This Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing recipe delivers the same tangy, savory depth as the classic, but without any anchovies or parmesan cheese. It’s incredibly easy to make, ready in 5 minutes, and tastes even better than store-bought.
The Secret to a Flavorful Vegan Caesar Dressing
The key to replicating the complex flavors of a traditional Caesar dressing without dairy or fish lies in a few clever substitutions:
- Capers: These briny little buds deliver a similar salty punch to anchovies, adding that essential savory depth.
- Nutritional yeast: This deactivated yeast has a naturally cheesy, nutty flavor that mimics parmesan cheese perfectly.
- Miso paste: Just a touch adds a savory umami richness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients for the Best Vegan Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon miso paste (white or yellow)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 small garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing
This dressing comes together in minutes with a high-speed blender:
- Drain and rinse the cashews. Soaking the cashews makes them extra creamy and easier to blend.
- Combine all ingredients in your blender: Add the drained cashews, water, olive oil, nutritional yeast, capers, Dijon mustard, miso paste, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to your blender.
- Blend until completely smooth: This may take a minute or two, depending on the strength of your blender. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust: Give it a taste and add more lemon juice for extra tang, salt for savory depth, or pepper for a bit of kick.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge: This dressing is best served fresh, but it will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Best Vegan Caesar Salad
- Use high-quality ingredients: Just like any recipe, the quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings: Everyone has different taste preferences, so feel free to play around with the amount of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Make it your own: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce to customize the flavor profile.
- Serve it on more than just salad: This creamy dressing is delicious on grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for fries or crudités.
Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing in a bowl
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Caesar Dressing
Can I make this dressing nut-free?
Absolutely! For a nut-free version, substitute the cashews with ¼ cup sunflower seeds or hemp seeds.
What can I substitute for miso paste?
If you don’t have miso paste on hand, you can use tamari or soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
This dressing will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze this dressing?
While you can freeze this dressing, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.
What kind of salad goes well with this dressing?
This vegan Caesar dressing is delicious on a classic romaine lettuce salad, but it’s also wonderful on kale salads, quinoa salads, or even roasted vegetables.
Vegan Caesar Salad with Dressing
This vegan Caesar salad dressing is a game-changer. It’s so easy to make, incredibly delicious, and will become a staple in your plant-based recipe repertoire. Enjoy!
If you’re looking for other delicious vegan recipes, be sure to check out our vegan chocolate chip pumpkin cookies and pumpkin chocolate chip vegan cookies recipes!
