This Cashew Caesar Dressing has been one of my go-to sauces for years. It’s creamy, savory, tangy, and gives that classic Caesar feeling without dairy, eggs, or anchovies. The cashews make it smooth and luscious, while capers, Dijon mustard, lemon, garlic, nutritional yeast, and Worcestershire sauce bring all the salty, punchy flavor. I love it tossed through kale, drizzled over crunchy romaine, or used as a spread in wraps and sandwiches.
Cashew Caesar Dressing
This creamy cashew Caesar dressing is savory, tangy, and packed with flavor from capers, Dijon mustard, lemon, nutritional yeast, and garlic. It’s a dairy-free sauce for salads, wraps, and bowls.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (60 ml) raw cashews
- 2 tsp (10 ml) baby capers
- 3 tbsp (22.5 g) nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic - peeled
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) Worcestershire sauce - see notes
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) water
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in boiling water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a small high-speed blender, add the cashews, capers, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Blend on high speed until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve for up to 5 days. It will thicken the longer it is in the fridge; you can add 1 teaspoon of water at a time and stir if you wish for a thinner consistency.
Notes
Cashews: For a smoother sauce, consider soaking the cashews. If you have a high-speed blender like a Vitamix, you can skip this step.
Worcestershire Sauce: Although the original Worcestershire sauce is not vegan, many home-brand versions are vegan, so it’s important to read the label when purchasing. If you need a substitute in a pinch, mix 2/3 tamari with 1/3 maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving/Portion
Calories: 154 kcalCarbohydrates: 10 gProtein: 9 gFat: 9 gSodium: 246 mgFiber: 3 gVitamin A: 3 IUVitamin C: 10 mgCalcium: 26 mgIron: 3 mg
Why I love this recipe (as a nutritionist)
- So creamy without dairy: soaked cashews blend into a smooth dressing that feels rich and satisfying.
- Big Caesar flavor: capers, Dijon, lemon, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce bring the savory, tangy flavor you want.
- A little protein boost: each serving has 9 g of protein from the cashews and nutritional yeast.
- Keeps well: it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge, which makes quick salads and wraps so much easier.
Ingredient notes
- Raw cashews: create the creamy base. Soak them for the smoothest texture, especially if your blender is not high-speed.
- Baby capers: bring salty, briny flavor that helps replace the anchovy flavor in classic Caesar dressing.
- Nutritional yeast: adds a savory, cheesy note and a small protein boost.
- Dijon mustard: gives the dressing depth and a little sharpness.
- Worcestershire sauce: check the label if you need it to be vegan. Many home-brand versions are vegan.
Variations and tips
- Use a high-speed blender: this gives the smoothest Caesar dressing texture.
- Adjust the tang: add extra lemon juice if you like a sharper dressing.
- Make it gluten-free: check the Worcestershire sauce label or use tamari mixed with maple syrup as noted.
- Thin before serving: cashew dressings thicken in the fridge, so add water 1 tsp at a time until it pours easily, if you want a thiner consistency
- Use it beyond salads: spread it in wraps, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or use it as a dip for crunchy lettuce cups.
FAQ
Is cashew Caesar dressing vegan?
It can be, as long as you use a vegan Worcestershire sauce. Many home-brand versions are vegan, but check the label.
Can I make this Caesar dressing gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or swap it for the tamari and maple syrup option in the notes.
How long does cashew Caesar dressing last?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Why did my Caesar dressing thicken?
Cashew-based dressings thicken when chilled. Add 1 teaspoon of water at a time and stir until it loosens.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Mix 2/3 tamari with 1/3 maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice.
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