Vegan Caesar Dressing (oil free)
If you love Caesar salad but want a plant-based, oil-free alternative, this vegan Caesar dressing is for you! It’s rich, tangy, and packed with umami flavor—without any dairy or processed oils.
Tasting notes
tangy | dijon | cheesy
Pairing Suggestions
kale | packed lunch | romaine
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Reasons to love this vegan caesar dressing
- No oils – which are calorie dense and often high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids
- High fiber – with over 9 grams of fiber per serving, the dressing provides ⅓ of your daily recommended intake – and that’s before adding it to the salad greens!
- High protein – this dressing packs a surprising 11 grams of protein per serving – wowza!
- No sweeteners, sugars, or syrups. You may be surprised by how many store-bought salad dressings come with added sugars. Keep your added sugar intake to a minimum (the American Heart Association suggests we cap it at 25 g per day – less than a 12-oz can of coca-cola).
- Flavorful – we don’t skimp on flavor here, and this dressing is certainly no exception. The bite from the tangy dijon is balanced by the salt and nutty flavor of the chickpeas.
- Creamy – thickened by chickpeas and emulsified by the tahini, this dressing is everything you expect it to be, without all the unnecessary oils and sugars.
- Deliver cruciferous veggies – this dressing is designed to be paired with the superfood among salad greens – kale has an incredible high density of micronutrients and phytonutrients and very few calories. Some of these micronutrients include calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, E, B6, among others. The anti-cancer phytochemical known as sulforaphane is also abundantly found in kale and other cruciferous veggies (think arugula, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts) [Asif 2023]
Ingredients for vegan caesar dressing
Chickpeas: The secret to a creamy texture without oil! They also add plant-based protein and fiber.
Tahini: A touch of tahini brings a rich, nutty depth while keeping the dressing smooth.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and a little spice, giving the dressing its signature umami flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides bold, savory flavor and a bit of kick.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up with its zesty acidity, balancing the richness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and neutralizes the bitterness from raw garlic.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
How to make vegan caesar dressing – without oil
- Start with a small blender or food processor.
- Add the drained chickpeas, mustard, tahini, whole garlic cloves, and lemon juice to the blender. Puree until smooth, adding 1-2 tbsp of water or aquafaba as needed.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or store in a sealed glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Ways to use this dressing
- Kale Caesar Salad: add a generous pour of this dressing to massaged kale and top with grated walnut “parmesan” – my favorite!
- Roasted Veggies: this vegan caesar dressing can be used as a marinade for your favorite roasted veggies or drizzled overtop after roasting. I recommend tossing brussel sprouts with this oil-free vegan caesar dressing, then roast them in the oven at 400 F for 25 minutes.
- Cheezy Kale Chips: if you’re not in the mood for a salad, turn your kale into chips! Simply toss the raw kale in this caesar dressing (no need to massage this time), then spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, turn the oven off but do not open the door! Let the kale continue to dry out and cook in the cooling oven for at least 20 minutes and up to 60 minutes. Voila! Perfectly seasoned kale chips.
- Crunchy Caesar Wrap: skip the mayo and reach for this dressing to add flavor and creaminess in a crunchy caesar salad wrap.
Tips for making the best caesar salad with kale
Recipe Card
Vegan Caesar Dressing (oil free)
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, no salt added drain but do not rinse
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp lemon juice fresh is best
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor
- Blend until smooth. Add reserved chickpea water (aquafaba) or filtered water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately or store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Recommended Products
Ceramic Salad Bowl
A beautiful, durable ceramic bowl perfect for serving and mixing salads – $21.24
Cuisinart Mini food Processor
Perfect for small batch baking, dressings, pestos, and sauces. Get it for $29.22 on Amazon.
8 oz Glass Jars
BPA free glass jars (16 pack) for storing dressings, jams, sauces, overnight oats, and perfect for gifting – $24.99
References
Asif Ali M, Khan N, Kaleem N, et al. Anticancer properties of sulforaphane: current insights at the molecular level. Front Oncol. 2023;13:1168321. Published 2023 Jun 16. doi:10.3389/fonc.2023.1168321
