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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian

    Caesar Salad Dressing Without Anchovies

    BY Ayeh Manfre · UPDATED: May 16, 25 · PUBLISHED: Nov 30, 23 · 7 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    You’re going to be making this Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies on repeat! It's a simple twist on the classic dressing which is just as delicious, made healthier and also vegetarian so everyone can enjoy it!

    Spoon to show creamy texture of caesar salad dressing

    If you’re like me and love a traditional caesar salad but don't like the anchovies, then this dressing is for you!  It’s lusciously creamy with the perfect tang and also perfect if you are vegetarian. It also does not include any raw eggs like the original recipe.

    I've used it to make my healthy caesar salad which is then topped with crispy breaded tofu and air fryer croutons. It will become your new favorite salad!

    The base of this easy caesar salad dressing without anchovies is Greek yogurt making it healthier and high in protein too. The little tip however to get that tangy caesar taste without the anchovy paste is actually to add capers. They are little pops bursting with flavor and have a salty umami taste which are the perfect substitute. 

    You can also use it as a sauce in a sandwich or make my caesar wrap. The options are endless and you can get creative with it. Meal prep a batch of this healthy caesar dressing and use it for the week for an easy quick lunch!

    Table of Contents
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients to make Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies
    • How to make Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies
    • Tips and Tricks
    • What to serve Healthy Caesar Dressing with
    • Storage and Leftovers
    • FAQs
    • More Easy Sauces
    • Recipe
    • Comments
    Caesar salad dressing being poured over a caesar salad

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • Anchovy-Free. Perfect for those who love the caesar flavor without the anchovies... like me 🙂
    • Healthier. Typically a caesar salad dressing recipe can be a little heavy with the mayo and raw egg yolks, but this has a healthy caesar dressing using Greek yogurt as the base
    • Customizable. Adapt the dressing to your taste or easily make this a vegan caesar salad dressing. Simply just swap the yogurt and parmesan for dairy free, plant based options. It's also low carb and gluten free
    • Quick and Easy. Effortless preparation where you just throw the ingredients into a blender or mini food processor and its ready in minutes
    Close up of healthy caesar dressing in a jar

    Ingredients to make Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies

    • Greek yogurt is the base rather than mayonnaise or raw eggs. It creates a super creamy texture and a great healthy substitute. If making into a vegan caesar salad dressing, you can easily substitute with a plant based yogurt such as soy yogurt
    • Capers are the secret ingredient to making this caesar salad without anchovies. They are tiny, salty and give it that unique umami flavor. Traditionally anchovy paste and or worcestershire sauce are used which are quite salty making capers the perfect substitute
    • Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick and emulsifies the dressing for a creamy texture. You can substitute with with yellow mustard if needed but the taste won't be as subtle
    • Lemon juice gives a slight citrusy flavor to the dressing. White wine vinegar is a suitable substitute
    • Garlic clove adds depth and aroma to the dressing. You can also use garlic powder if preferred
    • Parmesan cheese - Parmigiano Reggiano is my favorite part! It's salty adding a savory cheesy umami flavor. Always best to use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated cheese 
    • Extra virgin olive oil is added to slightly thin the dressing and also to make it extra silky and yummy. Avocado oil can also be used
    Spoon of caesar salad dressing being poured on top of a salad

    How to make Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies

    Make your own healthy caesar salad dressing in minutes with these easy to follow steps.

    Steps on how to make a healthy caesar salad dressing without anchovies
    1. Add all dressing ingredients to a blender (Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, garlic clove, capers, parmesan cheese,lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper). Refer to recipe card below for exact measurements
    2. Taste for seasoning and the dressing is ready. Pour over a healthy caesar salad and enjoy!!!

    Tips and Tricks

    1. I always prefer to buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it myself. Trust me, it always tastes better than pre grated cheese and will make this homemade caesar salad dressing way better!
    2. If you don't have a blender or mini food processor don't stress. Finely chop the capers and finely grate the parmesan then add to a bowl with the remaining ingredients and whisk until well combined  
    3. When making my healthy caesar salad, I always like to add half of the dressing to the salad and toss to combine. Then top with the croutons and tofu and pour over the rest of the dressing 
    4. If your homemade caesar dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or oil to thin it out 

    What to serve Healthy Caesar Dressing with

    The most obvious of course is to serve on a classic caesar salad right! This is my healthier recipe which includes crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, boiled eggs and more options below:

    • Caesar Wrap
    • Crispy breaded tofu
    • Air fryer croutons
    • Pasta salad
    • Grilled chicken breast
    • Use as a dip for veggie sticks
    Close up of healthy caesar salad without anchovies

    Storage and Leftovers

    • Store leftovers of the caesar dressing in an airtight container or sealed mason jar in the fridge for up to 4-5 days (note this is if you have opened a new container of Greek yogurt. Always check the expiry of the yogurt)
    • Shake the bottle or mason jar before use. If the consistency has become too thick, add a teaspoon of cold water or oil to help thin the dressing
    • I don't recommend freezing the dressing

    FAQs

    What can I substitute for anchovies in caesar dressing?

