This is the BEST Vegetarian Caesar Dressing, packed with umami flavor but made without anchovies! You can use it in caesar salads, of course, but also try it on pizza, in wraps, as a dip for veggies, or mixed into a pasta salad! Get the Best Vegetarian Caesar Dressing ingredients and recipe here.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell anyone this, but a dressing can make or break a salad. And I’m pretty sure this dressing *made* my Heirloom Tomato Caesar Salad, because over 15,000 people watched that reel on my Instagram! (Well, I guess it could’ve been the gorgeous heirloom tomatoes, but you never know!!)
However, the good vibes of this Caesar Dressing started with my 10 Years of Blogging Dinner Party, where I made a version of this recipe with vegan mayo and chipotle chilies in adobo sauce. Everybody LOVED that dressing, and I’ll give you the deets on how to make it in the FAQ below.
Regardless of these, I know that once you make this dressing, you’ll make it again and again. It’s SO easy, it’s SO good, and it tastes JUST like regular caesar. But NO anchovies required!! (Yes, I’m using more caps than usual, just bear with me because this is exciting!) I know you’ll love this so much, enjoy!!
For more delicious salad dressings, try my Buttermilk Ranch, this Charred Scallion Ranch, and my Marry Me Sun-Dried Tomato salad dressing!
The BEST Vegetarian Caesar Dressing
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- Juice from 1 Lemon
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard MUST be Dijon
- 1 Tbsp Capers in Brine
- 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the garlic clove alone to a food processor, and blend until garlic is pulverized.
- Then, squeeze the juice from 1 lemon into the processor bowl, so that all of the garlic is covered in lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes – it helps take out the raw garlic "bite".
- Then, add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor, and process on high until smooth and creamy.
- Serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- This dressing will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- To make a spicy version, add 1-2 tsp cayenne, or 1-2 tbsp hot sauce of your choosing.
The BEST Vegetarian Caesar FAQs
How long does this caesar dressing last in the fridge?
This dressing will last in the refrigerator for 4-5 days!
Is this caesar dressing made without anchovies?
Yes! Instead of anchovies, I have you use capers for that briny, umami taste. Even if you don’t like capers, you’ll still like the dressing. You don’t really taste the capers themselves, just the umami flavor they bring.
How can I make this dressing vegan? Can you make a vegan caesar dressing?
Simple – just use vegan mayo! There are so many great options in stores for that. And, of course, do not use Worcestershire sauce or anchovies, neither of which are vegan.
How can I make the spicy, chipotle caesar that you used at your dinner party?
To this recipe, add 2 canned chiles in adobo sauce, plus 1 tsp cayenne pepper. That recipe was also made vegan by using vegan mayo.
Can caesar dressing be vegetarian?
Yes, it absolutely can! You just need to avoid Worcestershire sauce, which has anchovies, and (obviously) anchovies!
What can I replace anchovies with in caesar dressing?
Use capers! Capers are plant-based, and have a funky, umami-rich flavor that makes a fantastic replacement for anchovies.
How to make creamy Caesar dressing without anchovies?
Anchovies do not make the dressing creamy. What makes the dressing creamy is the mayo. Of course, you can make homemade mayo, but I love using store-bought in a pinch because it’s quicker!
P.S.
For more plant-forward recipes, dinner parties, and New England lifestyle inspiration, be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok! If you make a recipe, please tag me in the photo and use the hashtag #wellandfull so I can see! I love seeing your creations!
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