You can definitely omit the anchovies if you want to. But when used properly, they can really elevate a dish. To be quite honest, Caesar salad dressing tastes nothing like plain anchovies. If you have ever had Caesar salads at a restaurant, then you have likely already had caesar salad dressing with anchovies! So I say put your preconceived notions about anchovies to the side and give it a try with the anchovy paste! But it's totally up to you.