Hello, my chickpeas! It's been a while since I shared a salad dressing recipe, and you guys seem to really like them. So for this one I decided to recreate one of my favorite salad dressings from my pre-vegan days. Introducing my Vegan Caesar Dressing!

This one is delicious on a super simple Caesar salad (think romaine, vegan parmesan, and croutons or Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas!), but is also delicious on any salad you'd like! I love throwing together a salad or bowl with whatever leftover veggies I have in my fridge, and tossing this on top. It could also be delicious used in a veggie wrap or on a sandwich. Enjoy however you wish!

Inspiration for Vegan Caesar Dressing

As we shift into the warmer months, I tend to eat a lot more salads. And we all know that a salad is only as good as it's dressing! Salad dressings are actually one of my favorite types of recipes to create, so I was so excited to recreate an old favorite in a vegan-friendly way with this Vegan Caesar Dressing!

As a reminder, and as I always say when I do these "substitute" style recipes, this won't be EXACTLY the same as traditional Caesar dressing, because it simply isn't made out of the same things. However, if you're looking for similar vibes and characteristics to the traditional version but with a plant based twist, this recipe does not disappoint!

My main goals for this Vegan Caesar Dressing were to make it creamy, slightly tangy and salty, and to create a bright flavor that easily compliments any salad. After all, my favorite part of a Caesar salad was always the dressing! My version of this staple is of course dairy-free, and even oil-free as well! It's perfect for any plant-based kitchen.

Ingredients

Many of these are probably in your kitchen already! This dressing is cashew based, with lots of flavorful ingredients thrown in to accomplish a Caesar-y taste. Let's take a look at today's ingredients:
- Cashews: cashews truly are one of the best ingredients when you go plant-based. They can accomplish a creamy texture and are perfect for thicker dressings and sauces like this!
- Garlic, onion powder, and nutritional yeast: for some savory vibes and a boost of flavor.
- Lemon juice & dijon mustard: every salad dressing needs some acidity!
- Capers & caper brine: this is probably the most "unique" ingredient out of everything, as I don't call for this one in recipes very often. However, the flavor of the capers and their brine really bring out those Caesar vibes! They have a tanginess, a saltiness, and an overall flavor that lends itself very well to this recipe.

How to Make Vegan Caesar Dressing

This one is super simple, and probably about what you expect. You do have to soak your cashews, but beyond that there's pretty much only one step. As always, keep scrolling for the full recipe!

In a high speed blender, blend your ingredients.
Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Here are some ideas on how you can play with this one!

For my favorite take on a Caesar salad, create a salad with romaine lettuce, Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas, vegan parmesan (my favorite is the Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Parmesan), and of course our Vegan Caesar Dressing! The chickpeas replace croutons for a fun and nutritious crunch! This salad is simple but delicious.
I haven't tried this yet, but I think this would be so fun in some sort of Caesar-inspired wrap. Throw this in a tortilla or a pita with greens, veggies of choice, and even some sort of vegan "chicken" if you'd like!
This dressing is perfect for those nights where you just want to clean out your fridge, because it is versatile and goes with pretty much anything. Throw your leftover veggies in a bowl, toss your Vegan Caesar Dressing on top, and enjoy! Or, check out my FREE Buddha Bowl ebook for inspiration on designing your perfect Buddha bowl!
If you're looking for other salad dressing inspiration, check out my Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing or my Oil-Free Zesty Italian Dressing next!

Enjoy!

Vegan Caesar Dressing (Oil-Free!)

Recipe by Delaney Romero - Joyful BalanceCourse: Dressings

Makes (approximately)

cup

From Start to Finish

minutes

This Vegan Caesar Dressing is delicious on a super simple Caesar salad (think romaine, vegan parmesan, and croutons or Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas!), but is also delicious on any salad you'd like! I love throwing together a salad or bowl with whatever leftover veggies I have in my fridge, and tossing this on top. It could also be delicious used in a veggie wrap or on a sandwich. Enjoy!

*Note that "From Start to Finish" is an estimate that includes 30 minutes for soaking your cashews, and only 5 hands-on minutes to complete the recipe directions.

Ingredients

¾ cup cashews, soaked in very hot water for 20-30 minutes (OR in room temperature water overnight)
½ cup water
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
2 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon capers
2 teaspoon caper brine (the liquid in the jar of capers)
3 teaspoon dijon mustard

Directions

Drain your soaked cashews.
Toss all ingredients into a high-powered blender. Blend on high until it reaches your desired consistency! (I like it to have just a tiny bit of texture to it, but you can also blend until it's super smooth if you prefer!)
Drizzle it on whatever salad (or anything else) you desire. Enjoy!

Happy cooking! If you made this recipe don’t forget to tag me (@joyfulbalanceofficial) on facebook or instagram so I can cheer you on for your dressing-making ways.

Stay joyfully balanced!