The Best Vegan Caesar Dressing (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Vegan Caesar Dressing is the best vegan version out there! It’s easy to make with less than 10 ingredients and instantly takes any kale caesar salad or vegan wrap to the next level. You’re going to want to have this tangy, creamy salad dressing and dip on hand at all times!

Is Traditional Caesar Dressing Vegan?

Traditional Caesar Dressing is not vegan-friendly as it typically contains anchovies (a type of fish), raw egg yolks, and dairy-based parmesan cheese. In fact, because of the anchovies, Caesar salad isn’t vegetarian, either! But while this means you likely can’t order a dairy-free Caesar dressing at a local restaurant, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious vegan salad dressing on a plant-based diet.

We’ve created our own vegan-friendly Caesar salad dressing recipe that tastes EXACTLY like the classic Caesar dressing we grew up with! Seriously – you can trust me when I say that it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. Plus, it’s made entirely from real food ingredients you can feel good about indulging in every single week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Raw cashews:Unsalted, raw cashews are a classic choice when making creamy vegan sauces and dressings. They’re neutral in flavor, easy to blend into a creamy texture using a high powered blender, and a great plant-based source of healthy fats. In this recipe, raw cashews replace the traditional mayonnaise most caesar salads start with, making it naturally oil-free and suitable for whole food plant-based diets!
• Lemon juice:Most caesar dressing is creamy, but also bright and tangy. To replicate this flavor, you’ll need fresh lemon juice (avoid the pre-bottled stuff!).
• Nutritional yeast:Adds cheesiness without any dairy. If you have it, you could also add or replace the nutritional yeast with your favorite vegan parmesan cheese.
• Dijon mustard:Adds additional tanginess and helps to emulsify and stabilize the dressing ingredients. If preferred, you can also opt for yellow mustard, though this will make your caesar dressing more mild in flavor.
• Vegan Worcestershire:Used as a substitute for traditional Worcestershire sauce that contains anchovies. It adds the same rich, umami flavor, yet is entirely anchovies-free!
• Capers:An essential in any creamy vegan caesar dressing! Capers add a great briny flavor that adds depth and complexity of flavor.
• Garlic:Fresh garlic adds the perfect subtle garlicky taste. For the best flavor, we recommend fresh garlic over garlic powder, but garlic powder will work in a pinch.

For full measurements and recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Equipment Needed

• Small pot
• Fine mesh sieve (for draining cashews)
• High-speed blender
• Airtight container (for storing)

How to Make Vegan Caesar Dressing

1. Soften the cashews.Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and add the raw cashews. Let the cashews soak for at least 20 minutes or until softened.
2. Blend all ingredients.Drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with the remaining ingredients. Process until smooth and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Add a splash of water as needed to reach your perfect dressing-like consistency.
3. Chill, then enjoy!Transfer the vegan Caesar salad dressing to an airtight container, such as a glass jar, and refrigerate until chilled. Then, use as desired!

Serving Suggestions

Vegan Caesar salad dressing isn’tjustfor making vegan Caesar salad! This creamy dressing is also the perfect, tangy addition to wraps, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, pasta salad, or grilled plant-based proteins. You can even use it as a great dip for your favorite raw veggies – the options are really endless.

To inspire you, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite blog recipes that are absolutely delicious paired with vegan Caesar:

• Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad(made with ourhomemade vegan parmesanand crispy chickpea croutons)
• Vegan Mushroom Caesar Salad Wraps
• Oyster Mushroom Sandwiches
• Grilled Romaine Lettuce
• Grilled Vegetable Salad
• Simple Roasted Vegetables

Recipe FAQs

Make sure you tag usonInstagram@sweetsimpleveganand @consciouschris and hashtag#sweetsimpleveganif you recreate any of ourrecipes, we love tosee your photos!

Print

Nutrition facts label provided by Nutri Fox.

Disclaimer:This page may containaffiliatelinks, which simply means that we earn a commission if you purchase through those links, but your price remains the same. Thank you for supporting Sweet Simple Vegan!