Vegan Caesar Dressing

This is my all time favorite Vegan Caesar Dressing! So creamy and ready in just 5 minutes, this is a simple salad dressing you need in your fridge at all times.

5-minute vegan caesar salad dressing

Can you believe this Vegan Caesar Dressing tastes just like the real thing? It’s ultra-creamy with hints of briny, garlicky, and umami flavors. Made with a cashew cream base and a handful of simple ingredients, it’s a must-have vegan salad dressing.

A traditional caesar dressing is made with egg yolks, anchovies, garlic, and parmesan cheese. This recipe replicates the same rich flavors and textures of the classic, but without any oil, eggs, anchovies, or vegan mayonnaise. How great is that?

In my opinion, no vegan caesar salad or kale caesar salad is complete without it. You can even put out a bowl as a delicious dip for vegan pizza, vegetables, cauliflower wings, and more! There’s never a bad time for caesar dressing.

Ingredients needed (with substitutions)

• Cashews – Raw, unsalted cashew pieces are best. When soaked in water and blended, they transform this dressing into a luxurious and creamy sauce. If you need a nut free version, I include a vegan mayo based recipe as well.
• Water
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard – Regular yellow mustard may work instead but you won’t achieve the same level of depth that dijon provides.
• Capers – Think of capers as mini olives. They’re briny and pack a punch, making them one of the best substitutes for the anchovies you’d find in a classic caesar dressing.
• Vegan Worcestershire sauce – Optional, but a delicious and umami-boosting addition. Soy sauce or tamari may work as a substitute.
• Salt

How to make vegan caesar dressing

Find the instructions with the full ingredients list, measurements, and directions on the recipe card below.

Begin by soaking the cashew pieces in hot water. If you have a powerful blender, you will only need to do this for about 5 or 10 minutes.

Drain the water and add the cashews to a blender. Add the remaining ingredients and some fresh water. 

Blend the dressing until it’s very smooth and creamy.

Once it’s ready, serve the cashew caesar dressing with caesar salad topped with vegan croutons and vegan parmesan. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Besides using it as a creamy salad dressing, you can use caesar dressing as a:

• Dip – For vegetables, vegan pizza, potato wedges, grilled vegetables, and cauliflower wings.
• Spread – Grab a knife and spread some of the dressing on vegan burgers and sandwiches.
• Sauce – Use it as a replacement for red pizza sauce on vegan pizza, use it in macaroni salad, potato salad, or even in creamy vegan coleslaw. Or make caesar wraps with vegan chicken, lettuce and parmesan.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can you make it without nuts? Yes, you can make the dressing with 3/4 cup of vegan mayonnaise instead of cashews and water. For an oil free and nut free caesar dressing, make this recipe with my vegan tofu mayonnaise.
2. Do you have to have a high powered blender? A blender with a powerful motor (like a Vitamix) does help, but it isn’t necessary. If using a regular blender, soak the cashews longer (or even overnight) and blend the dressing for a little longer as well.
3. How long does vegan Caesar salad dressing last? The dressing keeps for about 1 week in the refrigerator when stored in a covered container (glass preferred).
4. Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes quite well!

Want more vegan salad dressings?

• Vegan Green Goddess Dressing
• Best Homemade Vegan Ranch
• Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing
• Lemon Maple Tahini Dressing