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Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies

This is the best Caesar salad dressing without anchovies! The easy recipe uses simple ingredients and makes the creamiest, most flavorful dressing – without anchovy paste or raw anchovy filets. Just stir everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy restaurant-quality Caesar salad in no time!

jar of Caesar dressing no anchovies

Homemade Caesar dressing with no anchovies

Wondering how to make Caesar dressing without anchovies? You’re in the right place!

My Caesar salad dressing is anchovy-free, making it suitable for vegetarians like me and anyone sensitive to anchovy flavor. It still offers the classic Caesar flavor – just without anchovies!

Caesar Cardini, the creator of the famous Caesar salad, didn’t use anchovies in the original recipe, which he considered too pungent in flavor.

In fact, adding anchovy paste or raw anchovies is a later invention. So it’s perfectly fine to make Caesar salad without anchovies!

♥ Why this anchovy-free Caesar dressing works

This creamy dressing is perfect to drizzle over salad. It adds a pop of bold, cheesy flavor that you’ll adore. Here are a few more reasons why you’ll love it:

  • Bright, bold flavors: Even the simplest salad becomes super delicious when you add this dressing. Once you try it, you’ll never want to buy store-bought dressing again!
  • Simple ingredients: This Caesar dressing recipe is so easy. All you need are simple pantry ingredients, a bowl, and a whisk (which makes for easy clean up too!).
  • No anchovies: Whether you can’t find anchovies, are sensitive to the taste, or need a vegetarian Caesar salad dressing, this recipe is for you!
  • Adaptable: Making your own dressing gives you control over the ingredients, and you can adjust it to get the perfect taste.
Caesar dressing ingredients

Ingredients

This dressing uses a handful of pantry staple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need! Please refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

  • Mayonnaise gives the dressing a rich, creamy texture. Some recipes call for oil and raw egg yolks, which are whipped into mayonnaise, but using store-bought mayo is so much easier.
  • Worcestershire sauce infuses the dressing with rich umami flavor and creates a complex, irresistible taste. In the absence of anchovies, Worcestershire sauce is essential.
  • Dijon mustard is another key ingredient. I don’t recommend substituting other mustards here, you want the unique flavor of Dijon.
  • Garlic adds to the spicy taste of the dressing. Be sure to mince or press your garlic very fine. You can substitute garlic powder if preferred.
  • Lemon juice makes the classic Caesar salad taste complete! Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best tangy flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese lends the dressing a salty-sweet flavor and a rich cheesy taste. Freshly grated parmesan works best, but you can use pre-grated for convenience.
  • Salt & pepper: Several ingredients already contain salt, so you only need a little additional salt. However, we will load up the dressing with freshly ground black pepper!
  • Milk or water (optional): You can thin the dressing out with a tablespoon or two of milk or water to give it a drizzly consistency.
close-up of palate with anchovy free Caesar dressing

FAQ

What is Cesar salad dressing?

Caesar salad dressing is rich and creamy with salty, bright flavors. It’s made from olive oil, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and salt.

The dressing is traditionally served with Caesar salad, a dish made with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. You’ll often find Caesar salad with grilled chicken, salmon, crispy bacon bits, or eggs.

After you taste this dressing and realize how fabulous it is, you’ll be pleased to know that you can use it on more than salads. It makes a delicious sauce to drizzle over roasted vegetables, or a tasty marinade for chicken.

Does Caesar dressing have anchovies in it?

Are there anchovies in Caesar dressing? While anchovy filets or anchovy paste are an ingredient in some Caesar salad dressing recipes, the original recipe didn’t use this ingredient.

What is a substitute for anchovies in Caesar dressing?

Anchovies give Caesar salad piquancy and umami flavor. You can create a similar taste with a combination of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and salt.

Why use Worcestershire sauce?

Worcestershire sauce is the key ingredient in this recipe, giving the dressing depth of flavor. Combined with the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, it makes the perfect base to add the other ingredients to.

Worcestershire sauce is a fermented liquid condiment made from vinegar, molasses, garlic, salt, and seasonings. Some Worcestershire sauces also contain anchovies.

If you are vegetarian or don’t enjoy the taste of anchovies, be sure to study the ingredient list and pick a Worcestershire sauce that contains no anchovies.

The Worcestershire sauce from Annie’s, Whole Foods 365, and Wizard’s are anchovy-free and suitable for vegetarians. I Am Going Vegan has a list of more anchovy-free Worcestershire sauce brands.

Of course, if you do enjoy the taste of anchovies, grab a Worcestershire sauce with anchovies!

process shot of how to make Caesar dressing without anchovies

How to make Caesar salad dressing without anchovies

There are several ways to make Caesar dressing, and they are all easy. You can mix it by hand (my preferred method since clean-up is easy) or in a food processor or blender.