    In this recipe, I have used capers! They are tiny and salty and give it that unique umami flavor!

    Can I make a caesar salad dressing without raw eggs?

    Yes indeed! I’ve used greek yogurt as the base of my dressing which gives it a lusciously creamy texture and no need for mayonnaise or raw eggs   

    Is anchovy paste necessary in caesar salad dressing?

    No it's not. Whilst its a key component in traditional caesar dressing recipes, you can make it just as delicious without it by using worcestershire sauce or capers like I have

    How long does homemade caesar dressing last in the fridge?

    This recipe lasts for 4 days when kept in an air tight container or mason jar in the fridge. Shake it well before use

    Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing in a jar

    More Easy Sauces

    • Miso Dressing
    • Sesame Dressing
    • Vegan Gravy
    • Peanut Sauce
    • Gyoza Dipping Sauce
    • Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo)
    • Vegan Tzatziki
    • How to Make Pesto
    • Persian Cucumber Yogurt Dip
    • Sriracha Aioli

    I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Caesar Salad Dressing Without Anchovies photo on Instagram so I can share the love!

    Recipe

    Close up of caesar salad dressing poured on top of a caesar salad

    Caesar Salad Dressing Without Anchovies (Healthy & Vegetarian)

    5 from 5 votes
    You will be making this healthy Caesar Salad Dressing on repeat! A vegetarian twist on the classic, without anchovies and equally delicious
    Author: Ayeh Manfre
    Course: Sauces
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 99kcal
    Print
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time0 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins

    Ingredients 

    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (I’ve used non-fat)
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • 1-2 garlic cloves (per preference)
    • 2 teaspoons capers, including some of the brine
    • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (ensure to check the packaging if you're vegetarian)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approx 1 small lemon)
    • 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

    Serving Suggestion

    • healthy caesar salad

    Instructions

    • Add all of the dressing ingredients to a blender or mini food processor with a pinch of salt and black pepper and blend until smooth. I always start with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and alter if needed for the perfect consistency
      *If not using a blender, see notes below
    • Taste for seasoning and your caesar salad dressing without anchovies is ready to serve! Pour over your glorious caesar salad and enjoy!!!
    ⭐️ Final Step! Would love if you left a rating and comment to let me know how it went. Your feedback helps inspire others and means alot ❤️

    Notes

    • If you don't have a blender or mini food processor, you can still make this recipe. Finely chop the capers and finely grate the parmesan cheese, then add to a bowl with the remaining ingredients and whisk until all combined  

    Nutrition

    Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 230mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Keywords: healthy, vegetarian, yogurt

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    Comments

      5 from 5 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Maryam says

      February 24, 2024 at 8:23 am

      5 stars
      It’s so nice and smooth

      Reply
    2. Johanna says

      March 24, 2024 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      Soo good

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre says

        March 26, 2024 at 10:38 pm

        So happy you loved it x

        Reply
    3. Aman says

      December 24, 2024 at 11:30 am

      How long can I keep it in the fridge for?

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre says

        December 27, 2024 at 11:08 pm

        If using a new tub of yogurt, will keep for 5 days, just keep an eye on the yogurt expiry xx

        Reply
    4. VICKI DICKMAN says

      December 26, 2024 at 1:09 am

      5 stars
      I couldn't bear the thought to use anchovies, so I am so thankful that I found this recipe..This dressing is delicious!! Easy to make!! I did add a a little mayo to my 5oz greek yogurt cup to make the 1 cup. Yum!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre says

        December 27, 2024 at 11:05 pm

        Sounds great! So happy you loved it x

        Reply
    Ayeh about me picture

    Hi, I'm Ayeh!

    Hey everyone! I love creating easy everyday recipes with a healthy twist that anyone can make. I will show you that you can eat delicious food, using wholesome ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out!

    About Me →

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