A classic rich and creamy 5 Minute Caesar Dressing that tastes like the real thing! This dressing is anchovy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and ready in less than 5 minutes- no cashew soaking or blending needed!
I think we can all agree that a Caesar salad is one of those classics that you will find time and time again on most restaurant menus as well as on several dinner tables. It’s such a simple salad, yet it’s bursting with so many flavours. But the secret to a great Caesar salad is all about the dressing! Am I right? There’s just something about that creamy, tangy, salty and cheesy taste that says yeah, this is a great Caesar salad!
Traditional Caesar Dressing
What most people don’t realize is that traditional store-bought Caesar dressing is made with not so great ingredients such as soybean oil, corn syrup, sugar and many other additives that just aren’t the healthiest or needed when it comes to dressing your leafy greens.
Not to worry! This homemade recipe that will be the easiest Caesar dressing you will ever make. And it happens to be a much healthier (and delicious) alternative. All you need is a small bowl, a fork, a few simple ingredients and you’ll be on your way to an epic Caesar salad.
You won’t believe this version is anchovy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, gluten-free but most certainly not taste-free! The minced capers and apple cider vinegar replace that salty briny punch that’s traditionally provided by the anchovies. The tahini replaces the dairy that’s usually added to this classic recipe, making it a lot simpler and super creamy. I also decided to make this a nut-free dressing by not using cashews, which is used in most plant-based recipes. So no need to soak and no need to blend! The cheesy tasting nutritional yeast replaces the classic parmesan, which is a must in any Caesar dressing.
The great thing about this dressing is that you are not limited to only using it on romaine lettuce. I like adding a twist to this usual salad by tossing in black or baby kale along with the romaine, some sliced radishes, my Almond Parm from The HealthNut Cookbook, which tastes like the real thing, and if you’re up for it you can even toss in some chickpea croutons.
It’s also perfect for a veggie dip bowl for your next party, drizzle it on your wrap or toss it any salad. In fact, I think this dressing will be a fun twist on one of my favourite salads, my Apple Bacon and Kale Salad.
If you make this recipe, be sure to share a photo on social media and tag me @healthnutnutrition and #healthnuteats so that I can see your creations!
Recipe
5 Minute Caesar Dressing
Ingredients:
Caesar Dressing
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsps nutritional yeast
- 2 tsps capers minced
- 1 tsp caper brine
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- sea salt/black pepper
Salad Base
- 1 head black kale rinsed and roughly chopped
- 8 leaves romaine lettuce rinsed and roughly chopped
- 5 radishes thinly sliced with a mandolin
- 1-2 tbsps Almond Parm*
Instructions:
Caesar Dressing
- In a small bowl, add water, tahini, apple cider vinegar, caper brine, nutritional yeast, minced capers, garlic powder and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk with a fork until smooth and creamy. Store any leftovers in a glass container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Salad Base
- In a large salad bowl, add the kale, romaine lettuce, radish, and drizzle with Caesar dressing. Toss until evenly coated and sprinkle with Almond Parm.
Notes
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Amazing!!! Taste is delish and it is super easy to put together. And I am picky!!
Happy to hear it’s picky-approved! So happy you enjoyed it.