This homemade caesar salad dressing without raw anchovies puts store-bought dressings to shame! You can whip it up in a few minutes in your food processor using ingredients you probably already have on hand and create the best salad ever before you know it. It's become a favorite among my family and friends and I really think once you give it a try, you'll find the same!
I created this to remind me of the kind of caesar salad dressing you get at a restaurant when they make it right at the table. EXCEPT, I wanted that same great taste but without anchovies.
Jump to RecipeNote added in 2020: This has become one of the top 3 most popular recipes on XO&So along with my buffalo cauliflower bites and my homemade croutons with garlic butter.
I'm so excited that you guys love it as much as I do!
By the way, those croutons I mentioned are the PERFECT thing to go with this caesar dressing. They're crispy, buttery, delicious, and no salad is complete without bread if you ask me!
Since I became a vegetarian about eight years ago, I’ve really missed out on good caesar salads when I can’t find a good recipe without anchovies. So, I decided to make my own!
I use my food processor to whip up this homemade caesar salad dressing in just a few minutes.
And let me tell you… this dressing has BROUGHT ME LIFE!!!
How to use this homemade caesar salad dressing
It's a staple in my kitchen. Not only do I use it with romaine for a caesar salad, it also makes a great dip. My favorite is dipping Gardein seven-grain crispy tenders into it. Yummmm!
I like keeping a mason jar of this dressing in my fridge so I can grab it and use it whenever I want.
I've also made a Caesar pasta salad with it a few times and it's one of my favorite meals.
I used rotini noodles, romaine lettuce, croutons, plant-based chicken, and lots of dressing to create the perfect meal ready to eat hot or cold.
I love that this is the kind of thing you can keep in the fridge to enjoy all week. It's also a crowd-pleasing meal because it's a pretty universally liked dish!
By the way, I also have another great vegetarian salad dressing up on my site. You can find my Greek quinoa salad recipe here. It's another meal that can be eaten hot or cold and it makes great leftovers.
You can also see my Caesar salad dressing recipe in action on my TikTok! I share a lot of glimpses of my recipes over there as well as some recipes you won't find on this blog.
What to serve with homemade Caesar salad dressing
Caesar salad is a great meal on its own, no doubt about that. But it's also the perfect pairing for a lot of other vegetarian recipes!
Here are some ideas for what to serve with Caesar salad if you give my recipe a try:
- The sauciest, creamiest, best Alfredo sauce ever
- Cheesy bean and lentil vegetarian casserole
- Zucchini fritters with feta, red onion, and dill
Why Anchovy-Free Caesar Salad Dressing?
It’s really easy to forget that some foods have animal products in them when they aren’t the main feature.
Case in point: most store-bought caesar salad dressing doesn’t taste particularly fishy (compared to the kind made in-house at restaurant), but most of them have anchovies in them still.
I’ve found a fewwwwww store-bought caesar dressings without anchovies, but none of them satisfied me in quite the way I wanted them to.
And then this recipe came into my life.
I’m so so so happy with it, and I could seriously eat it out of the jar by the spoonful. If you have a food processor, try this ASAP and you won’t miss the anchovies!
This is the mini food processor I have used and love for years. It's small and compact but really powerful and easy to clean.
Pinky swear.
Why is it called a Caesar salad?
Fellow food nerds, you might also enjoy learning about the history of our favorite recipes and ingredients. You may have heard the Caesar salad is attributed to Julius Caesar because it was his "favorite meal."
It's a fun thought, but its origins aren't quite as ancient. Instead, the history of Caesar salad is actually said to originate in Mexico, rather than Italy like many of us expect.
Fun fact: apparently I referred to as Julius Caesar as "the salad guy who cut off your ears." I guess I conflated "lend me your ears..." with him being some kind of butcher.
Whoops.
But there is an Italian component to its origins: It's said the salad was invented by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini IN Tijuana, Mexico.
Apparently, he targeting American tourists frustrated by the Prohibition in America to his restaurant in Mexico. But again, a lot of this is speculation.
The other really interesting thing to note is the original ingredients: according to a lot of research, the original Caesar salad didn't even contain anchovies!!!
The best guess
Here's what What's Cooking America has to say about this history of this prolific salad:
"His original recipe included romaine, garlic, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, boiled eggs, olive oil and Worcestershire sauce. The original salad was prepared at tableside.
When the salad dressing was ready, the romaine leaves were coated with the dressing and placed stem side out, in a circle and served on a flat dinner plate, so that the salad could be eaten with the fingers.
In 1926, Alex Cardini joined his brother, Caesar, at the Tijuana restaurant. Alex, an ace pilot in the Italian Air Force during World War I, added other ingredients, one of which was anchovies, and named the salad Aviator’s Salad” in honor of the pilots from Rockwell Field Air Base in San Diego.
It is reported that Alex’s version became very popular, and later this salad was renamed “Caesar Salad.”
