This quick and easy high-protein Caesar salad dressing recipe is ready in 5 minutes and made with no anchovies! Instead of tinned fish or anchovy paste, we’re using a little fish sauce to get that classic umami flavor. Let’s make some healthy Caesar!
High Protein Caesar Salad Dressing (No Anchovies)
A salad is only as good as its dressing and this creamy Caesar salad dressing makes a dang good salad!
I love pairing it with crisp lettuce and grilled chicken breast. It’s the perfect combo!
It’s also incredibly fast and easy to make. Mix it in a bowl or a mason jar and keep it on hand for yummy Caesar salad all week!
It also makes a great dip for veggies because it is so flavorful.
Caesar is one of my youngest kiddos’ favorites so she often requests a side of this dressing to use as a veggie dip. I love that it’s full of good ingredients and I’ll happily serve it up anytime she asks.
Why you’ll love this homemade Caesar dressing recipe
No raw egg yolks – Classic Caesar salad starts by making your own mayonnaise with raw eggs and olive oil (or vegetable oil). This dressing is oil-free and higher in protein than your traditional Caesar dressing.
Better than store-bought salad dressings – The creamy texture and umami taste are what make this an exceptional caesar dressing!
Higher protein salad dressing – Instead of starting with a mayonnaise base we’re opting for plain Greek yogurt. This swap alone takes the classic dressing and gives it a big protein boost and makes a great Caesar salad!
Simple ingredients you need for easy Caesar dressing
Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions.
- non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- avocado oil mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- fish sauce
- fresh garlic clove
- sea salt
- black pepper
- water
- fresh parmesan cheese
How to make homemade Caesar salad dressing
Step 1: In a small bowl combine the yogurt, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and water together. Mix well.
Step 2: Stir in the parmesan cheese and it is ready to be used!
NOTE: This makes about ¾ cup of Caesar salad dressing.
Watch me make my healthy high-protein Caesar dressing
The full how to video can be watched below, or on my YouTube channel!
Serving suggestion
Use this creamy dressing for a healthy Caesar salad! I love it paired with my easy chicken Caesar salad loaded with crispy bacon and hard-boiled egg or my salmon caesar pasta salad. If you’re searching for a protein-packed meal-size salad, that is the one!
Other great ways to enjoy this dressing is with crispy breaded tofu, or grilled shrimp, or make a classic Caesar with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and grated parmigiano reggiano.
How to store
Caesar salad dressing should be stored in the fridge once it is made.
It will stay fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container or a mason jar with a lid.
Substitutions, optional variations & dietary adjustments
Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this high-protein traditional Caesar salad recipe.
If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!
Non-fat plain Greek yogurt – Full-fat plain Greek yogurt can be absolutely used here. Non-fat has a higher protein content, so if you’re looking to keep this dressing higher in protein just watch that. Regular (non-Greek) yogurt can be used, however, you’ll want to omit the water that is added since regular yogurt is much thinner and runnier than Greek. Another alternative to use regular yogurt is to strain out the excess whey which will thicken it. Check out how to make yogurt at home for detailed instructions on how to turn your yogurt into Greek yogurt.
Avocado oil mayonnaise – Regular mayonnaise works great. You can also use homemade mayo or keep it egg-free by using vegan mayo.
Dijon – Stone ground mustard can be used in place of dijon mustard. I would not suggest using yellow mustard for this recipe.
Lemon juice – Don’t have fresh lemons? Bottled lemon juice works great too! Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work here too.
Fish sauce – Fish sauce is made from anchovies, so you can also swap in whole anchovies or anchovy paste. If you don’t have any of those options, increase the amount of Worcestershire sauce being used.
Fresh garlic – If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand you can use granulated garlic.
Parmesan cheese – Pecorino is a great alternative that is very similar, but made from sheep’s milk. Romano is another great alternative!
More favorite salad dressings you’ll love
High Protein Caesar Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup non-fat plain greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp avocado oil mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp fish sauce
- 1 fresh garlic clove minced
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
- pinch of black pepper
- 1 tbsp water
- ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese finely grated
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the yogurt, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and water together. Mix well.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and it is ready to be used!
Notes
Nutrition
If you try this easy Caesar salad dressing recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!
XO
Heather
2 comments
Really good! The whole family was a fan and I love the ingredients and that it isn’t all mayo.
Thanks for coming here and sharing MaryAnn! Glad it was a hit all around 🙂