The Best Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe (Oil-free) (2024)

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Creamy, tangy vegan Caesar salad dressing made with raw cashews. This easy homemade recipe is dairy-free and egg-free and tastes just like the classic version!

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Are you craving the rich, savory flavor of a classic Caesar salad but following a plant-based diet? Look no further!

When I first introduced my Avocado Green Goddess Dressing, I thought I had reached the pinnacle of salad dressing recipes. But things change!

Today, I’m super pumped to share my recipe for the best vegan Caesar dressing. It’s guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and make you forget all about the traditional version.

This homemade vegan Caesar dressing is so delicious and creamy you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!

Creating your own vegan Caesar salad dressing at home is super easy. You’ll be amazed at how close this dairy-free Caesar dressing tastes to the classic version.

Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just trying to incorporate more plant-based recipes into your diet, this vegan Caesar dressing recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Remember, the key to a great Caesar salad isn’t just the dressing – it’s also about crispy romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and somevegan Parmesan cheeseorcrispy chickpeasfor added texture. Feel free to get creative with your salad ingredients!

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Table of Contents

A Brief History of Caesar Salad

Before we dive into this vegan Caesar dressing recipe, I think it’s important we take a moment to appreciate the origins of this iconic salad.

Contrary to popular belief, the Caesar salad wasn’t named after Julius Caesar. It was created by Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant who owned restaurants in Mexico and the United States.

The story goes that Cardini invented the salad on July 4th, 1924, when he was running low on ingredients and had to improvise with what he had on hand.

The original Caesar dressing contained romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, boiled eggs, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce.

Interestingly, the original recipe didn’t include anchovies, now considered a staple in many traditional Caesar dressing recipes.

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Why Make Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing?

While the classic Caesar salad dressing is undoubtedly delicious, it’s not good for vegans or plant-based eaters because of ingredients like egg yolks, anchovies, and Parmesan cheese.

On the other hand, my vegan Caesar dressing recipe recreates that same creamy texture and savory flavor without any animal products.

This vegan version is also much healthier and lower in saturated fat. It’s an excellent option for those with dairy allergies or egg sensitivities. Trust me, once you try this homemade vegan Caesar dressing, you won’t miss the real thing!

The secret to creamy vegan Caesar Dressing

Raw cashews are the key to achieving that creamy texture in this vegan Caesar dressing recipe. When soaked and blended, cashews create a rich, creamy base perfect for replicating the smooth consistency of traditional Caesar dressing.

If you’re allergic to cashews, don’t worry! You can substitute them with raw sunflower seeds or use tahini as a base.

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Ingredients you’ll need

Uncomplicated yet flavorful, this vegan Caesar dressing recipe uses simple ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that classic Caesar flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Raw cashews: Provide the creamy base
  • Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor, mimicking Parmesan
  • Dijon mustard: Brings tanginess and depth
  • Capers: Adds a briny taste similar to anchovies
  • Garlic: Provides that essential savory note
  • Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar: Add acidity and brightness. I always opt for fresh lemon juice.
  • Vegan Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor (if you can’t find this, you can omit it or use a bit of miso paste or kelp powder instead)
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
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How to make the Best Vegan Caesar Dressing

Let’s get to the fun part – making this delicious dressing! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Start by soaking your raw cashews. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy texture. If you’re short on time, you can quick-soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes or boil them for 5 minutes.
  2. Once your cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them.
  3. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender orfood processor. If you’re using asmall blender, you might need to work in batches.
  4. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
  5. If the dressing is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Depending on your preference, you might want to add more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice.

NOTE: For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

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Serving suggestions

Now that you’ve made the best vegan Caesar dressing, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some delicious ways to use your creamy vegan Caesar dressing:

  • Classic Vegan Caesar Salad: Toss with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and vegan Parmesan cheese for a simple salad that’s loaded with flavor.
  • Kale Caesar Salad: Using kale instead of romaine makes this salad more nutrient-rich. Massage the dressing into the kale leaves to soften them.
  • Dip for Veggies: It makes an excellent dip for raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
  • Sandwich Spread: Spread it on your favorite vegan sandwich for an extra flavor boost.
  • Pasta Salad: Toss with cold pasta and veggies for a delicious pasta salad.
  • Roasted Vegetable Drizzle: Drizzle over roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
  • Vegan Chicken Caesar Wrap: Use vegan chicken alternatives likesoy curlsorseitan,along with lettuce and tomatoes, to create a delicious wrap.
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Storage

You can store your homemade vegan Caesar dressing in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Caesar Dressing

To ensure you get the best taste and texture that will give you a creamy dressing every time, keep these tips in mind:

  • Soak your cashews: Don’t skip this step! Soaking helps achieve that perfect creamy texture.
  • Use a powerful blender: A high-speed blender will give you the smoothest results. I love using my NutriBullet for this recipe.
  • Adjust to your taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different. Don’t be afraid to add more ingredients to suit your preferences.
  • Let it chill: The flavors develop and meld together when the dressing has time to chill in the refrigerator.
  • Experiment with add-ins: Add herbs like fresh parsley or dill or spices like smoked paprika for variation.
  • Thin it out: Add more water if you prefer a thinner dressing. The dressing will thicken after it sits in the fridge.
  • Vegan Mayo: If you have some of my cashew vegan mayo in the fridge, you can use it as a base and save some time.
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Why is this the Best Vegan Caesar Dressing?

What makes this the best vegan Caesar dressing, you ask? It’s all about balance and quality ingredients.

This recipe perfectly mimics the creamy texture and savory flavor of traditional Caesar dressing without the animal products. Combining cashews, nutritional yeast, and capers creates a delicious flavor profile that will satisfy even the most discerning Caesar salad lovers.

Unlike store-bought vegan dressings, which often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and oil, this homemade version is made with whole foods and simple ingredients you can pronounce.

Plus, you have complete control over the flavors and can adjust them to your liking.

More vegan salad dressing recipes

Check out this delicious list of simple, healthy vegan salad dressings guaranteed to liven up your lettuce:

  • Vegan Ranch Dressing
  • Oil-Free Salad Dressing
  • Vegan Thousand Island Dressing
  • Easy Vegan French Dressing
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The Best Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe (Oil-free)

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Creamy, tangy vegan Caesar salad dressing made with raw cashews. This easy homemade recipe is dairy-free and egg-free and tastes just like the classic version!

  • Author: Shane Martin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 ½ cups 1x
  • Category: Dressings & Sauces
  • Method: Blend
  • Cuisine: America
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
  2. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
  3. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. If the dressing is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

*Nutrition info does not include salt and pepper, as that is added according to your taste.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
  • Calories: 54
  • Sugar: 0.8 g
  • Sodium: 33.4 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.2 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 1.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
The Best Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe (Oil-free) (2024)

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