I’m thrilled to share with you my recipe for the most incredible healthy Caesar salad dressing! I have a fond childhood memory of accompanying my mother and her friends on a trip to Mexico, where we dined at a renowned restaurant known for its Caesar salad. I couldn’t have been more than ten years old at the time, yet the experience remains vivid in my mind.
Before our arrival, there was much anticipation and chatter about the famed Caesar salad. Upon being seated, a large wooden bowl was brought to our table, and to my wonderment, the salad was prepared right before our eyes. Watching the eggs being cracked into the bowl, followed by the addition of oil and cheese, the table side salad left me captivated. It was an entirely new culinary experience for me, one that I’ve carried with me since.
My mission in crafting this healthy Caesar dressing was to recreate the magic of that unforgettable Caesar salad, with a low-calorie Caesar dressing option. And I’m thrilled to say, I believe I’ve succeeded in making this. According to my daughter Ella, it’s the best healthy homemade Caesar dressing she’s ever tasted, and I wholeheartedly agree. Bursting with flavor yet lightened up and lower in calories and fat, it embodies the essence of a classic Caesar salad. Plus, it’s free of both oil and eggs! Cheers to the best healthy Caesar dressing!
Why You Will Love This Healthy Caesar Dressing
- This Caesar salad is packed with flavor but not fat.
- It is a healthier, lightened-up option.
- We used 0-fat Greek yogurt as the base of the dressing.
- This healthy homemade recipe has the incredible flavors of a classic Caesar dressing!
- You don’t need any olive oil or egg yolks to make this Caesar dressing.
- This dressing quickly comes together in one bowl and is easy to make.
Ingredients Needed
- Greek Yogurt: The base of this healthy Caesar dressing is 0-fat Greek yogurt. There is no mayonnaise in this recipe. The Greek yogurt makes this dressing high-protein and creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grate some Parmesan for the dressing.
- Lemon: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds dimension and depth of flavor to this dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds another layer of flavor.
- Anchovy Paste: For the classic Caesar dressing taste.
- Stone-Ground Mustard: Adds even more flavor to the dressing. You can swap the stone-ground mustard for Dijon mustard if needed.
- Garlic: Crush a clove of garlic for flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Milk: As an option, you can add milk to slightly thin out the dressing.
How To Make Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing
Step 1: Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese. Also, freshly squeeze some lemon juice.
Step 2: Add the 0-fat Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, stone-ground mustard, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper to a bowl.
Step 3: Thoroughly mix the dressing in the bowl. Or, you can add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to thin out the dressing, if desired, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
You can use this healthy Caesar salad dressing in a variety of ways! Here are some ways to serve this dressing. The possibilities are endless!
- Salad Dressing: Make a classic Caesar salad with chopped romaine lettuce or kale. For extra protein, add grilled chicken or grilled shrimp to the salad.
- Wraps: Add this dressing to wraps or make chicken Caesar wraps.
- Pasta Salad: Make a Caesar pasta salad with this dressing.
- Sandwiches: Add this Caesar dressing to chicken sandwiches for added flavor. You can make a BLT sandwich and add some Caesar dressing to enhance the flavors.
- Dip: Enjoy this Caesar dressing as a flavorful dip for veggies.
- Pizza Sauce: Enjoy it as a pizza sauce for a Caesar pizza.
Expert Tips
- Thinner Dressing: If you prefer a thinner Caesar dressing, add one to two tablespoons of milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Freshly Grate: For the best flavor freshly grate the Parmesan cheese. Grating fresh Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor of this recipe. Using a fine grater ensures that every bite of your dressing and salad is filled with cheesy goodness. Grating the cheese finely allows you to use less cheese while still maximizing flavor, resulting in fewer calories. While store-bought grated Parmesan cheese is an option, it won’t offer the same depth of flavor as freshly grated cheese.
- Season To Taste: You can season this dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add Red Wine Vinegar: During the process of creating this salad dressing, I discovered that adding one teaspoon of red wine vinegar introduced an extra layer of flavor and a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Mix: Ensure you thoroughly mix the dressing so there aren’t any lumps of Greek yogurt.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover Caesar salad dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have To Add Anchovies?
I highly recommend adding the anchovy paste to this Caesar dressing. Also, buying a tube of anchovy paste is convenient and can be stored in the fridge, ready for whenever you want to whip up another batch of salad dressing. It’s the most convenient option available. Or, you can substitute anchovy paste with 1-2 anchovies, just ensure they are mixed well in a food processor for even distribution. In my experience, anchovies are essential for achieving the classic Caesar taste. Surprisingly, you won’t taste the anchovies themselves, it simply enhances the overall flavor of the dressing. If preferred, you can substitute anchovies with 1-2 teaspoons of capers or omit them altogether.
How Much Caesar Dressing Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe makes slightly more than 1/2 cup of Caesar dressing. It serves four when used as a dressing for a classic Caesar salad. You can always double the recipe if you need more. I prefer to make this dressing fresh without having a lot of leftovers, so sometimes I make smaller batches.
How Long Does This Caesar Dressing Last?
This homemade Caesar dressing is best enjoyed within 3-4 days of making. Make sure to store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
More Recipes To Try Next!
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Blue Cheese Dressing With Yogurt
- Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
- Peanut Sauce With PB2
- Cottage Cheese Queso
- French Onion Dip With Greek Yogurt
- Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip
- Street Corn Dip
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories94
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
4.5g
7%
- Saturated Fat 1.2g 5%
- Cholesterol 10mg 4%
- Sodium 375mg 16%
- Total Carbohydrate
9.5g
3%
- Dietary Fiber 2.1g 8%
- Sugars 6.5g
- Protein 7.6g 15%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.