Healthy Caesar Dressing with Greek Yogurt

I’m a huge fan of homemade dressings and sauces. They are such an easy way to add some spice to meals and by making them at home, you know exactly what goes into them. This healthy caesar dressing is so delicious, you won’t go back store-bought!

Traditional caesar is made with mayonnaise. We are swapping it out for greek yogurt and tahini to lighten it up, but not skimp on flavor. We also have garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and anchovy paste.

It’s rich and creamy, tangy and salty, and has a little zip in it! I love it on salads, with chicken or shrimp, or just as a dressing for power bowls.

Is Caesar dressing healthy for you?

Classic caesar dressing is made with raw egg yolks to make mayonnaise (or you can just use store-bought mayo). Due to the higher fat content in mayo and the addition of parmesan cheese, it can be one of the higher calorie dressings, and calories can add up quickly depending on how much you use. Of course, it can be enjoyed in moderation, just like any other food!

When making it at home, you have full control over the quality of the ingredients. This healthy caesar salad dressing is lightened up using protein-packed greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option. And it’s gluten-free.

Ingredients

• plain greek yogurt – makes it super creamy and adds protein.
• tahini – for some earthiness and richness
• lemon juice – for some acidity and tang
• grated parmesan cheese
• fresh garlic
• dijon mustard
• anchovy paste – optional, but adds that classic caesar dressing taste and some saltiness
• water – to help thin it out a little
• salt and pepper

How to make healthy caesar dressing

1. Make the sauce. Add all ingredients except the water to a glass jar. Whisk or use an immersion blender (my personal preference) until smooth. You can also blend it in your blender or food processor or just mix it by hand in a bowl. Blending the ingredients will give the dressing a super creamy texture. If desired, add 2-4 tablespoons of water to thin it out and mix again. Adjust according to taste.
2. Enjoy! Serve however you like!

Do I need to add anchovies?

If anchovies aren’t your thing or you can’t find them, they are optional in this recipe. I have tried this recipe with anchovy paste and without and it’s delicious both ways. The anchovies do add some saltiness and umami flavor – giving it a little more authentic flavor.

What to use caesar dressing on

• a classic caesar salad – with romaine lettuce, croutons, and lots of parmesan cheese. Add chicken, salmon, or shrimp for some protein!
• in chicken caesar pasta salad
• in chicken caesar salad wrap or sandwich
• as a dip for veggies

Storage

• fridge – store in a glass jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• freezer – I do not recommend freezing this recipe due to the yogurt.

More healthy sauces and dressing recipes

• greek yogurt blue cheese dressing
• burger sauce
• peanut sauce
• homemade tzatziki
• spicy red pepper sauce

If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!