How to make Vegan creamy Caesar dressing with almond milk

Vegan creamy Caesar dressing is a plant-based alternative to the classic Caesar dressing that traditionally contains anchovies, egg yolks, and parmesan cheese, which are not suitable for vegans due to animal product restrictions inherent in the vegan diet. The challenge in creating a vegan version of this dressing is to emulate the rich, creamy texture and the unique umami flavor profile of the original dressing without using these non-plant-based ingredients.

Almonds, when soaked and blended, provide a creamy base that is ideal for vegan recipes. Almond milk has a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs well with various seasonings and can be used as the liquid component in the dressing to enhance its creaminess. The use of almond milk in a creamy Caesar dressing caters to not only vegans but also those who are lactose intolerant or simply seeking healthier or more ethically conscious food choices.

For a vegan Caesar dressing, typically, one would use almond milk as the base, along with a blend of cashews or silken tofu to thicken and increase creaminess. Nutritional yeast could be added to provide a cheesy flavor while capers or vegan Worcestershire sauce could be used to substitute the salty, tangy quality typically provided by anchovies. Garlic, mustard, lemon juice, and black pepper are staples for the characteristic Caesar taste.

Vegan creamy Caesar dressing with almond milk recipe

Vegan creamy Caesar dressing with almond milk

Creamy Caesar dressing is a widely beloved condiment typically made with ingredients such as mayonnaise or egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and oil. These ingredients create a rich, tangy flavor profile that pairs well with the crispness of romaine lettuce in a traditional Caesar salad. However, vegans, those with dairy allergies, or individuals looking to avoid animal products would opt for an alternative that aligns with their dietary preferences or restrictions.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine French

Servings 1 cup

Calories 235 kcal

Equipment

• 1 medium bowl
• 1 air tight container

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 2 tbsp. water
• 4 tbsp. distilled white vinegar
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp. white miso
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 2 tsp. capers
• 1/8 tsp. dried ground mustard powder
• Kosher salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Place the raw cashew in a medium bowl and cover with a boiled water and set aside for 20 minutes.
• Combine the rest of the ingredients in the bowl of food processor. Drain, discard the liquid in the cashew and then add to the bowl and process until smooth.
• Taste and make the necessary adjustment as needed. Store in an air tight container and refrigerate until serving time. The dressing will thickening when you keep it in the fridge, try to thin with water before serving. Try to use within 5 days.

Keyword capers, raw cashews, white vinegar

Cooking Tips about Vegan creamy Caesar dressing with almond milk

• Soak your cashews: If you’re using cashews to achieve that creamy consistency, soak them in water for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This will soften them and ensure a smoother blend.
• Blend thoroughly: A high-speed blender will help you obtain the smoothest texture for your Caesar dressing. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth without any grainy bits.
• Nutritional yeast is key: Don’t skip on nutritional yeast if you want that cheesy flavor characteristic of traditional Caesar dressing. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Balance your acids: Lemon juice adds a necessary tang to the dressing. Start with a little and incrementally add more to get the right balance between tangy and creamy.
• Customize the garlic level: Raw garlic can be quite strong. Begin with a small clove and add more as needed after tasting.
• Season properly: Don’t forget to season your dressing with salt and black pepper. The seasoning will greatly enhance all the flavors of your dressing.
• Tweak the thickness: You can adjust the thickness of your dressing by adding more or less almond milk. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, blend in more cashews or tofu.
• Umami boost: For that unique umami flavor, capers or vegan Worcestershire sauce are excellent substitutes for anchovies. Adjust according to your preference for a stronger or more subtle taste.
• Let it sit: Dressing flavors often deepen over time. If possible, make your dressing in advance and let it rest in the refrigerator for an hour or more before serving.
• Storage matters: Store your vegan Caesar dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to a week, and the flavors will continue to meld and improve over the first few days.

Serving suggestions about Vegan creamy Caesar dressing with almond milk

• Classic Caesar Salad: Toss the dressing with crisp romaine lettuce, add a handful of croutons, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a classic Caesar salad experience.
• Vegetable Dip: Use the dressing as a dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumber, and bell peppers. It can be a hit at parties and family gatherings.
• Sandwich Spread: Spread a generous amount of the creamy dressing on your favorite sandwiches and wraps, adding a tangy, creamy element that complements both roasted veggies and grilled tempeh or tofu.
• Pasta Salad: Mix the dressing into a cold pasta salad filled with veggies like cherry tomatoes, olives, and spinach for a flavorful and refreshing dish.
• Grain Bowl Drizzle: Drizzle the dressing over grain bowls featuring quinoa, brown rice, or farro, along with greens, chickpeas or lentils, and roasted vegetables for a hearty, nourishing meal.
• Kale Caesar: Massage the dressing into chopped kale to soften the leaves and infuse them with flavor, making a nutrient-packed version of a Caesar salad.
• Potato Salad Twist: Give your traditional potato salad a twist by using this vegan Caesar dressing instead of mayo for a rich, savory flavor.
• Roasted Vegetable Enhancer: After roasting vegetables like brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower, toss them with a bit of the dressing to add a creamy umami kick.

Top 5 FAQs about Vegan creamy Caesar dressing with almond milk

• What makes a Caesar dressing vegan? Vegan Caesar dressing is made without any animal-derived ingredients that are common in traditional Caesar dressing, such as anchovies, egg yolks, and Parmesan cheese. Instead, it uses plant-based alternatives like almond milk, cashews or silken tofu for creaminess, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and capers or vegan Worcestershire sauce for the umami taste.
• Can I still get a creamy texture without dairy or eggs? Yes, by soaking cashews or using silken tofu and blending them with almond milk, you can achieve a very creamy texture that closely mimics the silkiness of dressings made with dairy or eggs. High-speed blending is key to ensuring there are no grainy bits left.
• Is vegan Caesar dressing healthier than regular Caesar dressing? Vegan Caesar dressing can be a healthier option as it typically contains no cholesterol and may have less saturated fat compared to dressings made with eggs and cheese. However, it’s important to check the specific recipe for calorie content and overall nutritional profile.
• How long does homemade vegan Caesar dressing last in the fridge? When stored in an airtight container, homemade vegan Caesar dressing should keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors may also deepen and improve over the first few days as it sits.
• Are there any good substitutes for almond milk if I’m allergic to nuts? If you’re allergic to nuts, you can use other non-dairy alternatives like soy milk, oat milk, or rice milk. Keep in mind that each type of milk may alter the flavor slightly, and you may need to adjust the thickness of the dressing accordingly.

Vegan creamy Caesar dressing made with almond milk is a delectable and compassionate alternative to the traditional Caesar dressing. By utilizing plant-based ingredients like soaked cashews or silken tofu, this version manages to capture the luscious creaminess that is characteristic of its non-vegan counterpart. Almond milk provides a subtle base that complements the richness of the other ingredients without overpowering them.

The inclusion of nutritional yeast mimics the savory cheese flavor while vegan alternatives to Worcestershire sauce and capers offer the umami depth commonly brought in by anchovies. Accents of garlic, lemon juice, and mustard round out the robust flavor profile, with seasonings such as salt and pepper enhancing the overall taste.

This concoction not only caters to vegans but also serves as a healthy option for those seeking to reduce their intake of animal products. With the possibility of being served in various dishes from classic salads to innovative sandwiches, this vegan Caesar dressing stands as a versatile staple in the plant-based culinary realm. Stored properly, it keeps well, allowing flavors to meld over time, which means making it in advance could result in an even more satisfying gastronomic experience.