Garlicky Caesar Salad (Creamy & Homemade Dressing)

If you want the best homemade Caesar salad recipe that’s creamy, garlicky, and absolutely delicious, look no further! This salad is one of my family’s favorite sides, and it’s even a hit with our pickiest eater. There’s something about the combination of crisp romaine, salty parmesan, and a bold, garlicky dressing that feels comforting but still fresh and light. The best part? It’s so much easier to make at home than you might think. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a salad that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

This recipe has quickly become my go-to, whether I need a quick side to go with grilled chicken or steak, or a hearty main dish topped with extra protein like shrimp, salmon, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Once you try it, I have a feeling it will become a staple in your home too.

Why You’ll Love This Garlicky Caesar Salad

• Family-friendly – Even kids love this creamy salad, especially when paired with homemade croutons.
• Bold garlic flavor – Freshly crushed garlic gives the dressing that signature punch Caesar salad is known for.
• Simple ingredients – You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand.
• Versatile – Serve it as a side, or bulk it up with protein for a full meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup mayonnaise – I like using avocado oil mayo to avoid seed oils, but any high-quality mayo works.
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste – Don’t skip this! It gives Caesar its classic depth of flavor without being “fishy.”
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a touch of umami and tang.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Brings a little sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed – Fresh garlic is the star of the show here.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adjust to taste.
• Salt – Start light and add more as needed.
• Fresh romaine lettuce – Crisp, chopped, and washed.
• Fresh parmesan cheese – Shredded or shaved for the perfect salty bite.

Optional: Add homemade croutons for extra crunch.

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How to Make the Dressing

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and well blended.
2. Add crushed garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly so the garlic distributes evenly.
3. For the best flavor, let the dressing chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This gives the garlic time to infuse and the flavors to meld together.

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Prepping the Romaine

While the dressing chills, prepare your lettuce. I recommend chopping the romaine first and then rinsing it in a salad spinner. To make sure the leaves are really clean, fill the spinner with cold water and add a small pinch of baking soda. Let it soak for about 5 minutes, then drain and spin dry. The salad spinner not only removes dirt but also keeps the lettuce crisp and ready to hold up to the creamy dressing.

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Bringing It All Together

Once the lettuce is dry and crisp, toss it in a large bowl with the chilled dressing. Add freshly shredded parmesan on top, and if you’d like, throw in a handful of crunchy croutons if you’d like. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish, or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

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Tips & Variations

• No anchovy paste? Substitute with an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce for a milder flavor.
• Make it lighter – Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayo.
• Meal prep friendly – Store the dressing in the fridge for up to 5 days and prep romaine ahead of time.

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This creamy, garlicky Caesar salad is proof that simple recipes are often the best. With minimal effort, you’ll have a salad that rivals your favorite restaurant version and makes any dinner feel a little more special.