The main ingredient in a traditional Caesar salad dressing is anchovies. This ingredient, often found in the form of anchovy paste or whole filets, adds a rich umami flavor that is essential to the dressing. Other key components typically include garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil, blended to create a creamy emulsion sometimes enriched with egg yolks or mayonnaise. The combination of these ingredients contributes to the distinctive taste that characterizes Caesar salads, making the dressing both tangy and savory, while anchovies remain a defining feature of this classic recipe.