Healthy Caesar Dressing
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This healthy caesar dressing uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo so it’s lighter, higher in protein and so much better than store-bought!
I love caesar salads, but I always avoid ordering them out because they’re typically high in calories and fat and don’t have much nutrition. They’re made with just lettuce, cheese and croutons and the dressing is typically made with raw egg yolks or mayo and processed oils.
I already have an avocado caesar dressing on the site, but I was craving the real deal caesar dressing one night, so I decided to whip up a healthier version with Greek yogurt. And if I do say so myself, this dressing is absolutely delicious and is packed with all the caesar flavor you love while being egg-free and lighter in calories and fat than a traditional caesar dressing. It’s perfect for my kale caesar salad!
Why You’ll Love This Dressing
- It’s egg-free! Instead of mayo or egg yolks typically found in caesar dressing we’re using Greek yogurt, which has less fat and calories and more protein.
- It’s creamy and still packed with all the caesar flavor you love.
- Super simple to whip up. Just add all your ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Anchovy Nutrition
One signature ingredient in caesar dressing is anchovies. It’s what gives caesar dressing that unique flavor. And trust me, this dressing won’t taste fishy at all!
I know anchovies are intimidating and a little weird, but let me tell you – they are nutrition powerhouses. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are really important in the standard American diet. They are also high in calcium and vitamin K, which help with bone health (yes please!). Last but not least, they pack a surprising punch in the protein department (1 serving of anchovies has 13 grams of protein)!
If you’re freaked out by using anchovy fillets, you can totally use anchovy paste (found in your grocery store near the tuna) — whichever is easier for you!
Ingredients Needed
- garlic – fresh garlic will add the best flavor.
- lemon juice – use freshly squeezed lemon juice as opposed to the lemon juice you can buy at the store!
- extra virgin olive oil – I recommend using high-quality olive oil here, trust me! It will take this dressing to the next level.
- anchovy paste – this is what gives caesar dressing that unique umami flavor! You can also use 2 anchovy filets instead of the paste if you prefer.
- Worcestershire sauce – adds more of that savory, umami flavor and a bit of saltiness.
- Greek yogurt – we’re using full fat plain Greek yogurt in place of mayo or egg yolks that are usually found in caesar dressing. This adds creaminess as well as some protein and vitamins. You can also use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt.
- dijon mustard – another signature ingredient of caesar dressing.
- parmesan cheese – I recommend using freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- sea salt and black pepper – just a pinch to bring all of the flavors together.
How to Make
You’re simply going to add all your ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. It’s that easy! If your dressing is too thick, you can add some water, 1 Tablespoon at a time.
What Can I Use Instead of Anchovies?
As I mentioned before, the anchovies are what give this caesar dressing that classic caesar flavor, so I don’t recommend skipping them! That said, if you just can’t get behind anchovies or can’t find any there are a few substitutions you could try.
- Worcestershire sauce: Since Worcestershire sauce is made with anchovies, this is probably your best substitution. This recipe already calls for Worcestershire sauce, but if you’re skipping the anchovies I would add 1-2 more teaspoons.
- Fish sauce: Fish sauce is typically made from fermented anchovies, making it a good substitute for the anchovies in this dressing.
- Capers: If you need a vegan/vegetarian substitute for anchovies capers would be a good option. They’re similar to anchovy paste in that they’re soft and oily and have a salty and umami flavor.
How to Serve
This dressing can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways. Here are some ideas:
- As a salad dressing – Swap the avocado caesar dressing in my kale caesar salad with shrimp or the garlic tahini dressing in this garlicky kale salad for this caesar dressing. You can also serve it my kale caesar salad.
- As a dip – Serve this dressing as a dip with fresh veggies or these baked zucchini fries.
- On a wrap – Make a chicken caesar wrap with this dressing and my air fryer chicken breast or apple cider vinegar grilled chicken.
How to Store Healthy Caesar Dressing
I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator. I use these 8 oz mason jars and plastic lids for storing so I can easily shake to re-mix the ingredients before serving.
