No anchovies here! Without sacrificing flavor, this 5 minute vegetarian caesar salad dressing recipe is simple, delicious, and most importantly, anchovy free.
At a recent girls night, I was asking a couple of my vegetarian friends (thanks Lauren and Mags!) what would they be interested in seeing on the blog? RIGHT off the bat, they both said a vegetarian caesar salad dressing. Apparently, if you're vegetarian and a fan of Caesar salad, the frustration is real. It's nearly impossible to find an alternative that tastes the same!
But never fear, Aberdeen's Kitchen is here! (Don't mind me, I'm in a punny, rhyming mood today 😬). This recipe for vegetarian Caesar salad dressing is quick, easy, and delicious and doesn't contain a SINGLE anchovy. But how can you have a caesar salad dressing without them? Scroll to find out ⤵!
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The Surprising Anchovy Substitution
So this is the main issue. The secret ingredient of caesar salad dressing is anchovy. Whether you grab whole ones from a can and process them down or just snag a bottle of the paste from the store, Caesar salad isn't a Caesar salad without them...or is it 🧐?
After quite a bit of internet searching, aisle perusing, and taste testing, I have found a solution: vegan Worcestershire sauce! Specifically a Worcestershire sauce that uses *drum roll please* tamarind.
Through my internet sleuthing, I discovered a lot of people substitute processed anchovies with worcestershire sauce, but do so without realizing that the sauce actually has anchovies in it 😭🤦🏼♀️.
Some people also claim that using straight soy sauce instead will do the trick. I tried this and, well, I disagree. I find soy sauce adds more of a nutty, light, salty flavor rather than the deep umami tang we're looking for in a Caesar salad.
Ergo, the secret ingredient? Tamarind paste! It's the PERFECT vegetarian/vegan substitute for salty fish pastes and tangy meat flavors. Luckily, I found this easy to buy Annie's Worcestershire Sauce that uses it instead of anchovies! It's even vegan, organic, and climate friendly 🤩.
Vegetarian Caesar Salad Dressing Tips and Tricks
Prepping - For a thinner dressing, add a bit more lemon juice or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Additionally, if you're looking for a creamier dressing, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the mix. Just make sure to adjust salt and pepper to taste!
Serving - This vegetarian caesar salad dressing pairs perfectly with crisp romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan, and croutons. For a heartier meal, add a sliced hard boiled egg or a large sprinkling of roasted garbanzo beans. Not a vegetarian? Throw some sliced chicken on there.
Storage - The dressing will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. However, the texture may thicken, so make sure to give it a good shake before use and add a couple teaspoons of water if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. SImply use the same amount as the regular mayo listed in the ingredients and you're all set.
This one I'm not sure about yet. I haven't tried a vegan cheese for this recipe so I don't know how they'll impact the flavor and/or texture. If you are a vegan and have a favorite substitute for parmesan cheese already, I say feel free to give it a try!
Most definitely! In fact, scroll down for some more options on how to use this recipe.
Uses For This Recipe
Obvi, the classic option is to pour it generously over a bed of romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese for a traditional Caesar salad. However, this dressing can go with a ton of other dishes!
- Use it as a delicious dip for veggie sticks and pita bread.
- Drizzle it over roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables for extra yums.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps to add a layer of tangy richness.
- You can even use it as a fun twist on a classic pasta salad! Toss some cooked pasta with the dressing and a bunch fresh chopped vegetables (bell pepper, tomatoes and cucumber etc.).
Got some options right here for you ⤵️.
Ready to get "dressed"? Nailed it 😂. Grab the recipe below 👊🏻!
Vegetarian Caesar Salad Dressing
Description
No anchovies here! Without sacrificing flavor, this 5 minute vegetarian caesar salad dressing recipe is simple, delicious, and most importantly, anchovy free.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup light mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce, such as Annie's Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup parmesan, grated
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Alternatively, whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. It won't be as smooth and you'll wind up with larger pieces of parmesan but it will still taste delicious!
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Shake/stir before using.
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