This rich and creamy no-mayo Caesar salad dressing without anchovies is healthy and made with Greek yogurt. It takes 5 minutes to prepare and calls for 6 ingredients – the easiest low-calorie Caesar dressing!
Low-calorie Caesar salad dressing without anchovies
It’s time to stop buying $10 bottled Caesar dressings that don’t even taste yummy. This homemade healthy Caesar salad dressing without anchovies is about to be your new favorite salad dressing. It’s crazy how easy it is to make Caesar salad dressing at home. This recipe is so easy to make, tastes better than store-bought dressing, and feels fancy with minimal effort.
My friends love this Caesar dressing so much that it’s on their weekly meal prep menu. They have told me hundreds of times that it is seriously impossible to tell that there are no anchovies in it since it tastes exactly like the classic version. How cool it that?!
My favorite part about this Caesar dressing recipe is that it’s healthy, high-protein, and low-calorie. It’s also mayo-free and anchovy-free. Most store-bought dressings have 150+ calories for a 2-tablespoon serving. This recipe only has 40 calories and 3 grams of protein!
I cannot wait to hear what you think about this delicious Greek yogurt Caesar dressing! It’s a family favorite and sure to be one of yours too. We serve it all the time with this Caesar pasta salad.
Why you’ll love this healthy recipe:
- Secretly healthy: You can’t tell this Caesar dressing is healthy.
- No anchovies: This Caesar dressing is made without anchovies.
- Perfect consistency: It’s creamy, rich, tangy, and garlicky.
- No Mayonnaises: There is NO MAYO in this healthy Caesar dressing.
- Quick and easy: Made with 6 simple ingredients and takes 5 minutes to make.
- Low Calorie: It’s low-calorie with 40 calories per serving (2 Tablespoons).
- Greek yogurt base: We use Greek yogurt as the base, not mayonnaise.
- Protein: There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
- Make ahead: It stores well for meal prep.
- Try this salmon Caesar salad or this chicken Caesar pasta salad next!
Ingredients needed & substitutions
This healthy Caesar salad dressing without anchovies is seriously the best recipe you’ll ever try! We use Greek yogurt as the base of the dressing, which makes it high protein and low calorie. Plus, this recipe only calls for 6 simple ingredients – plus some salt and pepper. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Greek Yogurt: We use non-fat plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo as the base of this high-protein, low-calorie Caesar salad dressing. I used Chobani 0%, but you can also use 2% or 5%. Do not use flavored Greek yogurt – it must be plain!
- Olive Oil: This helps make the dressing creamy and smooth. You can also use avocado oil.
- Lemon: For that classic tangy lemon flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Instead of anchovies, we use a mix of Dijon mustard and pickle juice to create that tangy, umami flavor. I promise you cannot taste it.
- Pickle Juice: You’ll need pickle juice too. I love kosher dill, but any salty one will work. Stay away from bread and butter pickle juice since that is sweeter by nature.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is best; however, you can use 1 – 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder if needed.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make this healthy Caesar salad dressing.
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Tools: 1/4 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, and 1/3 cup.
How to make healthy Caesar salad dressing without anchovies
This easy, low-calorie caesar dressing takes 5 minutes to make. It’s tangy, delicious, and made without anchovies! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make it. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
First, prepare the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Start with 1 tbsp of olive oil; you can add another after whisking if you want a “richer” dressing.
Step 2:
Then, taste and adjust the seasonings by adding salt, more pepper, or a squeeze more of lemon juice.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days.
Expert tips for homemade Greek yogurt Caesar salad dressing
- Don’t skip out on the Dijon mustard. You cannot taste it! The Dijon mustard gives this homemade Caesar dressing that classic umami, tangy flavor.
- Let the dressing sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows all the delicious tangy flavors to marinate and strengthen.
- Use it as a dressing, condiment, or dipping sauce. This homemade no-mayo Caesar dressing is perfect for dipping buffalo wings in, as a sauce in a sandwich or wrap, or as a salad dressing. The options are endless!
