This rich & creamy chicken Caesar salad is a simple way to create a flavorful light meal or a tasty accompaniment to your main course.

Caesar salad is pretty much the only salad I ever order when I’m eating out at a restaurant. Typically it’s ahead of a big o’l steak, but regardless, it’s what I prefer best. Bonus points if it’s extra garlicky.
The problem is I’ve yet to find a store bought Caesar dressing that’s any good. I’ve purchased countless bottles that look promising only to be disappointed and eventually throw them out. Why is that? If you’ve come across a bottled dressing that you love, please let me know in the comments. There’s just some days you don’t have it in you to do all the things.
Using fresh and quality ingredients will help immensely add to the rich flavor. A quality mayonnaise and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese are key to making a good Caesar dressing work. Moreover, the use of anchovy paste provides that umami component that puts it over the top. I really do suggest not skipping this ingredient as it adds so much flavor. I’m the first to turn my nose up at fish but it doesn’t add any fishiness, just additional depth and flavor. I usually find it in a tube by the tuna section in the store.
This salad works great as a stand alone meal with some sliced grilled chicken (hot or cold) or salmon. The fresh dressing keeps in the fridge for about a week, so you could easily make it ahead of time for a weeknight meal or quick lunch. It’s a great ketogenic meal due to the high fat ingredients like mayo and cheese. You’ll want to skip the croutons though if you want to keep it keto, just add some extra shaved Parmesan on top.
Caesar Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic finely diced
- 1 tsp anchovy paste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano freshly grated
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix together until well combined. Taste and adjust with additional salt & pepper as necessary.
Just made your Cesar salad dressing. I was afraid of the anchovy paste but made it with ap anyway. This dressing is💣!!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it. Agreed that you can’t taste the anchovy paste. It just provides a little extra body to the dressing. It’s great to use in sauces too!