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Debra Klein | Easy Plant Based Recipes

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Home » All Recipes » Condiment » Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe

Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe

Gluten-freeGrain FreeNo OilPaleoRawVeganWhole30

Published on: October 5, 2019 Last modified: October 21, 2020

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Easy recipe for Vegan Caesar dressing uses capers for umami flavor and texture. Tahini provides nut-free and dairy-free creaminess. No added oil and naturally gluten-free.

Bowl of caesar dressing with capers.
The easiest and tastiest dressing EVER….yours in under 5 minutes.

I get more requests for healthy salad dressing recipes than anything else. (if chocolate isn’t in the equation…LOL). Specifically, everyone seems to be looking for a vegan caesar dressing recipe that has no cashews. I’m here to help you get comfortable in the kitchen so you make more food from scratch. It’s the best way to know exactly what you’re getting so you can stay true to your health and wellness goals. So, here’s an easy recipe for caesar salad dressing. If you’re looking for an everyday vinaigrette, check this recipe out!

Ingredients for dressing: capers, lemon, garlic, crushed red pepper.
Simple pantry ingredients make an easy and tasty healthy dressing.

What’s in Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing?

  • Tahini
  • Lemon zest and juice
  • Garlic
  • Capers
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Maple Syrup
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Chopped capers make a paste for the dressing.
Make a paste from chopped capers, nutritional yeast and crushed red peppers.

Traditional Caesar Salad Dressing is made with anchovies…which aren’t vegan. Also, I’ve noticed that many people don’t like the texture of anchovies. I found that capers give the same salty/briny punch, but no gritty texture and no animal products. Win-win. Another ingredient I replaced for this salad dressing to be vegan is the raw eggs…..but I’m confident you’re not going to miss them!

Tahini, mustard, nutritional yeast, capers, red pepper and maple syrup.
Tahini is both nutritious and delicious in this recipe.

Why Tahini in this healthy dressing recipe?

Caesar Salad Dressing is usually made with olive oil, and sometimes with processed vegetable oil or mayo. Tahini is a great substitution because it provides healthy fats without the need for additional oil and also a creaminess that make up for the lack of eggs. Additionally, tahini has health benefits:

  • Calcium: a great non-dairy source of calcium. Good for strong bones and blood transport.
  • Protein: Tahini contains more protein than dairy milk and most nuts.
  • Healthy Fats: Good for brain health and changing the ratio of good/bad cholesterol.
  • Good source of anti-oxidants that help fight inflammation.
  • Iron: tahini is a good source of plant-based iron.
Close up of dressing with capers and crushed red pepper

More recipes that use tahini:

  • Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
  • Grain-free energy bars
  • Roasted Eggplant with tahini drizzle
  • Chopped Salad with Tahini Dressing
  • And, my FAVORITE: Chocolate Trail Mix Bars
Capers chopped, garlic and lemon zested for a whisked bowl of dressing.
Everything you want in a healthy salad dressing, and nothing you don’t!

Is Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing Easy to make?

Yes, of course it is!! This is exactly why I am sharing this recipe with you. Healthy. Simple. Tasty. I like to chop the capers into a paste. Sometimes I even mash in some of the nutritional yeast and the crushed red pepper into the caper paste…but you could even skip that step and mix the capers in whole. If you decide to go that route you can shave a couple minutes off of the prep time and have this Whole Food Plant Based Dressing made in about 2 minutes flat. How do I know this? I’ve done it. MANY times. Doesn’t get any easier.

Caesar Dressing with whole capers mixed in.
Short on time or patience? Skip chopping the capers and mix them in whole!

What should I use this dressing for?

Oh…the things you can do with a jar of vegan caesar in your fridge! Absolutely ANY salad would taste good with this dressing. Start with some greens…..kale, spinach, arugula, swiss chard, romaine, dandelion greens….chopped beet greens….whatever you have or whatever you like! Add in some raw or cooked veggies that you have lying around. BAM…the best salad EVER. Use this for a dipping sauce for spring rolls., in a wrap, even as a pasta sauce. My favorite way to use this is as a sauce for a grain bowl….though enchilada sauce is another go-to for those. DE-LISH!! Let me know in the comments your favorite way to use this easy salad dressing.

Plate of Salad with chickpea croutons, caesar dressing and lemon
The perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

OH…..and the most obvious choice: use this yummy dressing to make a Caesar Salad! This delicious kale version has crispy roasted chickpeas in place of croutons….more YUM!

Caesar dressing ingredients whisked together.
Doesn’t matter what you pour this dressing on…it’s so yummy!
Continue to Content
Yield: 1 cup dressing

Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe

Close up of dressing with capers and crushed red pepper

Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe. Easy to make with no added oil. Tahini base for nut-free and dairy-free creaminess. Capers provide vegan flavor, texture and the umami you're looking for.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2-3 teaspoons capers
  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, zested
  • 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 teaspoons caper brining juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • crushed red pepper to taste
  • Optional:  1 teaspoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Chop 2 teaspoons capers until they resemble a paste.
  2. Pour tahini* into small bowl. Zest lemon** and garlic into bowl with tahini.
  3. Squeeze in juice from lemon, then add remaining ingredients and whisk until mixed well.
  4. Mix in additional teaspoon of whole capers if desired.
  5. Taste for seasoning, adding more black pepper, or nutritional yeast, as desired.

