Creamy Cashew Caesar Dressing

If you’re looking for a creamy, tangy, and absolutely delicious Caesar dressing that’s also flexitarian-friendly, you’re in the right place!

This Creamy Cashew Caesar Dressing swaps traditional ingredients like anchovies and dairy for plant-based alternatives. Whether you’re tossing it with crisp greens or using it as a dip, this versatile dressing is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ready in under 30 minutes and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a healthy twist to their meals!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cashew Caesar Dressing has become a staple in my kitchen, and here’s why:

1. Simple Ingredients
   This recipe uses pantry staples like cashews, nutritional yeast, and Dijon mustard, making it easy to whip up without a special trip to the store.
2. Ready in Under 30 Minutes
   With quick soaking for the cashews (or skipping soaking with a high-speed blender), you can have this dressing blended and ready to enjoy in no time.
3. Flexitarian-Friendly
   This recipe delivers all the creamy, tangy flavors of a classic Caesar dressing without the dairy or anchovies, making it perfect for those who enjoy plant-based meals without strictly adhering to vegan or vegetarian diets.
4. Customizable
   You can easily tweak the flavors to suit your taste—add more lemon for tang, caper brine for saltiness, or garlic powder for extra kick.
5. Versatile
   Whether you’re dressing up a salad, drizzling over roasted veggies, or using it as a dip, this creamy dressing elevates any dish effortlessly.

Ingredients

• Cashews: The creamy base of this Caesar dressing, soaked cashews blend into a smooth and velvety texture that mimics traditional Caesar dressing’s richness—without the dairy. They’re also a great source of healthy fats and plant-based protein.
• Water: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for your dressing. Adjust the amount to suit your desired thickness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness to the dressing, balancing the creamy cashews with a burst of citrus.
• Nutritional Yeast: This plant-based pantry staple contributes a savory, cheesy flavor while offering a boost of B vitamins.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy depth to the dressing while adding gut-friendly probiotics.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a mild heat and zesty complexity that makes the dressing pop.
• Capers and Caper Brine: The salty, briny essence of capers and their liquid replicate the umami of anchovies traditionally found in Caesar dressing, keeping this version flexitarian-friendly.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a mellow, garlicky kick that’s essential for a Caesar dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors of all the ingredients.

Step-By-Step Instructions For This Vegan Caesar Dressing

1. Prepare the Cashews:
   Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in hot water for 15–20 minutes or overnight in cold water. This softens them, making them easy to blend.
2. Blend the Base:
   Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender or food processor along with 1/2 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
3. Add Flavor Boosters:
   Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon of capers, and 1 tablespoon of caper brine to the blender.
4. Season the Dressing:
   Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a generous pinch of freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Blend Until Smooth:
   Blend the mixture on high until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust:
   Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning. Add more lemon juice for brightness, Dijon for a tangy kick, or salt and pepper to taste.
7. Store and Serve:
   Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve over your favorite salad, as a dip, or drizzled over roasted veggies.

How To Use This Creamy Cashew Dressing

This versatile Creamy Cashew Caesar Dressing is perfect for adding a flavorful twist to your meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

1. Classic Caesar Salad
   Toss it with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan for a light yet satisfying Caesar salad.
2. Veggie Platter
   Serve as a creamy dip for fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers—perfect for snacking or entertaining.
3. Grain Bowls
   Drizzle over your favorite grain bowls featuring quinoa, roasted veggies, and a plant-based protein for a wholesome meal.
4. Dipping Sauce
   Use it as a dip for plant-based chicken nuggets, sweet potato fries, or roasted potatoes for a fun and flavorful addition.
5. Wraps and Sandwiches
   Spread it on wraps or sandwiches to add a creamy, tangy kick to your lunchtime favorites.
6. Roasted Veggies
   Toss it with roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or broccoli for an irresistible side dish.

Tips For Success

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Creamy Cashew Caesar Dressing:

1. Soaking Cashews:
   Soaking cashews softens them, making it easier to achieve a smooth texture. Use hot water for a quick soak (15–20 minutes) or cold water for an overnight soak. If you’re short on time and have a high-speed blender, you can skip soaking entirely.
2. Blending:
   A high-speed blender ensures the creamiest consistency, but a food processor or immersion blender can work in a pinch. For the smoothest results, pause occasionally to scrape down the sides.
3. Storage:
   Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Note that the dressing thickens as it chills—simply whisk in a splash of water or lemon juice to adjust the consistency before serving.
4. Adjusting Flavors:
   Taste the dressing after blending and adjust to your liking. Add more lemon juice for brightness, caper brine for saltiness, or nutritional yeast for extra savory flavor.
5. Refrigeration Tip:
   If the dressing separates slightly in the fridge, give it a quick stir or shake to bring it back together.

Related Recipes

Greens and Grains Bowl

Kale Caesar Salad

Air Fryer Tofu Bites

Homemade Vegan Croutons

Healthy Homemade Alfredo Sauce (Lower Fat, Full Flavor)

Cashew Caesar Dressing

This mayo-free and vegan Cashew Caesar Dressing is one of my favorite salad dressings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Calories 214 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup Raw cashew pieces Technically the cashews have been steamed so they are not truly "raw". Actual raw cashews are not safe to eat. See note for if using roasted cashews.
• 5 tbsp Water, divided or more per desired consistency
• 1/4 cup Avocado oil
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice about 1 lemon or use a white vinegar like rice wine or champagne.
• 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Capers
• 1/2 tbsp Caper brine
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp White pepper

Instructions

 

• Add all ingredients except water and avocado oil to a food processor.
• Turn the food processor on low speed and slowly drizzle in oil.
• After 30 seconds, turn off the food processor and scrape down the sides.
• Continue to blend the dressing for 5 to 7min, adding 1 tbsp of water at a time until desired consistency, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed.

  **Note: For a thinner salad dressing, add more water or avocado oil, one tablespoon at a time.

Notes

If you are using roasted cashews, soak the 1 cup of cashews in 4 cups of water overnight. Drain the cashews before using in this recipe. 

Nutrition

Serving: 50gCalories: 214kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 5gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 183mgPotassium: 209mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian at Addy Bean LLC | Website | + posts

Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!

• The Best Collagen Hot Chocolate Recipe
• Healthy Berry Bliss Tropical Smoothie Copycat Recipe
• How To Make An Easy Kombucha Mocktail
• 10 Vegan High-Protein Foods and Simple Ways to Use Them