- Meal prep it and store extra for up to 6 days. Feel free to make extra or store leftovers for meal prep. This homemade healthy Caesar dressing is the ideal make-ahead dressing.
- Substitute the Greek yogurt with plain yogurt or low-fat mayo. Don’t use vanilla or another flavor of yogurt!
- Use fresh garlic. This gives the dressing the best taste!
Why this Caesar salad dressing is healthy:
This homemade Greek yogurt Caesar salad dressing is healthy for many reasons; here are a few:
- Greek yogurt base. Instead of mayonnaise, we use non-fat plain Greek yogurt as the base, which makes this Caesar dressing healthier, lower in calories and fat, and higher in protein.
- No Mayo. I love that this healthy Caesar dressing is mayo-free! That means it is lower in fat and fewer calories.
- Low-calorie. Traditional caesar dressing contains more than 150 calories per serving. This homemade healthy recipe only has 40 calories for the same 2-tablespoon serving size.
- High-protein. Since we use Greek yogurt, not mayo, as the base of this Caesar dressing, this recipe is higher in protein. There are 3g per serving.
- Simple ingredients. You only need 6 straightforward and simple ingredients for this Caesar salad dressing. There are no preservatives, random ingredients, or sugars!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute pickle juice with?
You can add an extra tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to replace the pickle juice called for in this recipe.
Is dijon mustard gluten-free?
Yes, Dijon mustard is typically gluten-free, but it’s important to check the label to ensure there is no cross-contamination.
Are there anchovies in Caesar dressing?
Most homemade and store-bought Caesar salad dressings contain anchovies – it’s what makes the dressing tangy and gives it that classic umami flavor. This recipe is made without anchovies. Instead, we use pickle juice and Dijon mustard to create that classic flavor. Trust me, you cannot tell there aren’t anchovies in this recipe!
Is this Caesar salad dressing low-calorie?
Yes, this homemade healthy Caesar salad dressing is low-calorie. There are 40 calories for a 2-tablespoon serving size.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, feel free to double or triple this recipe for meal prep. Homemade Caesar salad dressing lasts for up to 6 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
What does it taste like?
This homemade Caesar dressing without anchovies tastes exactly like classic Caesar salad dressings: rich, tangy, and garlicky. It’s not fishy!
Can you taste the Greek yogurt?
No! You can’t taste the Greek yogurt in this Caesar dressing recipe. In fact, it tastes exactly like classic Caesar salad dressing.
Does Caesar salad dressing have gluten?
Most Caesar salad dressings are naturally gluten-free. This recipe is 100% gluten-free as written.
Is it keto?
Yes, this dressing recipe is keto-friendly and low-carb as it is written.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make this Caesar salad dressing vegan and dairy-free by substituting the Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup of runny tahini and 1/4 cup of hummus. You can also use plain dairy-free yogurt (substitute it 1:1 with the Greek yogurt).
Does it keep well for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can store this homemade Caesar dressing without anchovies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days.
How to store leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. Make sure to give it a stir before using it.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad
- Healthy Balsamic Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wraps
- Tuna Salad without Mayo
- Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Healthy Caesar Dressing without Anchovies
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt, I used Chobani 0%
- 1 – 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, about ½ a lemon
- 2 tbsp pickle juice, I used Kosher Dill
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 – 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Start with 1 tbsp of olive oil; you can add another after whisking if you want a “richer” dressing.
- Taste & adjust seasonings by adding salt, more pepper, or a squeeze more of lemon juice.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. I love it with this crispy salmon caesar salad or this chicken caesar pasta salad!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Bj says
Overall great. A bit too mustardy for my taste, I’d recommend half the mustard 🙂
sj says
hi there, my family and i don’t like pickle juice, is there anything i can substitute it with? thanks 🙂
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi! Yes, you can use lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar.