Description
This creamy, tangy Caesar Salad Dressing is crafted using fresh ingredients and plant-based alternatives for a vibrant, wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly balanced with savory, creamy, and zesty notes, it enhances salads, wraps, roasted vegetables, and grilled protein with irresistible flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or 2 finely minced anchovies (optional)
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plant-based parmesan, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Variations and Add-ins
- 1/4 ripe avocado (to replace half the mayonnaise for Avocado Caesar)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon harissa (natural) for spicy kick
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil, dill, or parsley for herb-infused
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke (natural) for smoky flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Mince the fresh garlic cloves finely to release their full aroma. Grate the plant-based parmesan and juice a fresh lemon to have all essentials ready for blending.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a bowl or blender, mix the plant-based mayonnaise, lemon juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), and olive oil. Whisk or pulse gently to form a creamy base.
- Add umami and seasoning: Stir in optional anchovy paste or finely minced anchovies. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste and sprinkle in the natural gelling agent for texture if desired.
- Emulsify the dressing: Whisk vigorously or blend briefly until the dressing is smooth and thickened, ensuring all ingredients combine to create the classic Caesar Salad Dressing consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the dressing and adjust lemon juice for brightness, black pepper for bite, or saltiness by adding more plant-based parmesan or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) as needed.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for vibrant acidity and bright flavor.
- Taste throughout preparation to balance acidity and saltiness.
- Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Blend carefully to achieve a creamy but not watery texture.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the dressing fresh for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Caesar Salad Dressing, Plant-based Caesar Dressing, Creamy Salad Dressing, Vegan Caesar, Dairy-free Dressing, Vegetarian Dressing