Everything You Need to Make Healthy Caesar Dressing
100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender
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Mini Tulip Jelly Jar with Glass Lids, 6 Count (Pack of 1)
Buy Now →More Dressing Recipes to Try
- Italian Dressing
- Peanut Dressing
- Tahini Dressing
- Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
- Creamy Southwest Dressing
- Creamy Avocado Dressing
Be sure to check out all of my salad dressing recipes as well as the full collection of salad recipes on EBF!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Healthy Caesar Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or 2 anchovy filets
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup full fat plain Greek yogurt, low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt will work
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoons water, as needed to thin
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high powered blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Makes about 1 cup.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Equipment
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
super tasty and easy to throw together but it’s really thin. I didn’t need to add any water at all. I’ve tried with full fat, some fat and zero fat greek yogurts and there’s no difference in consistency. Any advice? I
Thanks for trying the recipe, Tammy! If it’s coming out thin, even with full fat yogurt, you might try reducing the lemon juice slightly or adding extra parmesan to help thicken it. Greek yogurt brands can vary a lot in texture, so that could also be part of it. Let me know if you give those tweaks a try!
didn’t add the anchovies, used cottage cheese instead of yogurt, didn’t add the parm and added lil more water .. was good
Glad to hear it still came out good with those adjustments, Heather. Thanks for making the recipe and sharing your version!
I haven’t made this yet but want to and my first thought was cottage cheese. Did you use it instead of Greek yogurt and how much? Did you blend it or leave the texture as is , large or small curd? Thanks so much, it’s encouraging when someone else already had the same idea.
You have done it again. This dressing is so good. I had a huge caesar salad last night. I did not have anchovy paste and it was still delish!
So happy to hear this dressing was a hit, Amber. Love that it still worked great without the anchovy paste. Thanks for making it and for taking the time to leave a review!
Loved this dressing!!! ❤️
Can this be frozen??
Yay! So glad you loved it — that makes me so happy to hear! As for freezing, I wouldn’t recommend it for this one. Because it’s yogurt-based, the texture can get a little funky (think watery or separated) once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days!
This was delicious! My husband shuns mayonnaise because of the oils used to make it. We were both delighted with the taste of this mayo-free version!
Yay! So glad you both enjoyed this dressing, Michele. Thanks so much for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
Made this today, and was delighted with it. I’ll use your recipe instead of a healthy version with avacado that I used before, but it was an awful muddy green color. Very unappetizing. Thank you!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this dressing. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
Sadly tried it. Not a fan. 🙁
So sorry to hear that you weren’t a fan of this dressing. Thanks for giving it a try!
Seriously so delicious! You can’t tell that it’s made with Greek yogurt. I did only use one tablespoon of lemon juice like other comments suggested. So happy I found this recipe!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this dressing, Regan. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
Keeps a bad taste in your mouth long after you eat it
Oh no! So sorry to hear that. Did you change anything about the recipe? What type of anchovy paste did you use?
My husband was a big fan of thos dressing. I personally found it a little too tangy so will reduce the lemon juice next time.
I’m glad this dressing was a hit overall! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I appreciate it!
Many of us are tracking, or want to be aware of, nutritional elements of our food. Could you please include nutritional information with you recipes?
Hi Ruth – I do include nutritional information in all of my recipes at the bottom of the recipe card.
Loved this. Not that anyone asked but fish sauce made a good substitute for anchovy/paste which I was out of. Will definitely repeat this in the future!
This is great feedback, Trent. I am so glad this recipe turned out great for you. Thank you for sharing your tip and review + star rating, it means so much to me!
fine recipe, I would reduce the lemon juice to 1 tbsp instead of 2 next time around.
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback, Dean. Glad this dressing turned out for you!
Really delish! I wanted a healthier option and this hit the spot. Anchovy paste is key, and I loved that you didn’t miss the mayo.
WOO! I am so glad you found this dressing recipe and it turned out amazing for you, Lindsay! Thank you for sharing your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!
Can we substitute regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Hi Summer – I should work, but the dressing might not be as creamy and it will change the flavor of the dressing a bit as well. For best results, I would recommend sticking to the recipe.
