A quick, no-fuss caesar salad with a homemade dressing you’ll want to put on everything!
Of course you’ve got the crunchy cos (romaine) lettuce and creamy parmesan (and maybe some cheeky crispy bacon and croutons!), but to me caesar salad is all about the dressing. There are plenty of supermarket shortcuts I’ll happily recommend, but salad dressing just isn’t one of them. Homemade is too quick, too easy, and too good to pass up. Making your own means avoiding another expensive, half-used bottle of something sitting in the fridge until it gets thrown away. You also avoid all the preservatives, and you end up with a dressing that’s fresher and more delicious than anything store-bought.
The best part is how simple it is. For the dressing, you only need a handful of everyday staples – mayonnaise, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, dijon mustard, a splash of Worcestershire, and salt and pepper. No special trips to the shops needed, no raw eggs, no blender – just a whisk and 5 minutes. This version is also kid-friendly with no anchovies, though you can absolutely add them if you want that traditional caesar kick.
And once you’ve got a jar in the fridge, you’ll use it for everything. Of course, it’s perfect on this salad, but it also makes a great spread for wraps and sandwiches, a drizzle over tacos (like my Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos), or even a dip for veggie sticks and fries. It’s the kind of small step that makes meals feel that little bit more special, and once you try it, you won’t go back to bottled dressing!
For the salad, I use the classic crunchy cos (romaine) lettuce, but instead of anchovies I like to include some crispy bacon, which the kids love. And if I’m feeling really fancy, I’ll also top the salad with my Crispy Garlic Parmesan Croutons – I highly recommend this variation (and so do the kids)!
Does this caesar salad include anchovies?
Traditional caesar dressing usually includes anchovies, but I’ve kept this version kid-friendly and anchovy-free. You still get loads of flavour from the Worcestershire sauce, parmesan, garlic and lemon. If you miss that salty, briny kick, just mash 1–2 anchovy fillets into the dressing before whisking.
Can I spice up the dressing?
You sure can! You could add a touch of chilli powder or ground cayenne pepper, some sliced fresh chilli or a drizzle of chilli oil.
How do I store the dressing?
Keep the dressing in a clean, airtight jar or container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving to bring everything back together.
What else can I use the dressing for?
This dressing is so versatile. Use it as:
- A spread for wraps, sandwiches or burgers.
- A drizzle over tacos.
- A dip for veggie sticks, fries or even wedges.
- A quick way to dress roasted veggies or grilled chicken.
If you enjoyed Cheat’s Caesar Salad, I think you’ll love:
Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos Recipe
Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe
Easy Rocket (Arugula) and Parmesan Salad Recipe
Mediterranean Village Salad Recipe
Maple Kale Salad with Cranberries and Blue Cheese Recipe
Cheat’s Caesar Salad
“Sooooooo GOOD! And easy 😊” Share Pin Recipe PrintIngredients
- 160 g (⅔ cup) whole-egg mayonnaise (see note 1)
- 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- ½ tsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 baby cos (romaine) lettuces, roughly chopped or shredded
- Freshly shaved parmesan (optional)
- Crispy bacon strips (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Croutons (optional)
Instructions
- Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
- Assemble the salad – Place the salad leaves in a bowl (along with the parmesan and bacon, if using), then pour over the dressing, season with pepper and toss to coat. Top with croutons, if desired and serve.
Nutrition information
Make it lighter
Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes
Recipe notes
- 90 g (⅓ cup) whole-egg mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 heaped tbsp freshly grated parmesan
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
Tracy says:
I made this tonight, rather than purchasing a Caesar salad kit (something I usually do when Mr25 is making dinner). So easy. So delicious. I don’t particularly love raw garlic, so was going to use garlic powder. Someone put the empty jar in the cupboard (ugh!). So no garlic. Still an absolute winner!
Nicole says:
Hi Tracy, so glad this was a hit and that you made it work even without the garlic! 👏🏻 It’s so satisfying to make it yourself, isn’t it? Nic x
Sonia says:
How can I see if you have replied to my comment please?
Nicole says:
Hi Sonia, I am so sorry to answer your query a little late! Thanks for your question about the old version – yes, you’ve got a great memory! I did update this recipe to the version you see now (with dijon and Worcestershire) because it’s closer to a classic caesar and a bit creamier. But I know some of you loved the older, lighter version too, so I’ve added it into the notes section of the recipe card for easy reference. That way you can choose whichever one you prefer. Hope that helps! Nic x
Sonia says:
Hi Ive used this recipe before but it was a bit different. Im wondering if there is any chance you could please send me a copy of the old recipe as I preferred it to this one? Thank you
Nicole says:
Hi Sonia, I have now added the old recipe into the notes for people who preferred those flavours. Nic x
Sue says:
Sooooooo GOOD! and easy 😊
Nicole says:
So happy you liked it! xx