Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Creamy Caesar Dressing (Savory, Garlicky & Restaurant-Quality!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 2, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Glass jar of creamy dressing on a table with grated cheese, a lemon wedge, a spoon, and a salad. Bright, fresh setting.

This homemade Creamy Caesar Dressing is bold, garlicky, tangy, and silky-smooth — the kind of restaurant-style dressing that makes any salad irresistible. Made with simple ingredients like Parmesan, Dijon, lemon, garlic, and optional anchovies, it tastes far better than anything in a bottle.

Drizzle it over Classic Caesar Salad, Chicken Caesar Wraps, Mediterranean Chicken Bowls, or use it as a dip for Fried Zucchini Chips or Loaded Potato Skins for a cozy, flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This

Rich, creamy dressing with bold Caesar flavor
Smooth texture that coats salads perfectly
Simple ingredients with classic taste
Perfect for Caesar salads, wraps, or dipping vegetables

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: About 1 cup

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
1–2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional but classic)
¼ tsp black pepper
1–2 tbsp water (to thin if needed)
Optional add-ins: pinch of sugar, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan

Instructions

1. Make the Base

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire.

2. Add Garlic & Anchovy

Stir in minced garlic and anchovy fillets until fully blended.

3. Season

Add black pepper and taste; adjust lemon or Parmesan as desired.

4. Adjust the Texture

Add 1–2 tablespoons of water if you prefer a thinner, pourable dressing.

5. Chill & Serve

Refrigerate 20–30 minutes for the best flavor.

Ways to Serve

Toss with Classic Garden Salad
Spread inside Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Add to One-Pot Sausage Pasta for extra richness
Use as a dip for Deviled Potatoes
Drizzle over roasted potatoes, grilled chicken, or shrimp

Storage

Refrigerate: 5–6 days
Freezing: Not recommended

FAQ

Can I make this without anchovies?

Yes — just use extra Worcestershire. You’ll still get great flavor.

Is this safe for pregnancy?

Yes — no raw egg is used. It’s mayo-based.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

Yes. Swap half or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up.

How do I make it thicker?

Use more Parmesan or reduce the lemon juice.

How do I make it more garlicky?

Add extra minced garlic or ⅛ tsp garlic powder for a mild garlic flavor.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated melts into the dressing better, but pre-grated works.

Conclusion

This Creamy Caesar Dressing is bold, rich, and bursting with classic Caesar flavor — the perfect homemade dressing for salads, wraps, bowls, and dipping. With just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, it’s an easy recipe that instantly elevates any cozy meal. Once you make it at home, you’ll never reach for the store-bought bottle again!