This Spicy Caesar Dressing is a little love letter to my dad’s caesar dressing. If you’ve made Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing, then you already know it’s not just a recipe around here; it’s a staple. So if you love a good homemade Caesar dressing, but love a little kick, this dressing is definitely for you.
After more than 15 million views and countless 5-star reviews, it was clear you loved the original as much my entire family does. This version is the same classic Caesar base with a spicy twist. It’s creamy, garlicky, salty, punchy, and a little spicy. The heat comes from Calabrian chili peppers, which bring warmth and depth, but don’t overpower everything else.
Once you make Caesar dressing from scratch, there’s really no going back. It takes less than 10 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and tastes infinitely better than anything you get in the store. Want some more homemade dressings? Try my Dill Dip or Homemade Ranch Dip.
😍 Why You’ll Love This Spicy Caesar Dressing
A family favourite, with a twist: This recipe is a spin on my dad’s iconic Caesar dressing — just turned up with Calabrian chili.
Bold but balanced: Creamy, garlicky, salty, and zesty, with a slow-building spice that enhances the Caesar flavour instead of overpowering it.
Real ingredients only: Made with quality mayo, imported Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh lemon, garlic, anchovy paste, and Calabrian chilies.
Fast and foolproof: Comes together in under 10 minutes, tastes consistent every time, and instantly upgrades any Caesar salad.
🥗 Ingredients To Make This Homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe
Mayonnaise: is the rich, creamy base that gives this spicy Caesar dressing its body and smooth texture.
Calabrian chili pepper spread: brings warmth and depth with a slow-building heat that takes this Caesar from classic to bold. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
Yellow mustard: adds a tang and helps balance the richness of the mayo.
Anchovy paste: is the classic Caesar ingredient that brings savoury umami without tasting fishy. Using paste instead of whole anchovies makes this much easier, and the flavour is 10/10.
Worcestershire sauce: adds complexity.
Garlic: minced for a bold, punchy flavour.
Lemon juice: fresh and bright, it cuts through the richness and keeps the dressing balanced.
Lemon zest: boosts the citrus notes and adds a fresh, fragrant lift.
Parmigiano-Reggiano: finely grated for salty, nutty richness that melts right into the dressing. Be sure to use a high-quality imported Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy—the cheese makes all the difference here, and anything else just won’t taste the same.
Black pepper: adds gentle heat and helps round out all the flavours.
✔ How To Make This Spicy Caesar Dressing
Begin by finely grating the Parmigiano-Reggiano and set it aside until ready to use. Zest and juice the lemon, then set that aside as well.
In a medium-sized bowl, add all of the ingredients and whisk really well for about 1–2 minutes, until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then pour over chopped romaine lettuce and croutons, toss to combine, and enjoy.
🗒 Variations
Less garlicky: This recipe is intentionally bold. I use four large garlic cloves, but if you want the spice to shine more than the garlic, reduce it to two cloves.
More heat: Love a spicy Caesar? Add another tablespoon of Calabrian chili spread or finely chop an extra chili for a sharper kick.
More lemon-forward: Increase the lemon zest slightly or add an extra squeeze of juice to cut through the richness and brighten the dressing.
Extra thick & creamy: Add 1–2 more tablespoons of mayonnaise if you want a heavier, ultra-creamy Caesar that really clings to the lettuce.
🗒 Substitutions
Calabrian chili spread: If you can’t find the spread, finely chop 3–5 whole Calabrian chilies instead.
Fresh lemon: Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice and zest are key to balancing the richness and heat in this dressing.
🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.
If you’ve got leftover spicy Caesar dressing, store it in a mason jar or any airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 7 days. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, then give it a good shake or stir before using.
🤔 FAQ’S
How spicy is this spicy Caesar dressing?
It has a noticeable kick, but it’s not overpowering. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 tablespoon of Calabrian chili spread and go from there. You can always add more.
How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this dressing will keep well for up to 7 days. Give it a good stir before using.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavours meld together.
Do I have to use anchovy paste?
Yes, this is what gives Caesar dressing its signature flavour. You won’t taste “fish,” just that classic Caesar flavour. Anchovy paste also blends in much more smoothly than whole anchovies.
What can I use this dressing on besides salad?
So many things. It’s great as a dip for veggies, drizzled over roasted potatoes, spooned onto grilled chicken, or even spread on a sandwich or wrap.
👩🏻🍳 Hungry For More?
If you loved this homemade caesar dressing recipe, then make sure to check out a few of my other favourite recipes you may also love:
- Johnny B’s Caesar Dressing
- Barone House Dressing
- Homemade Ranch Dip
- Dill Dip
- Caesar Pasta Salad
- Best Chicken Marinade
- Golden Citrus Chicken Marinade
💌 Let’s Stay Connected
Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest! If you do make this homemade spicy caesar dressing recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.
Spicy Caesar Dressing
Ingredients
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 or 2 tbsp Calabrian chili pepper spread, alternatively, you can use 3-5 whole Calabrian chilies
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp anchovy paste
- 1 tbsp + 1/4 tsp worcestershire
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1¼ cup parmigiano-reggiano, finely grated
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients except the parmigiano-reggiano until smooth and well combined. Once the base is creamy, gently stir in the parmigiano-reggiano until everything has been thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Let’s stay connected
Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! Also, if you do make this recipe (or any recipe of mine for that matter) be sure to tag #sammymontgoms so I can see your re-creations!
Any alternative you would recommend for anchovy paste?
a few tablespoons of capers would work well! – Sammy
Greek Caesar dressing recipe thank you
Great dressing
Very delicious and like the added spice.