If you, like me, prefer your Caesar salads bold, creamy, and absolutely unforgettable, Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing will take your homemade salads to the next level. This dressing is loaded with rich, savory flavors—the kind that cling irresistibly to crisp romaine and make you look forward to every crunchy bite. Thanks to fresh garlic, citrusy lemon, and a mountain of Parmigiano-Reggiano, every spoonful of Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing is a flavor-packed experience. Plus, it comes together in minutes, so you can skip the bottled stuff forever and dive right into salad (or dipping!) bliss.

Johnny B's Caesar Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of simple staples and you’re halfway to the most iconic Caesar dressing ever. Each ingredient in Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing isn’t just here for show—they each bring something crucial, whether it’s the creaminess, that signature salty punch, or a tangy wake-up call that ties everything together.

Mayonnaise: Provides that luscious, creamy base and gives the dressing its undeniable richness.
Yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tang and a pop of color, elevating the overall flavor.
Anchovy paste: The secret ingredient! It lends that umami depth and classic Caesar flavor without being fishy.
Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a complex, slightly sweet savoriness and rounds out the other bold flavors.
Garlic (minced): Packs a punch and infuses the dressing with its signature, aromatic warmth.
Lemon juice: Fresh, bright acidity cuts through the richness and balances every bite.
Lemon zest: Infuses extra lemony fragrance and takes the freshness up a notch.
Parmigiano-Reggiano (finely grated): The king of cheese—nutty, salty, and luxurious, making the dressing extra savory and creamy.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and a fragrant finish you’ll notice in every bite.

How to Make Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Cheese and Citrus

Start by finely grating your Parmigiano-Reggiano and zesting then juicing half a fresh lemon. Keep these at the ready—freshness is absolutely key to making Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing come alive with zingy, cheesy brightness.

Step 2: Mince the Garlic

Peel and mince four garlic cloves until they’re nearly paste-like. This ensures the garlic will blend smoothly with the other ingredients and distribute its classic bite throughout your dressing.

Step 3: Combine and Whisk

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and black pepper. Whisk everything together for about 1–2 minutes until it’s thick, creamy, and totally homogenous—no lumps! The whisking helps emulsify the dressing and ensures every leafy bite gets coated luxuriously.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Use a clean spoon to taste your Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing. Does it need a bit more lemon? Maybe an extra pinch of black pepper? Customize as you wish—this is your moment to make it absolutely perfect for your palate.

Step 5: Dress and Toss Your Salad

Pour your homemade dressing over chopped romaine lettuce (and don’t forget the croutons!). Give everything a generous toss to make sure every leaf is enrobed in that creamy magic.

Step 6: Enjoy Every Bite!

Dish it up, sprinkle with extra Parmigiano if you wish, and savor the punchy, savory flavors that make Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing unforgettable.

How to Serve Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, top your Caesar salad with a fresh dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano or a quick crack of black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, try adding a few whole anchovies, a sprinkling of lemon zest, or even an herb like chives or parsley for color and freshness. Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing loves a good finishing touch!

Side Dishes

This dressing makes a classic Caesar salad, but pairs beautifully as a side for grilled chicken, juicy steaks, or a simple roasted salmon. You can even use it as a dip for roasted veggies or crusty bread—Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing always turns everyday meals into something special.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Caesar into a full meal by topping with grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken. Or, try Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing as a dip for crispy potato wedges or drizzled over a hearty grain bowl. For cocktail parties, make adorable Caesar salad cups with little romaine leaves, Parm shavings, and a dollop of dressing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will deepen over time, making your next salad even more delicious. Always give it a quick stir before serving in case anything separates.

Freezing

Freezing this dressing isn’t recommended, as mayonnaise-based dressings may split and lose their silky texture after thawing. It’s best to make a fresh batch—since it takes just minutes, you won’t miss a beat!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing. Just bring it out of the fridge, give it a little whisk to revive its texture, and it’s good to go. If it seems extra thick, a splash of milk or lemon juice will restore its pourable consistency.

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan instead of Parmigiano-Reggiano?

You can, but for the most luxurious, authentic flavor, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is best. Pre-grated cheese often lacks the same bold flavor and creamy melt that makes Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing so distinctive.

Is there a substitute for anchovy paste?

If you really prefer to skip anchovy, you can try an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of fish sauce. However, nothing quite replicates the signature depth anchovy brings to Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing!

Can I make this Caesar dressing without raw eggs?

Absolutely! This recipe skips raw eggs entirely, relying on mayonnaise for creaminess instead. It’s a great option if you’re concerned about using raw eggs in homemade dressings.

Is Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing gluten-free?

This dressing is naturally gluten-free, as long as you double-check that your mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard are labeled gluten-free. Always check your labels if you have sensitivities!

How can I make Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing lighter?

You can substitute regular mayonnaise with light mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt for a fresher, tangier dressing that still packs big flavor and creaminess.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a Caesar salad that’s packed with punchy, real-deal flavor, Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. There’s nothing quite like homemade—and with this recipe in your back pocket, you’ll never settle for store-bought again. Give it a try and discover why this creamy dressing has become a legendary favorite in my own kitchen.