Note
I should note, this recipe calls for Worcestershire sauce, and the classic kind usually has anchovies in it, but I use a generic brand with no anchovies.
If you want a totally fish-free recipe, be sure to look for a Worcestershire sauce without fish too.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing without Raw Anchovies
Ingredients
Method
- Add all of your ingredients to the food processor except for the olive oil. If your food processor has chop and puree options, select puree. Begin to puree your ingredients. Slowly add one tablespoon of olive oil into your food processor while it purees. Turn your food processor off, and test your dressingSlowly add another tablespoon (or more) of olive oil until you get the consistency you desire (two tablespoons gave me the perfect thick consistency I like in a Caesar salad dressing). Add more vinegar if you'd like as well.
- Store in the refrigerator in a container with a tight lid and consume within 3-4 days
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Can we be Instagram friends?
Wanna see more vegetarian comfort food recipes as well as other behind the scenes stuff? You can find me on Instagram right here.
If you've tried my homemade caesar salad dressing without anchovies, please let me know what you think of it in the comments below!
I'd also love to hear if you used it for salad or as dip or what.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Hope you love it!
xo - C
By the way, I have a new page on my site with a bunch of helpful links. It has links to my social profiles, LTK, Amazon Storefront, etc. There's NO pressure to shop from any of these links, but if you're curious about the products I use, etc., that's where you'll find them. As always, your support is SO appreciated!
About Chelsea Kram & XO&So
Hi! I'm Chelsea, and I'm the Canadian food blogger behind all of the XO&So vegetarian comfort food recipes. Click here to get to know more about me.
If you'd like to fuel me with a coffee, here's the link to buy one for me. (Never expected, ALWAYS appreciated!)
Karen
Your Worcestershire Sauce has Fish is it - FYI. I was hoping I found a recipe I could eat when I saw anchovy free! I miss Caesar salad, but the Worcestershire sauce has just enough fish in it to kill me. Not many realize this.
chelseaxoandso
chelseaxoandso
I also found a link for a vegan Worcestershire that can be made at home. Hope that helps! https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/how-to-make-your-own-fish-free-worcestershire-sauce-at-home/
Kim Kukler
I use Annie's organic worcestershire which has NO fish in it - my son is allergic as well!
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
That's great to know! I'll have to try that one, thanks 🙂
Suz’Ana
I made this your dressing this evening and it is delicious! Thank you so much for the recipe.
chelseaxoandso
I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know! XO
Jamie
Hi! I really want to try and make this recipe, I have a lemon allergy, is there something else non fruit i could substitute with that you can think of?
chelseaxoandso
Hi Jamie! Thanks for your question. I looked into what a good substitute would be and the only non-fruit suggestion I could make is to add a bit more of the vinegar. I'd start off making the recipe normally (minus the lemon) and then taste test and add slowly add a bit more vinegar (maybe a tsp. at a time) and taste test as you go until you get the acidity you'd like. I hope this helps! Please let me know how it is if you try it 🙂
Shirley R Soans
Loved it!!! Its perfect...
Lauren
Jamie - I made the drawing minus the lemon (bc I forgot to add it LOL) and it was still delicious!
JUSTINA MERZ
I just made this recipe and it is so good! My grandchildren LOVE caesar salad. taking it over for dinner tonight! Thanks for the easy recipe!
Justina
chelseaxoandso
Hi Justina! I'm SO happy to hear that. I hope your grandchildren love it too!
Renee
we made this tonight and it was amazing! Thanks so much. Renee
chelseaxoandso
I'm thrilled to hear that!!!! Thanks for letting me know, Renee!
Jamie
Is there a way to make this omitting the Worcestershire completely? I wouldn’t want to ruin the sauce..
chelseaxoandso
Hi Jamie! I just looked up an alternative for Worcestershire sauce and this was suggested: "If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, use 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice,1/4 teaspoon sugar and a dash of hot sauce for every tablespoon Worcestershire the recipe calls for."
I think it'd be worth trying without the Worcestershire sauce or an alternative and seeing if it needs anything else added first!
Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Ell
This is the best ceasar dressing I have found. I love it and it got two thumbs up from my daughter. Tastes like Restruant dressing.
chelseaxoandso
I'm so happy to hear that!!! Thank you so much for letting me know.
Megan
love this caesar recipe!! just made it and it's killer!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
chelseaxoandso
Woo, great news! Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Sandra
I love a Caesar salad dressing without the taste of anchovies. When I found yours I couldn’t wait to try it! Easy to make and everyone loved the taste!
chelseaxoandso
I'm so glad to hear that, Sandra! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Beth F.
This is the best Caesar dressing we’ve ever had! The recipe is sooooo easy and the taste is perfect. Best thing is it’s anchovy free. Thanks for posting it! I’ll never use another recipe for this dressing.
chelseaxoandso
That's fantastic news!!!! SO happy to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks Beth!
