I have a twist on the traditional version of Caesar dressing! This creamy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe Without Anchovies is everything you love about the classic—smooth, tangy, and packed with flavor—minus the fish.
With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you'll have a delicious, creamy dressing ready to use on your salads and as a sandwich spread, a dip for veggies, a dressing on pasta salad, or even as a marinade for meats.
If you love making your own dressings, try this Italian Salad Dressing Mix.
Why Avoid Anchovies?
Whether you have a fish allergy, aren't a fan of anchovies, or prefer a vegetarian option, this anchovy-free Caesar dressing is a fantastic alternative. It still delivers a great Caesar salad taste, thanks to the garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh parmesan cheese, which create that authentic Caesar dressing flavor. Additionally, using a mayonnaise base combined with Greek yogurt creates a rich and creamy texture quintessential to traditional Caesar dressing.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe
- Simple Ingredients - Made with everyday pantry staples, this dressing won't require a special trip to the store. When you make your dressing, you know exactly what's in it and can avoid mystery ingredients and preservatives.
- Vegetarian-Friendly - Enjoy the classic Caesar salad taste without meat or fish, perfect for a vegetarian diet.
- Versatile and Delicious - This creamy, tangy dressing isn't just for salads – use it as a dip, spread, or pasta salad dressing!
- A Caesar Salad is a Complete Meal - Add some protein to turn your Caesar salad into a main dish. Grilled chicken breast is a popular choice, but you can also add tofu, shrimp, or even a hard-boiled egg. This makes for a healthy Caesar salad that's filling and satisfying.
I love to make entree salads like this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad for a fresh and healthy dinner. Even this Broccoli Salad with Craisins makes a great dinner because the bacon makes it hearty.
Substitutions
- Greek Yogurt—If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can substitute sour cream or plain regular yogurt. These will give you a similar creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese - Freshly shredded parmesan is best for this recipe, but you can use pre-grated cheese in a pinch.
- Lemon Juice - Fresh lemon juice is key for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work if that's all you have.
- Minced Garlic - If you don't have fresh garlic, you can opt for the minced garlic in the jar or a ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Variations
- Spicy Caesar Dressing: For a bit of heat, Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb-Infused - Mix in fresh or dried herbs, such as basil or oregano, to give your dressing a unique twist.
- Lower Fat - Use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
*Please scroll down to the recipe card for specific ingredient amounts.
How To Make This Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Step 1. Combine. Place all ingredients in a mini food processor and process until smooth. As an alternative method, sometimes I put all the ingredients in a large liquid measuring cup and use my immersion blender to combine the ingredients.
Step 2. Serve and Enjoy. Serve over a classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and extra parmesan cheese.
Storage and Freezing
You can store this homemade Caesar dressing in an airtight container or a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
This dressing is perfect for busy weeknights because it can be made beforehand!
I do not recommend freezing this dressing.
Pro Tip
For the best flavor, let the dressing sit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes and FAQs
This recipe uses mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, so it's not vegan. However, you can try substituting vegan mayo and a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
If you like your dressing a little thinner, you can drizzle a little olive oil into it while you blend the ingredients together.
While this recipe doesn't include anchovies, if you miss the umami taste, you can add a dash of soy sauce or a small amount of miso paste.
No worries! Mix the ingredients in a large bowl using an immersion blender or whisk. Make sure to mince the garlic finely and whisk until smooth. You can also use a garlic press to ensure the garlic pieces are small enough to combine the dressing by hand.
Absolutely! Caesar dressing is a versatile ingredient that can be used beyond salads as a spread for sandwiches, marinade for meat, or sauce for pasta and pizza. It also works well as a veggie dip, a flavorful addition to egg and potato salads, and a topping for tacos and grain bowls.
Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe Without Anchovies
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ lemon juiced
- 2 cloves of fresh garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a mini food processor and process until smooth.
- Serve over a classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and extra parmesan cheese.
Notes
This dressing is perfect for busy weeknights because it can be made ahead of time!
I do not recommend freezing this dressing. Pro Tip For the best flavor, let the dressing sit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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