Notes

*When you open a new jar of tahini, it's super important to mix it WELL, until it's uniform in texture. Otherwise, the recipes you use it for (cauliflower hummus, eggplant with tahini, pumpkin donuts) could be a little too runny or a little too dry.

** Roll lemon on countertop pressing down firmly to release the juices before zesting.

Dressing will stay good in the fridge in an air tight container for up to a week.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • HONBAY Mini Wire Kitchen Whisks-Each of 2PCS 5 Inches and 7 Inches
    HONBAY Mini Wire Kitchen Whisks-Each of 2PCS 5 Inches and 7 Inches
  • Bragg Nutritional Premium Yeast Seasoning, 4.5 Ounce
    Bragg Nutritional Premium Yeast Seasoning, 4.5 Ounce

Nutrition Information

Yield

16

Serving Size

1 Tablespoon

Amount Per Serving Calories 44Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 0mgSodium 62mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 1g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag me @dkhealthcoach and use #debraklein on Instagram so I can see it!

Cuisine: Healthy / Category: Condiment

Filed Under: Condiment, Gluten-free, Grain Free, No Oil, Paleo, Popular, Raw, Salad, Vegan, Whole30

Previous Post: « Apple Noodle Kugel
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Trish Bozeman

    October 7, 2019 at 10:42 am

    Debra, this is fantastic! Since we don't eat fish, we don't eat a lot of caesar salad in our house. Love the capers in there for some briny flavor. A must make!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 7, 2019 at 1:45 pm

      Us too...and that is where the inspiration for this came from...because who doesn't love a good caesar salad?
      Reply
  2. Gloria

    October 7, 2019 at 1:15 pm

    This sounds like a very tasty dressing to me. I love using capers in recipes. I can see how the nutritional yeast would add that "cheesy" taste to the recipe.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 7, 2019 at 1:44 pm

      Exactly...both are spot on!
      Reply
  3. Tina

    October 9, 2019 at 11:07 am

    This is brilliant! I'm not vegan but I really love the healthy aspect of this dressing. The good fats vs. bad fats is a winner for sure. Saving this, I'm curious to hear what hubby has to say. I'm not going to tell him it's healthy or vegan..
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 10, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      LOVE this! Please report back and let me know how hubby likes the dressing. I'm so curious!
      Reply
  4. Lisa

    October 10, 2019 at 2:44 pm

    Debra, I make regular caesar dressing all the time (with anchovies), but I've got relatives who won't eat the anchovies -- mind you, not because they're vegan, but rather they squinch their face at the thought of anchovies... This creamy, briny dressing looks like the perfect alternative for them. I've got 11 coming for dinner on Saturday and I'm going to make this for the salad course... By the way, that tahini addition is genius!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 10, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      YAY! They're going to love this. Let me know how it goes Lisa and thanks.
      Reply
  5. Sarah

    October 10, 2019 at 3:16 pm

    So I actually like the anchovies in classic Caesar, BUT... I always forget to buy them! Capers are such a great idea- I always have those on hand. I need to try this!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 10, 2019 at 3:21 pm

      LOL...this is one of the reasons I buy the super large jar of capers. They come in handy!
      Reply
  6. Terri

    October 10, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    I enjoyed this dressing very much. Thank you for posting it...
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 10, 2019 at 8:17 pm

      You're welcome....we have it on repeat over here.....at least once a day! Today I used it for a dipping sauce for my veggies.
      Reply
      • Terri

        October 11, 2019 at 6:53 pm

        I brought it to work today as a dipping sauce for veggies and everyone loved it!
        Reply
        • Debra Klein

          October 14, 2019 at 5:09 pm

          YAY!!!
          Reply
  7. Jenni LeBaron

    October 15, 2019 at 10:10 pm

    YUM! I love a good Caesar dressing and this one sounds delicious! The tahini and capers are such a brilliant addition. Can't wait to try this!
    Reply
  8. Dana

    October 16, 2019 at 9:29 am

    I love this! I use capers and nutritional yeast in my vegan-friendly Caesar as well. The capers are the perfect thing to blend in to mimic the saltiness of anchovies. As much as I love anchovies, I can't seem to get enough of a good vegan Caesar dressing. And store-bought creamy vegan dressings are always gross, I find. Homemade is the way to go. Looking forward to trying yours out! (Makes for such a good pizza crust dipper!)
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 16, 2019 at 9:29 pm

      Totally agree...homemade for the win...EVERY time!
      Reply
  9. Trent peek

    October 16, 2019 at 2:24 pm

    I never thought of a vegan salad dressing before. Mind you I never make dressing for my salad as I usually use just oil, salt, and pepper. I will have to try this recipe.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 16, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      It's so tasty...you'll love it! A jar of this in the fridge is a game changer!
      Reply
  10. Taylor Epperson

