You'll want to put this healthy Greek yogurt Caesar dressing on everything from salads to wraps. It only takes 5 minutes and tastes better than store-bought!
Caesar dressing is a staple in my fridge. My family used to buy it at the grocery store, until I began making this homemade Greek yogurt Caesar dressing. Let me tell you, it's a total gamechanger. Bonus points: there's no anchovies, so great for vegetarians and anyone who just doesn't regularly buy them.
We use this homemade Caesar dressing on everything from salads to chicken Caesar wraps. It's also a great dip, and I've even used it as a sub for mayo in my healthy chicken salad recipe.
You probably know by now that I preach nutrition by addition, so I don't believe you should stop eating Caesar dressing to be healthy. However, why not try a healthier, homemade version that has extra protein?
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Easy to whip together. It only takes 5 minutes to make this dressing!
- Simple ingredients. Storebought salad dressings often need extra ingredients to keep them shelf stable and emulsified. This homemade Caesar dressing uses nourishing ingredients that you probably already have.
- Homemade staple. Greek yogurt Caesar dressing can be put on salads, sandwiches, and used as a dip. It's a super versatile staple to have on hand!
Ingredients
Greek yogurt. The higher the fat percentage the creamier the dressing will be! 0% fat is fine, but it will have a slightly more bitter flavour than a higher fat percentage such as 5%. I like choosing 2% for a middle option. Make sure you choose plain Greek yogurt.
Olive oil. Look for extra virgin olive oil stored in an opaque or dark glass bottle. Another neutral oil like avocado oil will also work.
Garlic. Fresh garlic is best for optimal flavour, although preminced jarred garlic will work too.
Onion powder. This is the only spice you will need for this dressing!
Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice is best.
Parmesan cheese. Freshly shredded parmesan cheese has the best flavour, but the preshedded parms will work fine as well.
Worcestershire sauce. Instead of anchovy paste, we use Worcestershire sauce for a hit of umami.
Dijon mustard. Look for a grainy or old fashioned dijon mustard for strong, almost spicy notes.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
In a small glass jar or bowl, whisk together all ingredients.
Adjust taste to desired preference. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: Worcestershire sauce typically includes barley malt vinegar which may contain gluten. If you would like to make this dressing gluten-free look for a Worcestershire sauce that does not contain this ingredient.
To make vegan/dairy-free: I have not tested a dairy-free version, however I would try using a thick plant-based Greek yogurt like this one.
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl or glass jar
Storage
This Greek yogurt Caesar dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Top Tip
Whisk well! The oil may separate if stored in the fridge for more than 24 hours. To help mix everything together again, just shake the container prior to pouring.
Frequently Asked Questions
I personally think it does! It will taste slightly lighter than a traditional Caesar dressing, but the flavour profile should still be the same.
I wanted to make this a vegetarian version of a Caesar dressing. Although a staple in a classic Caesar dressing, the anchovies are a barrier to many vegetarians enjoying the taste of Caesar salad. Skipping the anchovies also helps avoid purchasing additional ingredients you likely won’t have many other uses for.
Most store bought salad dressings are made from oils, while homemade Caesar dressings use mayonnaise as a base. This means they can be higher in fat. Fat is actually an important addition for salads, because it helps us absorb the nutrients. With that being said, this Greek yogurt Caesar dressing has extra protein along with a little fat. It's a tasty nutrient-dense option!
More Healthy Dressing Recipes
More healthy dressings and sauces from the Nourished kitchen:
- Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
- Greek Yogurt Dill Veggie Dip
- Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- Healthy Big Mac Sauce
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this Greek yogut Caesar dressing, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Creamy Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup plain greek yogurt 2 %
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon old fashioned dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic pressed
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice juice of 1 large lemon
- 1.5 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a small glass jar or bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Adjust taste to desired preference. Enjoy!
Lisa says
What do I do if this taste sour?
Nicole Addison says
Hi Lisa! As Greek yogurt is typically more sour than a traditional caesar dressing base you may need to adjust the taste to meet your desired preference! I recommend adding a bit more parmesean cheese or even 1-2tbsp of mayonnaise (which can help decrease the bitterness of the yogurt creating a more creamy taste)!
God says
Worcestershire sauce has anchovies in it still. So it’s not veg/vegan.
Nicole Addison says
Hi there! I did not say this dressing was vegetarian or vegan!
Falguni Dalal says
There are worcestershire sauces that do not have anchovies. If you buy the kroger store brand, it does not contain fish.