The Best Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing

The Best Vegan Caesar Dressing- made with just 6 ingredients, you won’t miss the dairy in this incredible vegan caesar dressing! 

Those of you that have made my best vegan kale caesar salad will recognize the recipe for this caesar dressing. After using it in a variety of ways, I decided the dressing needed its own official page.

What Makes this Caesar Salad Dressing Vegan?

Typically, a classic Caesar salad dressing is made with anchovies, egg yolks, Dijon mustard, garlic and lemon juice.

This vegan version is made with a tahini base which gives a similar creamy texture to egg yolks, garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and capers for that briny, umami flavor that anchovies provide.

Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing Ingredients and Possible Substitutions

• Tahini– As mentioned above, tahini replaces egg yolks to mimic that classic creamy texture. While it does give the dressing a slightly nutty flavor, it is mostly offset by the other ingredients in the recipe. If for some reason you’re averse to using tahini, I would recommend cashew butter as the next best replacement. Just keep in mind you will likely need more water to thin out the end result as cashew butter tends to be thicker than most brands of tahini.
• Lemon Juice– Fresh squeezed lemon juice is key for the best flavor here. You can use the bottled stuff if you must but just know that the results won’t be as good.
• Dijon Mustard– Mustard will help emulsify the dressing and also bring it’s own tang to the party. Be sure to stick with dijon for that classic caesar flavor.
• Garlic– Fresh garlic is ideal but garlic powder will work in a pinch. I would start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more as desired.
• Capers– I have made the dressing without capers many of times so I don’t think they are completely necessary but they do enhance the umami flavor to mimic the anchovies in the classic caesar dressing.
• Salt & Pepper– Fine sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper are a must here. Start with the listed amount then taste test to see if you would like more.
• Water– Depending on the thickness of your tahini, you may need a little bit of water to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency. Start with just 1 tablespoon at a time so that you don’t over do it. Also, be sure to taste test after thinning to see if you need more of the other ingredients to incorporate more flavor back into the dressing.

How to Make Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing

The best part of this recipe is that you don’t need any fancy gadgets to make it. Just a knife, a bowl and a whisk.

That said, if you’re feeling lazy you can also throw the ingredients in a small blender and blend until smooth.

How to Store Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing

Be sure to store the dressing in a well sealed container in the refrigerator. I have kept it for up to 2 weeks but always be use your best judgment to determine what is safest for you.

If the dressing thickens in the refrigerator, simply add a bit more water to help thin it back out.

Ways to Use Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing

1. The Best Vegan Kale Caesar Salad is obviously the best way to use it!
2. Served with fresh vegetables for dipping.
3. On top of veggie burgers or sandwiches.
4. Inside of a wrap (new recipe coming soon!).

More Homemade Dressings and Sauces to Try

• Avocado Chimicurri Sauce
• Homemade Vegan BBQ Sauce
• Lightened Up Arugula Aioli
• Peanut Sauce Recipe
• How to Make Pumpkin Butter
• The Best Vegan ‘Cheese’ Sauce

Print Recipe

The Best Vegan Caesar Dressing

Made with just 6 ingredients, this oil-free vegan caesar dressing is sure to elevate your salads and sandwiches to the next level!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Servings: 5 ounces

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

• ¼` cup tahini
• 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice, ideally fresh squeezed; about 2 small lemons worth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 2-3 cloves
• 1 tablespoon minced capers
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt & fresh cracked black pepper, more to taste
• water to thin, as needed

Instructions

• In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine all ingredients (except water) and whisk until smooth. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, to thin until desired consistency is reached. Taste test to see if you prefer more salt, lemon juice, or any other ingredient.
• Transfer to a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Nutrition facts are an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients you choose. The facts are listed for 5 servings or 1/5th of the recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 132mg, Potassium: 72mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 9IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1mg

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback!