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This creamy dairy free Caesar salad dressing is one of my all time favorite homemade salad dressings! It is rich, lemony, garlicky, insanely creamy, and full of punchy flavor. Perfect for a swoon worthy homemade Caesar salad. And it comes together in less than 5 minutes! Can be made with or without anchovies. Whole30, paleo, and low carb.
The best dairy free Caesar dressing
If you asked me what my favorite meal of all time was, my answer would most definitely include a very large Caesar salad.
There is just something about the crisp greens cloaked in such an incredibly flavorful + rich dressing that makes me happier with every bite.
True salad craving material!
I’ve been making my own homemade dairy free caesar dressing for awhile now, but for some reason haven’t shared it until now. I’m sure that you are going to love it as much as we do.
Recipe testing notes
Using fresh ingredients
Because the ingredient list in this recipe is rather short, the quality of the items you choose matter in making it taste as good as it can.
I have always gotten the best results using freshly chopped (or grated with a microplane!) garlic, and fresh squeezed lemon juice.
Using a mayonnaise and olive oil that you enjoy the flavor of even when they aren’t in a recipe help as well!
Anchovies vs no anchovies
I have made this dressing with and without anchovies and it’s truly delicious either way. Whether or not you choose to use them depends on your personal preference.
Anchovies add a somewhat funky umami rich note to the dressing, so if I’m making it without them I like to add a small amount of coconut aminos for a similar (but less funky), depth of flavor. GF soy sauce could also be used for a similar effect.
Why you’ll love this Caesar salad dressing
This dairy free caesar dressing recipe is:
- Thick & creamy
- Punchy
- Rich
- Easily made without anchovies
- Garlicky
- Umami rich
- Bright + lemony
- Gluten free + dairy free
- Low carb friendly
- So super delicious!
Ingredients
This homemade dairy free Caesar is made with a few simple ingredients that are whisked together to make the most luscious dressing.
The only fresh ingredients you need are garlic and lemon juice – everything else you’ll probably already have stocked in your pantry.
(If you’re already ready to get started, scroll all the way down to the bottom for the full recipe!)
Here’s exactly what you need to make this whole30 Caesar salad dressing:
- High quality mayonnaise- I often use my easy avocado oil mayonnaise because it takes less than 5 minutes to whip up and is less expensive than store bought versions. But whatever mayonnaise you like can be used!
- Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice adds a lovely brightness.
- Garlic – As much or as little as you like, but I usually use 1 decent sized clove.
- Mustard – Either smooth dijon or a whole grain mustard. Personally I love the texture of grainy mustard but both work well!
- Anchovy paste OR coconut aminos – I find that either of these ingredients add the right amount of umami rich flavor that we all crave in caesar salad dressing.
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil – Olive oil or avocado oil both work!
How to make homemade Caesar dressing
All you need to make this dressing is a bowl, some measuring cups / spoons, a whisk (or a sturdy fork), and a jar to store it in!
Here’s the step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients
If you’re making your own avocado oil mayonnaise, start with this step. Otherwise simply gather all the ingredients – mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, anchovy paste OR coconut aminos, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Step 2: Whisk together all ingredients except olive oil
Add all ingredients except olive oil to a medium sized bowl and whisk well to combine.
Step 3: Whisk in olive oil
Slowly pour olive oil into mayonnaise mixture, whisking as you pour – until smooth and emulsified.
Step 4: Season to taste + serve!
Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If storing for later use you may need to quickly whisk it together again before using.
How long does this Caesar dressing keep in the refrigerator?
This dressing should keep in the refrigerator for about a week, likely longer. If storing for later use you may need to quickly whisk it together again before using.
Serving suggestions
This Caesar dressing is a delicious dressing for a classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, or for a heartier nutrient dense kale Caesar salad.
It also makes a great dip for your favorite snacks or pizza crust!
Love this Caesar Salad Dressing? Here’s some other healthy sauce recipes to try!
- Garlic Herb Aioli
- Avocado Herb Green Sauce
- 5 Minute Tahini Dressing
- Homemade Basil Pesto
- Soy Free Stir Fry Sauce
- The Best Dairy Free Ranch Dressing
- Fast and Easy Romesco Sauce
- Dairy Free Everything Bagel Spiced Ranch
- 5 Minute Green Onion Cilantro Sauce
If you love this easy dairy free salad dressing please let us know by leaving a REVIEW and RATING below!
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Dairy Free Caesar Salad Dressing
- Author: Nyssa Tanner
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy dairy free Caesar is one of my all time favorite salad dressings! It is rich, lemony, garlicky, insanely creamy, and full of punchy flavor. Perfect for a swoon worthy homemade Caesar salad. And it comes together in less than 5 minutes! Can be made with or without anchovies. Whole30, paleo, and low carb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup whole30 compliant mayo – homemade or store bought both work
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic, grated or very finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon whole30 compliant dijon or whole grain mustard
- either 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste OR 1 teaspoon coconut aminos
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except olive oil to a medium sized bowl and whisk well to combine.
- Slowly pour olive oil into mayonnaise mixture, whisking as you pour – until smooth and emulsified.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If storing for later use you may need to quickly whisk it again before using.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: dressing
- Method: whisk
- Cuisine: american
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