If you love Caesar salad but want to skip the heavy mayonnaise-based dressings, this classic Caesar salad dressing recipe is for you. Made with hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, capers, and plenty of flavor, it’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced without a drop of mayo. Whether you’re making a salad for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests, this homemade dressing elevates your greens with authentic taste and a luxurious texture.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, tips for perfect emulsification, and suggestions to customize your dressing to suit your taste. Plus, I’ll explain why each ingredient matters and how to achieve that classic Caesar flavor that everyone loves.

Why Make Caesar Dressing Without Mayonnaise?

Traditional Caesar dressing often uses raw eggs or mayonnaise as a base to create its signature creamy texture. But not everyone is comfortable eating raw eggs, and some prefer to avoid mayonnaise due to its heaviness or store-bought additives. This recipe uses hard-boiled eggs instead, which adds richness and body safely and naturally.

Using hard-boiled eggs also gives the dressing a thicker, more substantial texture, making it cling beautifully to crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons. The absence of mayo lets the flavors of anchovy, garlic, and lemon shine through without being masked.

Ingredients for the Perfect Caesar Salad Dressing

Here’s what you’ll need for about 1 cup of dressing — enough for a large salad serving 3-4 people:

1 hard-boiled egg, peeled (or 2 small eggs if preferred)
3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Juice of ½ lemon
100 ml extra virgin olive oil — you can also use a blend of olive oil and a neutral oil like grapeseed for a milder flavor
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended for richness)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Why these ingredients?

Hard-boiled egg: Provides creaminess without raw egg risk.
Anchovies: Key for umami depth and the classic savory punch.
Capers: Add briny tang that balances the richness.
Garlic: Adds aromatic sharpness.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle heat.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dressing with acidity.
Olive oil: The fat that binds everything into a smooth emulsion.
Parmesan: Offers nutty, salty complexity.
Salt & pepper: To enhance and balance all flavors.

If you love this mayo-free Caesar dressing, don’t miss our crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons — they’re the perfect crunchy topping. You can also serve it with a hearty Greek Pasta Salad or next to a main like Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for a satisfying dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Caesar Salad Dressing Without Mayo

Step 1: Prepare the Egg and Flavor Base

Start by peeling your hard-boiled egg(s). To get a smooth dressing, chop the egg very finely or mash it with a fork until almost paste-like. You can also pulse it a few times in a mini food processor for extra smoothness.

Finely mince the garlic and anchovy fillets. Drain your capers thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can break the emulsion.

Step 2: Mix the Acid and Emulsifier

In a medium bowl, combine the Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Whisk these two ingredients together to create a base for emulsification.

Step 3: Emulsify the Olive Oil

Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mustard-lemon mixture while whisking vigorously. This slow incorporation is the secret to a thick, creamy dressing. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens slightly and looks glossy.

Step 4: Add the Flavor Elements

Fold in the finely mashed egg, minced garlic, chopped anchovies, drained capers, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine. The Parmesan will help thicken the dressing and add savory richness.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that anchovies, capers, and Parmesan all contribute saltiness, so start with a small pinch and adjust after tasting.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Your Caesar dressing is ready! Toss it immediately with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and extra Parmesan shavings. If you’re not using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, whisk or stir to recombine as separation may occur.

Tips for the Best Caesar Salad Dressing

Use super fresh, high-quality anchovies. The flavor of anchovy can vary greatly. Look for anchovy fillets packed in oil for the best texture and taste.
Don’t skip the capers! They add that essential briny brightness that sets Caesar dressing apart.
Whisk well for smooth emulsification. If you have a small blender or immersion blender, it can help you get an even silkier texture.
Balance acidity and richness. Adjust lemon juice and olive oil amounts slightly based on your taste. More lemon for brightness, more oil for creaminess.
Make your own croutons. Toast some cubed bread in olive oil and garlic for an irresistible crunchy topping.

Variations and Customizations

Add a touch of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Try substituting half the olive oil with neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed for a lighter taste.
Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to brighten the dressing further.
Make it spicy by whisking in a little Dijon mixed with hot sauce or cayenne.

What Makes This Dressing Better Than Store-Bought?

Store-bought Caesar dressings often rely on preservatives, excess sugar, and heavy mayo bases that dull the fresh flavors of classic ingredients. Making your own dressing lets you control the balance of acidity, saltiness, and texture with fresh, quality ingredients.

Plus, the homemade version has a cleaner taste, richer umami from anchovies and capers, and a fresher lemon brightness that no jarred dressing can match.

This mayonnaise-free Caesar salad dressing is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors you love with a fresher, lighter, and safer twist. The hard-boiled egg provides luscious creaminess, while anchovies and capers give it that distinctive savory depth. The lemon and garlic keep it bright and punchy, and the Parmesan cheese ties everything together with nutty richness.

Try this recipe next time you want a crisp Caesar salad that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a whisk, you’ll impress your family and friends with a dressing that’s authentically delicious and totally homemade.

Fresh & Flavorful Recipes to Pair with Caesar Salad

Homemade Garlic Croutons — crisp, buttery, and made for Caesar salads.
Greek Pasta Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette — herby, tangy, and colorful.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo — rich and creamy for a well-rounded meal.
Pasta alla Zozzona — bold Roman pasta dish to serve alongside.
No-Churn Dark Chocolate Ice Cream — the perfect simple dessert to follow.

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