Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing

The Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing is a creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced dressing that turns an ordinary salad into something special. Made with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, this dressing delivers rich flavour without the fuss. It’s smooth, quick to prepare, and captures that signature Caesar taste Mary Berry is known for — elegant yet easy.

What Is Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing?

Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad Dressing is a classic creamy dressing used for Caesar salads. It blends mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese to create a velvety, savoury sauce. Unlike traditional versions with raw egg or anchovies, this one is milder and suitable for everyone while maintaining that authentic Caesar flavour.

Other Popular Mary Berry Soup Recipes

• Mary Berry 10 Minute Tomato Soup​
• Mary Berry Stilton Broccoli Soup
• Mary Berry French Onion Soup

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Quick to make – Ready in just 5 minutes.
• No raw egg or anchovies – Family-friendly and simple.
• Rich and creamy – Perfect consistency for coating lettuce.
• Versatile – Works as a dip, sandwich spread, or drizzle.
• Make-ahead friendly – Keeps well in the fridge for several days.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing

• Mayonnaise – 5 tbsp (full-fat for richness)
• Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
• Garlic – 1 small clove, crushed
• Parmesan cheese – 3 tbsp, finely grated
• Lemon juice – 1½ tbsp, freshly squeezed
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tsp
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Milk or water – 1–2 tbsp (to adjust consistency)

(Optional: a pinch of sugar or honey to balance acidity.)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Garlic press or grater
• Airtight jar for storage

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing

Step 1: Combine the base ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk together until smooth.

Step 2: Add Parmesan and Worcestershire sauce

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until fully blended and creamy.

Step 3: Adjust seasoning

Taste the dressing and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. If it’s too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Chill before serving

For the best flavour, chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Drizzle generously over crisp romaine lettuce, sprinkle with croutons, and top with shaved Parmesan for the perfect Caesar salad.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Too thick – Added a splash of milk to loosen it.
• Too tangy – Balanced it with a touch of honey.
• Bland taste – Increased Parmesan and lemon juice.
• Overpowering garlic – Used half a clove for a milder flavour.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Caesar Salad Dressing

• Swap mayonnaise with low-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Reduce Parmesan and add extra lemon juice for brightness.
• Skip Worcestershire sauce and use balsamic vinegar for a vegan-friendly twist.
• Add olive oil instead of cream for a smoother texture.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing

• Mayonnaise – Use Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Dijon mustard – Replace with wholegrain mustard.
• Parmesan – Substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast.
• Worcestershire sauce – Use soy sauce with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing

• Classic Caesar salad – Tossed with crisp romaine and croutons.
• Grilled chicken – Makes a complete and balanced meal.
• Roasted vegetables – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Wraps or sandwiches – Use as a spread for extra flavour.
• Pasta salad – Perfect as a light dressing alternative.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing

• Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled versions lack depth.
• Grate Parmesan finely – Helps it blend smoothly.
• Whisk thoroughly – Ensures a creamy, emulsified texture.
• Adjust to taste – Add more mustard or lemon for extra tang.
• Chill before serving – Enhances the flavour and consistency.
• Serve immediately after tossing – Keeps salad crisp and fresh.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing

• Add anchovy paste – For a more traditional Caesar taste.
• Include herbs – Fresh parsley or dill adds freshness.
• Add spice – A pinch of cayenne or black pepper for heat.
• Make it cheesy – Stir in extra Parmesan for richness.
• Add a smoky note – Mix in a dash of smoked paprika.

Storing Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing the Right Way

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight jar for up to 4 days.
• Stir before use – Ingredients may separate slightly.
• Do not freeze – The texture changes when thawed.
• Keep chilled – Always serve it cold for best results.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing (If Needed)

This dressing is best served cold. Reheating will cause separation and spoil the texture. Simply remove from the fridge 10 minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~130 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fat: 12g
• Fibre: 0g

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FAQs

How do I make Mary Berry’s Caesar salad dressing creamy and smooth?

To achieve a smooth, creamy consistency, whisk all the ingredients slowly while adding milk or water one tablespoon at a time. This prevents the dressing from being too thick and ensures the mayonnaise, Parmesan, and lemon juice blend evenly for a velvety finish.

Can I make Mary Berry’s Caesar salad dressing in advance?

Yes, this dressing can be made up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir or whisk before serving to bring back its creamy texture, as ingredients may separate slightly over time.

What can I use instead of anchovies in Caesar salad dressing?

Mary Berry’s version skips anchovies altogether, but if you want that savoury depth, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. Both mimic the umami flavour anchovies provide without using fish.

How do I fix Caesar dressing if it’s too tangy or salty?

If the dressing tastes too tangy, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. If it’s too salty, mix in a small amount of unsalted yogurt or milk to mellow the flavours while keeping the dressing creamy.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Caesar Salad Dressing is creamy, zesty, and incredibly easy to make. It transforms a simple bowl of lettuce into a gourmet experience in minutes. With its rich Parmesan flavour, balanced acidity, and smooth texture, this versatile dressing is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and more — a must-have for your everyday cooking repertoire.