasted Garlic Caesar Dressing

This creamy, umami-packed dressing gets its depth from slow-roasted garlic—no anchovies required, but every bit as bold.

Ingredients

• 1 whole head garlic
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice off the top 1/4″ of the garlic head to expose cloves, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until caramelized and soft. Cool slightly.
2. Blend: Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a blender. Add mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Emulsify: With blender running, slowly drizzle in remaining 3 tbsp olive oil until thickened and creamy. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

The roasted garlic mellows into a sweet, nutty backbone that balances the tangy Parmesan and lemon—perfect for drizzling over kale or dunking crispy romaine wedges.

Tip: For extra richness, swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt. The dressing thickens when chilled; thin with a splash of water if needed.

Tangy Mustard Caesar Dressing

This zesty twist on classic Caesar dressing packs a punch with bold mustard and a creamy, garlicky finish—perfect for drizzling over crisp romaine or grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 2 tbsp lemon juice until smooth.
2. Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk to combine.
3. Slowly drizzle in 2 tbsp olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
4. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

The mustard adds a bright, tangy kick that balances the richness of the Parmesan—no anchovies required! Try it as a sandwich spread for an extra flavor boost.

Tip: For a smoother texture, blend all ingredients in a food processor for 10 seconds.

Keto-Friendly Caesar Dressing

Skip the store-bought bottles—this homemade Caesar dressing is rich, tangy, and perfectly low-carb, with a garlicky punch that’ll make your salads unforgettable.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil-based)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp anchovy paste (optional but recommended)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
2. Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste (if using), black pepper, and salt. Whisk vigorously until fully combined and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning—add another pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon if needed.
4. Transfer to a jar, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld (the garlic will mellow slightly).

The anchovy paste adds a subtle umami depth without tasting fishy, making this dressing way more complex than your average keto condiment.

Tip: For extra richness, blend in 1/4 cup of full-fat Greek yogurt—it’ll thicken the dressing while keeping it low-carb.

Zesty Lime Caesar Dressing

This bright twist on classic Caesar dressing adds a punch of lime and a touch of garlic for a dressing that’s creamy, tangy, and totally irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp anchovy paste (optional, but recommended)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lime juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
2. Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste (if using), black pepper, and salt. Whisk again until fully combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning—add another pinch of salt or squeeze of lime if needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

The lime cuts through the richness of the Parmesan and mayo, making this dressing light enough for salads but bold enough to double as a dip for veggies or grilled shrimp.

Tip: For extra texture, stir in an extra tablespoon of grated Parmesan just before serving.

Smoky Chipotle Caesar Dressing

This bold, creamy dressing adds a smoky kick to classic Caesar—perfect for drizzling over grilled romaine or using as a dip for crispy croutons.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional, for depth)
• 1-2 tsp chipotle in adobo sauce (finely chopped, adjust for heat)
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp Dijon, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1 tsp anchovy paste (if using), and 1-2 tsp chipotle in adobo. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil until emulsified and creamy.
3. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then pulse to combine. Taste and add more chipotle for extra heat if desired.

The smoky depth from the chipotle and the umami punch from Parmesan make this dressing irresistible—it clings perfectly to crisp greens without overpowering them.

Tip: For a thinner consistency, blend in 1-2 tbsp of water or buttermilk.

Sun-Dried Tomato Caesar Dressing

This rich, tangy twist on classic Caesar dressing gets a punch of umami from sun-dried tomatoes—perfect for drizzling over crisp romaine or grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 tbsp water at a time until desired consistency is reached.

The sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, savory sweetness that balances the dressing’s bright acidity—no anchovies required!

Tip: For extra texture, reserve a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes to stir in after blending.

Herbed Caesar Dressing with Dill

This creamy, tangy Caesar dressing gets a fresh twist with a generous handful of dill—perfect for drizzling over crisp romaine or grilled veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, dill, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is fully emulsified and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt or lemon juice if needed.

The dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the Parmesan—ideal for turning a simple salad into something special.

Tip: For a thinner consistency, whisk in 1–2 tbsp of cold water or buttermilk.

Light and Tangy Caesar Dressing

This brightened-up Caesar dressing keeps all the classic flavor but feels fresher, thanks to a hit of lemon and Greek yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2%)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp anchovy paste (optional, for depth)
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp lemon juice until smooth.
2. Add 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp anchovy paste (if using). Whisk vigorously to combine.
3. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld (thins slightly when chilled — just stir before serving).

The yogurt adds a creamy tang without heaviness, making this dressing perfect for drizzling over grilled romaine or grain bowls. Tip: For extra zip, add 1/2 tsp lemon zest with the juice.

Creamy Tahini Caesar Dressing

This twist on classic Caesar dressing swaps mayo for nutty tahini, giving it a rich, velvety texture and a subtle depth that’ll make you ditch the bottled stuff for good.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup tahini (well stirred)
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2–3 tbsp cold water (to thin)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup tahini, 3 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil until smooth.
2. Add 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk vigorously until fully combined.
3. Gradually add 2–3 tbsp cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the dressing reaches a pourable but creamy consistency (like heavy cream).
4. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

The tahini adds a luxurious silkiness to this dressing, while the lemon and garlic keep it bright—perfect for drizzling over kale or romaine for a salad with serious staying power.

Tip: For extra umami, add a pinch of grated Parmesan or a splash of anchovy paste with the garlic.

Roasted Red Pepper Caesar Dressing

This smoky, creamy twist on classic Caesar dressing adds a pop of color and sweetness from roasted red peppers—perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a veggie dip.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
2. Blend on high for 30–45 seconds until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if desired. For a thinner consistency, add 1 tbsp water at a time until preferred texture is reached.

The charred sweetness of the peppers balances the tangy Parmesan and lemon, giving this dressing a crave-worthy depth. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long!

Tip: For extra smokiness, swap 1 tbsp of the olive oil with the liquid from the roasted red pepper jar.

Pesto-Infused Caesar Dressing

Give your classic Caesar a vibrant twist with this pesto-kissed dressing—creamy, herby, and packed with bold flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp store-bought or homemade pesto
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp pesto, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
2. Drizzle in 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, whisking to combine.
3. Slowly stream in 2 tbsp olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened (about 1 minute).
4. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

The pesto adds a fresh, nutty depth to the dressing, making it irresistible drizzled over grilled chicken or roasted veggies. Tip: For a lighter version, swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt!

Conclusion

With 18 luscious Caesar dressing recipes, this roundup is your ticket to salad perfection! Whether you crave classic, vegan, or a bold twist, there’s a creamy dream waiting for you. Try one (or a few!) and let us know your favorite in the comments. Loved this list? Share the goodness with fellow salad lovers on Pinterest—happy tossing!