Healthy Caesar Dressing Made With Greek Yogurt Wellplated Com

While I adore traditional Caesar dressing’s garlicky flavor and decadent texture, I often shy away from ordering Caesar salads when I’m out or purchasing Caesar dressing at the grocery store. Most are overloaded with heavy, processed ingredients, which practically negate the positive effects of ordering a salad in the first place. Sold on the idea that I can enjoy Caesar salad AND earn my salad bonus points, I decided to create a homemade healthy Caesar dressing recipe.

About Traditional Caesar Salad Dressing

First, for the sake of comparison, let’s talk about what’s in classic Caesar dressings. Standard recipes typically contain some combination of the following ingredients, which are emulsified together to achieve a thick, creamy consistency.

Olive OilAnchoviesGarlicParmesan CheeseEgg Yolk

About this Healthy Caesar Dressing

Unlike traditional Caesar dressing, my healthy Caesar dressing is made with lighter, nutrient-packed ingredients with the following benefits:

Made with heavy ingredients, like egg yolks, cheese, and oil, traditional Caesar dressings (even homemade) can be high in fat and calories. Store-bought Caesar dressings are often loaded with processed ingredients and even added sugars, which don’t do you any favors. Most short-cut dressings call for mayonnaise, which can also contain hidden processed ingredients and added sugars. No thanks!

Greek yogurt offers calcium, vitamins, protein, and probiotics.Olive oil, garlic, and anchovy paste provide omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory properties, protein, antioxidants, and numerous vitamins and minerals (again, you CANNOT taste the anchovy!).Drizzle or drench. With just over 100 calories per serving and 10g of fat, you can indulge as little or as much as you want with this Caesar dressing.

How to Make Caesar Dressing

If you’re frequently craving Caesar salad too, you may be wondering, “what is the best Caesar salad dressing?” Well, I believe it’s this one! It’s healthier than classic homemade Caesar dressing, has full-on Caesar flavor, and it’s easy to make too. Don’t believe the reviews!

The Ingredients

Greek Yogurt. My secret ingredient that makes this recipe creamy. I used non-fat plain Greek yogurt to keep this dressing light and make it a Caesar dressing without mayo or raw eggs.

Parmesan Cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a key component for the most perfectly salty and nutty Caesar dressing.Olive Oil. A salad dressing MVP. Plus, olive oil is packed with monounsaturated oleic acid, antioxidants, and nutrients that help fight inflammation.Lemon Juice. For a little acidity and brightness.Anchovy Paste. Before you ask: yes, Caesar dressing, including this one includes anchovies. Anchovy fillets (or anchovy paste—either will work) give the dressing its captivating, savory quality and provide essential saltiness.

Dijon Mustard. Adds delicious zip to the dressing.Garlic. Fresh garlic completes our tasty dressing.

The Directions

Yes, it really is that easy! Luckily, this Greek yogurt-based recipe contains zero raw eggs so if baby is craving a Caesar salad, mama can eat a Caesar salad.

Worcestershire Sauce. Is made with anchovies (or sardines) and probably as close to the real thing as it gets in terms of flavor.Capers. A vegan and vegetarian anchovy substitute that will provide the dressing an acidic, savory flavor.Olives. Choose an olive with a salty brine like kalamata or Castelvetrano for best results.

Substitute your favorite non-dairy yogurt in place of Greek yogurt.Opt for vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of the real thing.Use one of my suggested anchovy alternatives above.

Storage Tips

To Store. Store in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or mix gently before serving.To Freeze. Unfortunately, the ingredients in this recipe don’t lend themselves well to freezing and thawing. Therefore, I don’t recommend freezing this dressing.

Recommended Tools

Blender. One way to combine the ingredients for this recipe.Mason Jars. This smaller size and larger size are perfect for leftover dressing. And, this option is great for stocking up.