Mix by hand

  1. Combine. Start by whisking the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl until combined.
  2. Incorporate. Next, stir in the mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Adjust. At this point, you can taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Add another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce if you prefer a bolder dressing. For a zippier taste, include 1 additional teaspoon of lemon juice. If you find the dressing too thick, thin it out with a tablespoon of water or milk.
  4. Serve. To serve, pour the desired amount over your salad, toss, and enjoy!

Mix in a blender or food processor

  1. Blend. Add all ingredients into a small food processor or blender. Pulse until everything is well combined and the texture is smooth.
  2. Serve. Drizzle it over your salad or use as desired. Enjoy!
small bowl of Caesar dressing without anchovies

Variations

As you can see, Caesar salad dressing without anchovies couldn’t be simpler. It’s basically 2 steps, and you’re done! I think my recipe is just right, but you can adapt it to suit your taste.

  • Lighter dressing: If you’re looking for a lighter dressing, replace half of the mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt.
  • Add honey: This is entirely optional, but stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey for a hint of sweetness. The honey balances the tangy flavors if the lemon juice and mustard become too strong.
  • Vegan: To make the dressing vegan, substitute vegan mayonnaise (like Best Food’s) and vegan Worcestershire sauce (e.g., from Wizard’s).
  • Keto: The recipe is already low-carb and keto-friendly as written.
  • Gluten-free: The dressing is gluten-free as long as you opt for a certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.

Serving suggestions

This no-anchovies Caesar dressing doesn’t only work as a finishing touch for salad. You can enjoy it in so many ways. Try these ideas:

  • Salad (of course!): Upgrade any salad with this bold, creamy dressing. For classic Caesar salad, chop up 2 to 3 large Romaine hearts and serve it with crispy croutons and Parmesan shavings.
  • Bread dip: Serve the dressing in a shallow bowl along with some crusty bread, breadsticks, or garlic bread. It makes a yummy dipping sauce!
  • Protein & veggies: Grilled vegetables, chicken, salmon, and steak taste delicious with a hearty sauce, so why not drizzle it over your favorite protein and sides?
  • Marinade: The dressing would also be yummy as a marinade for chicken breast and cutlets.
plate of Caesar salad without anchovies

Storage instructions

How to store Caesar salad dressing without anchovies

  • Store: Keep leftover Caesar salad dressing in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Use: When it’s time to use it again, gently stir the dressing to mix in any ingredients that have settled. Then pour it over your salad or use as desired and enjoy!

More salad recipes

Homemade salad is the best! If you loved this no-anchovy Caesar dressing, check out some of our other salad recipes:

Did you enjoy this recipe? Give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment! Appreciate it so much, thank you!

If you had any issues, I’d appreciate the chance to help you troubleshoot before you rate.

Caesar dressing without anchovies.

Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe without Anchovies

Yield: 1 1/3 cups (enough for 10 servings)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

This is the best Caesar salad dressing without anchovies! The easy recipe uses simple ingredients and makes the creamiest, most flavorful dressing – without anchovy paste or raw anchovy filets. Just stir everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy restaurant-quality Caesar salad in no time!

Ingredients

  • 1 large garlic clove, finely minced (or to 2 small ones)
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (see Notes below)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup / 230 g / 8 oz mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup / 45 g / 1.6 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Mix By Hand

  1. Combine. Start by whisking the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl until combined.
  2. Incorporate. Next, stir in the mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Adjust. At this point, you can taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Add another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce if you prefer a bolder dressing. For a zippier taste, include 1 additional teaspoon of lemon juice. If you find the dressing too thick, thin it out with a tablespoon of water or milk.
  4. Serve. To serve, pour the desired amount over your salad, toss, and enjoy!

Food Processor Method

  1. Blend. Add all ingredients into a small food processor or blender. Pulse until everything is well combined and the texture is smooth.
  2. Serve. Drizzle it over your salad or use as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce traditionally contains anchovies. If you are vegetarian or don’t enjoy the taste of anchovies, be sure to study the ingredient list and pick a Worcestershire sauce that contains no anchovies.

Variations

  • Lighter dressing: If you’re looking for a lighter dressing, replace half of the mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt.
  • Add honey: This is entirely optional, but stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey for a hint of sweetness. The honey balances the tangy flavors if the lemon juice and mustard become too strong.
  • Vegan: To make the dressing vegan, substitute vegan mayonnaise (like Best Food’s) and vegan Worcestershire sauce (e.g., from Wizard’s).
  • Keto: The recipe is already low-carb and keto-friendly as written.
  • Gluten-free: The dressing is gluten-free as long as you opt for a certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 342mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

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