Caesar Salad Dressing Without Anchovies Recipe
Introduction
This Caesar salad dressing without anchovies offers a creamy, tangy flavor perfect for those who prefer a vegetarian or milder twist on the classic. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it brings the beloved taste of Caesar dressing to your table without compromising on richness.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 cloves Garlic (pressed, finely minced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Anchovy-free Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp Caper brine
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- Salt (if needed, to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Use a garlic press or microplane to finely mince or mash the garlic. Place the garlic in a medium-sized bowl.
- Step 2: Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, caper brine, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl with the garlic.
- Step 3: Add the mayonnaise and whisk for 20-30 seconds until everything is well combined.
- Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Season with salt if needed, tasting before adding.
- Step 5: In a large salad bowl, combine romaine lettuce, additional Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Toss with the dressing.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the salad with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- If you don’t have caper brine, add a small amount of finely chopped capers instead.
- Try adding a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat in your dressing.
Storage
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before each use. This dressing is best served fresh but can be gently reheated to room temperature if desired; avoid microwaving as it can change the texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular Worcestershire sauce for this recipe?
Regular Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so to keep the dressing anchovy-free, use an anchovy-free version or omit it altogether if needed.
Is this dressing suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, which are not vegan. To make it vegan, substitute with vegan mayonnaise and nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
PrintCaesar Salad Dressing Without Anchovies Recipe
A creamy and savory Caesar salad dressing that omits anchovies, making it perfect for those who prefer a vegetarian-friendly version. This anchovy-free dressing combines mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, caper brine, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh romaine lettuce, croutons, and extra Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup dressing (serves 4–6 as salad dressing) 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 cloves Garlic (pressed, finely minced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Anchovy-free Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp Caper brine
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- Salt (if needed, to taste)
Salad Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce (quantity as desired)
- Croutons (quantity as desired)
- Additional Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic: Use a garlic press or microplane to finely mince or mash the garlic cloves. Place the minced garlic into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Combine acidic ingredients: Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, caper brine, and anchovy-free Worcestershire sauce to the bowl with the garlic.
- Add mayonnaise and whisk: Pour in the mayonnaise and whisk the mixture for 20-30 seconds until all ingredients are fully combined and the dressing is smooth.
- Incorporate cheese and seasoning: Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the dressing and add salt if necessary, though it’s often not needed.
- Toss the salad: In a large salad bowl, add fresh romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use anchovy-free Worcestershire sauce to keep the dressing vegetarian.
- Caper brine is key to adding a salty, tangy punch that replaces anchovies.
- You can adjust the consistency of the dressing by adding a splash of water or olive oil if desired.
- This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freshly minced garlic adds more flavor than pre-minced garlic, but either works.
- Adjust salt carefully because Parmesan cheese and caper brine already contribute saltiness.
Keywords: Caesar salad dressing, anchovy-free dressing, vegetarian Caesar, creamy salad dressing, garlic dressing, homemade Caesar