Hello! I was wondering, how long does it last in the fridge? Great recipe! xx
Hi Alejandra! I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator. So glad you are loving this recipe!
Will it make a difference if I don’t use anchovie paste?
Hi Melissa – Yes, the flavor profile in the dressing will change if you don’t use anchovies/anchovy paste. The anchovies are what give this caesar dressing that classic caesar flavor, so I don’t recommend skipping them! That said, if you just can’t get behind anchovies or can’t find any there are a few substitutions you could try: 1-2 more teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, or capers. let me know if you give this a try and how it turns out for you. Enjoy!
Counting calories and protein and was craving chicken Caesar salad. This was so good! I did add more anchovies. Will be my new go to dressing recipe for sure.
WOO! This is great to hear, Cheryl. I am so glad you are loving this dressing and it is a hit. Thanks so much for sharing your review + star rating, I appreciate it!
I have continued to try recipes looking for a healthy Caesar dressing that would satisfy me! Well, I will not have to try another one!!! THANK YOU – THANK YOU!! I didn’t have any parmesan to grate – so I used the asiago that was in my frig. Other than that, I made this EXACTLY as you have documented it and it was incredible. I would also say that the asiago gave it a lovely flavor and may make that substitution again. I am glad I wandered-upon your site and can’t wait to try other recipes!
AHH this seriously makes me so happy to hear, Bobette! I am so glad you found my recipe and are loving it. Thank you for sharing your review + star rating, it means so much to me!
Great recipe, will definitely make again, great taste without the calories! Thank you
YUM! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am glad it turned out great for you. I appreciate you taking the time to share your review & star rating, I appreciate it!
I made 3 other Greek yogurt Caesar dressing recipes before coming across this one. The other ones were absolutely vile and disgusting and didn’t remotely taste like Caesar. I love this recipe!
WOO! I am SO glad you found this recipe and are loving it, Morgan. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!
Very good. Thank you.
Of course! Glad you enjoyed this recipe, Wagner!
my whole family liked it! quick and easy to add to a weeknight meal and better and healthier than store bought!
YUM! I am so glad you and your family are loving this recipe, KO. Thanks so much for sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
This is delicious! May be the best lower calorie version of anything I’ve made to date. Need more of these!!!
YAY! I am so glad you found this recipe and are loving it, Tom. Thanks so much for coming back and sharing your review + star rating, I truly appreciate it!
Made it twice….thank you Brittany, will be looking forward to trying out more of your delicious recipies😋🤗
Amazing! So happy to hear you are loving this recipe and it turned out great for you, Nancy. Thanks so much for your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
Just found your healthy Caesar dressing on google. I made it last night – soo good. Very similar to my fav Deliah Smith recipe but without the calories 👏👏👏 Now I can have it more often & not feel guilty. Thank you!
Aw yay! I am so glad you found this recipe and are loving it, Anna. Thank you for coming back and sharing your review & star rating, it means so much to me!
Hi,
I thought this recipe would be a great idea since my husband and I are eating more salads and that’s one of our favorite dressings. I went to the store and got all the ingredients and noticed that the anchovy paste has a lot of sodium (in my opinion), we are also trying to get our blood pressures down, so sodium is a big deal for us. Is there a substitute for the anchovy or a low sodium paste? Thank you so much for all your recipes, I love them.
Hey Liz – You could try this vegan caesar dressing instead!
Excellent every time I make it. So many compliments!!
So glad you love this dressing, Yvonne! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review!
OMG, this dressing is so delicious, thank you very much!
So glad you loved this dressing, Cheryl! Thanks for the review. I so appreciate it!
I had made the Kale Caesar salad and it was very easy today thanks for the recipe
Woo! So glad to hear that, LaToya! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for sharing your review, I appreciate it so much!
Just made this dressing! It tasted great! We ate the entire salad and I added anchovies to the salad. Thank you for a healthier version
Yum! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Gabrielle! Thank you for leaving a review, I really appreciate it!
I loved the avocado Caesar dressing but this one takes the cake!! So easy and so delicious !