    October 16, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    Saving this recipe for later because this sounds sooo yummy!! I can't wait to try it!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 16, 2019 at 9:28 pm

      Thank you. It is a favorite because it is so yummy!
      Reply
  11. Kileen

    October 17, 2019 at 1:16 am

    This sounds absolutely yummy!! I love salads, so will have to make this sometime to pair it with! Thanks for sharing! Kileen cute & little
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 17, 2019 at 8:53 am

      The easiest way to enjoy more salad.....have a jar of THIS ready and waiting!
      Reply
    • Sanna

      June 8, 2020 at 12:13 am

      Being vegetarian, i have not tried Caesar dressing so far. Now I’ll definitely try it out.
      Reply
  12. Rachel R Ritlop

    October 17, 2019 at 8:46 am

    omg yesss! this is exactly what I've been looking for!! Thank you!!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 17, 2019 at 8:52 am

      You're welcome. Enjoy!
      Reply
  13. Melissa

    October 17, 2019 at 10:32 am

    I'm not vegan but I'm always trying vegan dishes. This looks soooo good and I would love to try this soon!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 17, 2019 at 10:37 am

      Thank you. It's good to have a few vegan recipes in your back pocket to accommodate those who are....while not sacrificing good taste in the process.
      Reply
  14. Chelsea Pearl

    October 17, 2019 at 10:42 am

    Tahini is the best! I love traditional caesar salad, but sometimes I just want to keep things plant based. Also a lot of people freak out with anchovies, so this is the perfect alternative!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 17, 2019 at 10:51 am

      I agree on both fronts....and this has become my "go to" that pleases everyone----friendly for Whole Foods Plant Based No Oil as well as vegans, celiacs, gluten-free, paleo, whole30....it's hard to find anything that pleases all of the above, but this one does!
      Reply
  15. Jennifer L

    October 22, 2019 at 11:52 am

    Oh ive been on the hunt for a good vegan caesar salad dressing. I have most of the ingredients except the Tahini but ill be getting that soon. Thanks for the recipe!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      October 22, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      You're welcome. I'm sure you'll have no problem using up the rest of that jar of Tahini...I love using tahini in recipes.
      Reply
  16. Carly Wiebe

    January 22, 2020 at 12:40 am

    Best vegan ceasar ever!! I have made this recipe 5 times now. Thank you!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      January 22, 2020 at 10:59 pm

      You're welcome Carly....so glad you're enjoying it.
      Reply
  17. Pam

    March 15, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    I want it to be thin enough to put in a squeeze bottle to use to top certain dishes. Do you think I can just add water until much thinner or will it lose all taste?
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      March 15, 2020 at 8:48 pm

      Great question....and good idea too! I would thin it with a combination of caper brine juice/lemon juice/water....so it would still be flavorful, but the consistency you want.
      Reply
      • Pam

        March 15, 2020 at 10:32 pm

        Thanks, I hadn’t even thought of using more brine etc. kept thinking just water.
        Reply
  18. Barbara

    May 24, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    I was intrigued to try this one! I am not vegan and had no nutritional yeast but in reading through the comments and notes, made it without it. I either plan to add Parmesan cheese to my salad or if I can find some nutritional yeast, add it later on. Either way the dressing is absolutely delicious without it and I used it on a salad tonight and it was yummy. I enjoy this website and I am totally in love with Calvin Klein, the dog💕👍
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      May 26, 2020 at 10:07 am

      Aw....thanks so much. We are in love with Calvin too...and THIS dressing! Yes, if you eat dairy, parmesan would be a good addition to the dressing, or sprinkled on top of the salad. Nutritional Yeast is available at most grocery stores and on-line.
      Reply
  19. Jen Talley

    June 6, 2020 at 4:16 pm

    This Caesar sounds delicious! I never buy anchovies so this vegan version will work perfectly for me! Thanks!
    Reply
  20. Estelle Forrest

    July 7, 2020 at 11:43 pm

    I am going to try this on my caesar burger recipe....I know burgers arent vegan but I love tahini and want to try this out!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      July 8, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      Sounds like a great combo!
      Reply
  21. Amy

    July 8, 2020 at 7:06 pm

    Fantastic vegan option for a dressing that I absolutely love! Great idea to substitute the anchovies with capers to give it the saltiness that it needs. I'm also a sucker for tahini so I'd have this on absolutely everything!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      July 8, 2020 at 10:26 pm

      Yes! Exactly what I was thinking.
      Reply
  22. nicole

    July 9, 2020 at 4:52 pm

    love this recipe. so perfect!
    Reply
  23. Natalie

    July 10, 2020 at 10:38 am

    Fantastic! I can't wait to give this a try. I was looking for vegan caesar dressing. This is just perfect recipe, easy and looks delicious.
    Reply

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