Healthy Homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe (Dairy Free)

Caesar dressing and I have a history. Back in my days of not liking salads (I know, I know), I thought I didn’t like strongly flavored dressings like Caesar when really, I had just never given them a chance.

Fast forward a few years. I was served a Caesar salad at a meeting at a nice restaurant, and since I didn’t want to seem rude, I ate it… and loved it! I’ve been semi-obsessed ever since.

When I switched to real food almost a decade ago, I wanted to find a version free of refined vegetable oils (read this post to find out why these are a problem) and artificial additives, so I started experimenting with homemade versions. This was definitely one of my tougher salad dressing recipes to figure out and took a lot of experimentation. I wanted to be able to make it dairy free if needed, but still really creamy.

Not to boast, but in the end I came up with a Caesar dressing that rivals any I’ve tried, even in the best gourmet restaurant! This recipe is such a favorite I included it in the Wellness Mama Cookbook.

And flavor isn’t all it has going for it!

Caesar Dressing Made Healthy

Store-bought Caesar dressing can contain a lot of undesirable ingredients like soybean oil, monosodium glutamate, wheat, dairy, and preservatives. It only takes a whisk or small blender and a few extra minutes to make it at home.

This healthy Caesar dressing is a great way to get more olive oil into your diet, with all of its anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. Pastured eggs, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice add even more flavor and health benefits.

For a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan.

Caesar Salad “Dressed” Up

Just because traditional Caesar salad consists pretty much of lettuce, dressing, and croutons (and usually lots of cheese!) doesn’t mean you can’t be creative and add other healthy veggies.

Try mixing things up and adding some color with additions like olives, mild peppers, fresh chopped herbs, thinly sliced red cabbage, shredded carrots, or sunflower seeds. Serve with a fresh lemon wedge on the side for those who want a little extra tanginess.

For a complete meal, top with grilled chicken or shrimp. (If, like me, you like to work Caesar salad into the menu any chance you get, get more meal planning ideas here.)

If you are a Caesar dressing fan, be sure to give this one a try!

How to Make Caesar Dressing From Scratch

Homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe

A homemade Caesar dressing using real food ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, and optional Parmesan.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Calories 176kcal

Author Katie Wells

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Servings

Ingredients

• 1 egg yolk (at room temperature)
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp mustard or mustard powder
• 1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp anchovy paste (optional)
• 2 TBSP Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• pinch salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

• Whisk room temperature egg yolk with whisk or blender on low speed.
• Add apple cider vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste and Parmesan cheese if using, and blend until creamy.
• Slowly add olive oil, whisking or blending constantly on low speed until incorporated.
• Season to taste.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe

Amount Per Serving (2 TBSP)

Calories 176 Calories from Fat 176

% Daily Value*

Fat 19.6g30%

Saturated Fat 3.3g21%

Cholesterol 57mg19%

Sodium 150mg7%

Carbohydrates 1.5g1%

Fiber 0.1g0%

Sugar 0.7g1%

Protein 1.8g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

This recipe is definitely best right after it is made, but may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

If the dressing doesn’t incorporate well, your egg might still have been too cold! If needed, let sit at room temperature another 10 minutes, and whisk or blend again.

Do you make your own Caesar dressing, or have you found a healthy store bought brand?What are your favorite Caesar salad mix-ins? Please share in the comments below!