Description
This easy Caesar Salad Dressing recipe is creamy, tangy, and rich with fresh, natural ingredients and plant-based options. Perfectly balanced and versatile, it brings a vibrant, bold flavor to salads, roasted vegetables, and dips.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 4 anchovy fillets
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp plant-based mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (plant-based)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Optional Variations
- 1 tbsp capers (for vegan twist, omit anchovies)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce (natural) for spice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 3 tbsp Greek-style plant-based yogurt (low-fat option instead of mayonnaise)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (natural) for smoky flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Finely mince the garlic cloves and anchovy fillets. Use fresh lemons for juicing and freshly ground black pepper to ensure the best flavor.
- Combine the base liquids: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard (natural) until smooth and well blended.
- Add creamy components: Whisk in the plant-based mayonnaise and grated Parmesan (plant-based) to create the creamy texture that defines this dressing.
- Slowly mix in olive oil: While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil to emulsify the mixture, giving it a shiny and thick consistency.
- Season and thicken: Stir in the finely minced garlic, anchovy fillets, natural gelling agent, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Ensure the dressing is smooth and luscious.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for brightness and vibrant flavor.
- Add olive oil gradually while whisking to achieve perfect creaminess.
- Chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Adjust thickness with additional natural gelling agent or thin with lemon juice or water as needed.
- Store dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
- The dressing is best served cold or at room temperature; no reheating is necessary.
- For plant-based diet, omit anchovies and use extra capers and plant-based Parmesan.
- You can substitute the natural gelling agent with a small amount of blended silken tofu if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Caesar salad dressing, plant-based dressing, creamy dressing, vegetarian dressing, vegan Caesar dressing, healthy salad dressing
