When it comes to salads, there is truly nothing better than a classic Caesar salad. It’s salty, it’s creamy, and it’s truly perfect for any occasion. But while the ingredients in the salad itself are healthy, the dressing tends not to be. Traditional Caesar salad dressing is often full of mayonnaise, cheese, and salt, which isn’t exactly the healthiest. But with my Healthy Caesar salad Dressing, you can enjoy a creamy, delicious dressing that it perfect for your favorite sandwiches, salads, or cut-up veggies! This recipe is packed with protein and is one of my favorites for the upcoming summertime!
Friends, as the weather gets warmer, there is truly no better way to cool down than with a crisp and refreshing Caesar salad. But let’s be honest: Caesar salads aren’t exactly the healthiest salad on the block. Traditional caesar dressing is filled with eggs, mayonnaise, and cheese, giving it it’s signature thick and creamy texture. But what if I told you that there is a healthier way to make the same dressing that you know and love, without sacrificing the flavor?
This Caesar salad dressing is made healthier, because we are swapping out the eggs and mayonnaise for yogurt. Not only is yogurt fermented, meaning it is packed with probiotics that are beneficial for your gut health, but it is also packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied for longer. I’m using whole-milk yogurt, in this recipe, which adds the perfect amount of fat to be an equal substitute for traditional mayonnaise. I mean it when I say that you won’t miss regular caesar dressing!
What You Need to Make This Healthy & Creamy Dressing
- Plain Yogurt: I like using plain whole-milk yogurt in this recipe, but you can use any plain yogurt that you’d like, including dairy-free!
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds the perfect amount of tang to this dressing, so don’t skip this!
- Anchovies: Yes, it’s true: your beloved Caesar salad dressing does, in fact, contain anchovies. We will be using one anchovy in this recipe. If you prefer, you can substitute it out for Worcestershire sauce or even capers to make it vegetarian-friendly!
- Lemon: The squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds the perfect balance of acidity.
- Garlic: I highly recommend using fresh garlic, in this recipe. It truly makes a difference!
- Parmesan Cheese: Make sure to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Of course, any good dressing recipe requires some sea salt and black pepper!
Five Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Dressing
And if you’re wondering how you can enjoy this dressing, then don’t worry, because I’ve got you!
- Toss it into a salad: Of course, the classic way to enjoy this dressing is with a salad! A Caesar salad is a classic recipe that is simple and easy to throw together with this dressing.
- Spread it on your favorite sandwiches: Sandwiches are made better with a creamy component, so why not swap out the traditional mayonnaise for creamy Caesar dressing? Don’t knock it until you try it, it’s delicious!
- Dip cut veggies into it: This dressing makes the perfect dip to eat alongside chopped carrots, celery sticks, cucumber, and more!
- Use it as a marinade: Did you know that you can use salad dressing as a marinade? It’s true! I love to use this marinade for grilled chicken to give it a rich and tangy flavor.
- Add it to pasta salad: Just like with the sandwiches, you can swap out the mayo in your favorite pasta salad recipes for this creamy dressing!
Two Simple Steps to Making This Simple Dressing Recipe
Add all of your ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until it’s smooth and creamy.
Once it’s done, place it into an airtight container or jar and store it in the fridge for up to one week! When you’re ready to use it, simply add it to your favorite sandwich or salad recipes.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Plain Yogurt, I use whole-milk yogurt, but you can use any plain variety, including dairy-free.
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Anchovy, this is equivalent to 2 teaspoons of chopped anchovy. You can also substitute this out for 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Add all of your ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until it's smooth and creamy.
- Once it's done, place it into an airtight container or jar and store it in the fridge for up to one week! When you're ready to use it, simply add it to your favorite sandwich or salad recipes.
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
FAVORITE stable in my house!
I am SO honored to hear that!! Thank you!
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Woohoo! I love hear that, Mike! Thank you for your review
Fantastic recipe. Added a little hot sauce for kick. I’ve been eating a lot more salads and plants in general since making this.
Will Greek yogurt work or do you suggest sticking with regular yogurt? Can’t wait to make!
Hi Lauren, greek yogurt will work great here!