Craving a classic Caesar salad but don't have anchovies on hand? This No-Anchovy Caesar Salad Dressing delivers all the savory, garlicky goodness you love about the original, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. And this shortcut version rivals any restaurant Caesar. Even my anchovy-loving friends ask for the recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just minutes with zero food processor cleanup
- Uses pantry staples instead of harder-to-find ingredients
- Perfectly balanced flavors that get even better overnight
- Versatile enough for salads, sandwiches, and dips
Try this rich and creamy dressing on Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad, Salmon Caesar Salad or Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (Caesar-style).
Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
- Mayo: Use a full-fat, quality mayonnaise (such as Hellmans or Dukes) for best results. Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter version, although dressing texture will be thinner.
- Worcestershire sauce: This is our anchovy substitute! Don't skip it.
- Dijon: Whole grain mustard works too, but avoid yellow mustard.
- Fresh garlic: In a pinch, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Parmesan: Fresh-grated is ideal as pre-grated brings a different texture. But the flavor will still be delicious. Substitute grana padano or asiago.
- Lemon juice: Grab a real lemon and squeeze it fresh, friends. Bottled juice tends to leave our dressing taste flat.
Full ingredient list and measurements included in the printable recipe card below.
Pro Tips for Success
- The key to next-level Caesar dressing is letting it rest! Make it at least 30 minutes before serving (overnight is even better) to let the flavors meld. And always taste and adjust seasonings just before serving. You might need an extra pinch of pepper or splash of lemon juice.
- Want to try the traditional anchovy version? Simply reduce the Worcestershire to 1 teaspoon and add 2-3 minced anchovy fillets or 1 ½ teaspoons of anchovy paste. Both versions are equally delicious – it's just a matter of personal preference!
Does Caesar dressing really need anchovies?
Traditionally yes, but Worcestershire sauce (which contains anchovies) provides similar umami depth without the fishy texture some people dislike.
Why is my dressing so thick?
Just whisk in a tablespoon of water or milk until you reach desired consistency.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast and a pinch more salt for a surprisingly good dairy-free version of Caesar salad dressing.
How to Make Caesar Dressing without Anchovies
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir to combine well.
Taste and adjust seasoning. I almost always add a little more black pepper before serving. (Flavors will build as dressing sits).
Serve this Caesar Dressing with Shrimp Caesar Salad or in my popular Air Fryer Salmon Recipe!
Caesar Salad Dressing (No Anchovies!)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6
Description
It's the Caesar Dressing that makes everyone happy - packed with flavor, but no anchovies. Make a double batch!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine mayo, parmesan, lemon juice, Worcestershire, Dijon, garlic, salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Stir to combine well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. (Flavors will build as dressing sits). Refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- Storage: This dressing keeps for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.
- How to Serve: Use this tasty dressing over Salmon Salad, Shrimp Salad or Air Fryer Salmon.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Easy Recipes
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙
- Calories: 277
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 462.2 mg
- Fat: 28.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.1 g
- Protein: 2.1 g
- Cholesterol: 18.6 mg
Jill
I'm so glad you left the anchovies out. It's not that I don't want to eat a homemade sauce with them from a restaurant, but I don't want to mess with them at home. Caesar salad is my favorite, so quick and easy. About how much will the recipe make?
Christina Jolam
Caesar salad is the best, right? This dressing will make about 1 1/3 cups of dressing. Generally speaking, 2 tablespoons of dressing makes a serving. But I like a heavily dressed Caesar salad, don't you? So I estimate this will serve 6 generous portions. Thanks for the great question!
Sean
I made the Shrimp Caesar Salad this weekend. That was a lot of fun and it was delicious. Loved the dressing recipe…almost added the anchovies since I am a fan, but figured for the first time I would make it as suggested.
Thanks again for a great recipe!
Christina Jolam
So glad you loved it, Sean! It's one of my favorite dressings, sandwich spreads and I even use it on air fryer salmon! Thanks for leaving such a helpful review.