Steph
Sure fire way to eat a whole family size bowl of salad By yourself ! YUMMM
Gabriel D
Thank you for the recipe. My kids love Caesar Salad and it is difficult to buy dressing here in this part of Colombia. It was awesome!
chelseaxoandso
That's wonderful!!! I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it 🙂 Thank you so much for letting me know.
Kim
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love caesar salad and had just stopped eating it because I couldn't find a dressing that tasted like a restaurant dressing. This is the bomb. I love it.
chelseaxoandso
I'm SOOO happy to hear that!!!
Macayla
Hi how big is a serving?
Jack Williams
I've substituted pitted and mashed kalamata olives for anchovies and had good luck.
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
That sounds great!
Kira Yeary
A friend of mine made me dinner which included a salad with this dressing. It was absolutely excellent. Highly recommend!
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
Hey Kira!! That makes my day to hear that – so happy you enjoyed it!
Tb
Hands down.. the BEST Caesar dressing I have EVER had!!!!!
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
Wow – you made my day! So glad to hear that!
Kimberly
Can the Caesar dressing be made without mustard and black pepper as I have an allergy and sensitivity to both
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
Hey Kimberly! I've never tried, but I think it would still be good...let me know how it turns out 🙂
Emily
We love this recipe and have been using it fir several months now. But my husband and I are on a strict diet now. I was wondering what is the serving amount for the calories listed? Thanks.
Ramya
Loved the Caesar salad dressing and the crouton recipe. Thanks for the same. This was a hit in my house and I am so glad to have found your blog! Since i am a vegetarian, this is like a one stop for best recipes.
Thank you, Thank you and Thank you.
Ramya
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
You made my day, Ramya! Thank you so much. I'm so glad you're enjoying my recipes.
Kellie Haarmann
This is delish!
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
I'm so happy you liked it! XO
Ruby
Yuuuummm! I added vegan bacon to it
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
That sounds so good! I'll have to try that sometime 🙂 So glad you liked it XO
Pamela
I literally JUST made your recipe and IT IS THE BEST! It’s so easy and so Much better than anything I’ve purchased in a store and believe me - I’ve tried them all over the years! So glad I spent some time looking through recipes tonight. It will be a “go-to” for many food items!! Thank you!
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
You just made my day, Pamela!!!! So happy you loved it.
Debra massey
I see the entire recipe makes 8 servings. Is one serving 1 Tbsp or 2 Tbsp? By the way its best dressing ive ever had
Saara
Sooo good. This is the only caesar dressing recipe I use.
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
Yay! That's great to hear; so glad you like it.
DebK
Excellent recipe. I halved it and made 3 minor adjustments: 1. I used white wine vinegar cuz thats what I had 2. I added about a teaspoon of honey because the vinegar and lemon made it a tad to sharp (acid). 3. I used 2-3 shakes of fish sauce (cuz it's anchovy but not with that gross overwhelming anchovy flavor!). Its going on the cesear salad for my sons birthday dinner!
Dottie
Well, Ken' Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing rated #1 is always what I have used, until now! This recipe is as good or I believe better. Easy to make and adjust to your personal taste however I followed the recipe to a "T". No more store bought dressing for me.......
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
Hi Dottie! You just put the biggest smile on my face—I'm so glad you love it!
Dottie
I have had so many compliments on this recipe that I felt compelled to send a second text saying this is PERFECTION!
Thank you for a Blue Ribbon recipe.....
Nancy
Oh my gosh! Made my own keto Mayo yesterday and made this dressing today. Left out olive oil and dry mustard powder. Best I’ve ever tasted!
Jobie Medina
My husband and I both loved this dressing tonight. Thank you for sharing! Yummm!!!
Brianna
This recipe is truly perfect. I made it for a shaved Brussel sprout salad, and it turned out amazing!
Super versatile and came together so quickly. Would 10000% recommend making this dressing over store bought!
Melissa O’Brien
I was planning on making Caesar salad dressing and quickly realized I was missing some of those ingredients… So searched up this one and it is delicious. Really don’t miss the anchovies with this one.
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
Woooo! So happy you liked it
Sarah
This recipe is AMAZING! Great flavor and easy to mix up!
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
YAY! I'm so happy you liked it and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. XO
Michele Gage
I have been on a life’s quest to find the best homemade Caesar dressing. This is it! First try and it was amazing! I didn’t even use the mustard powder and felt it wasn’t needed! This was excellent!
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
Hey Michele! I'm so happy you loved it! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.
Leigh
Amazing! Family loved it. We are not vegetarians but I am inspired by your recipes. Thank you for sharing. From an ex-pat living in UK 🙂
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
You made my day! I'm so thrilled to hear you loved it. Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season!
Leigh
I also made the garlic croutons - again fabuloulsy amazing and as you mentioned so much better than store bought! Last night we tried the Alfredo sauce... your recipes are a dream - easy to make and easy to add proteins as required for my meat eaters. So excited to have found your website. I will be trying lots of recipes and keeping some of them veggie only 🙂 Thank you!
Marlene
Divine!
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
I'm so glad you liked it!!!