Homemade Caesar Dressing (No Mayo!)
This Homemade Caesar Dressing is creamy, bright, and tangy, made from scratch without mayonnaise or anchovies. A fresh, punchy take on a classic that comes together in minutes and adds bold personality to salads, bowls, and grilled proteins.
If you love Caesar Dressing with a little extra kick, this recipe is for you. It’s creamy, bright, and tangy, packed with punchy flavour from fresh garlic, lemon juice, and dijon mustard. Made the traditional way with egg yolk and oil, this keto-friendly Caesar dressing skips the mayo (and the anchovies!) and comes together quickly. Perfect for easy weeknight salads, everyday bowls, and make-ahead meal prep.
Why you’ll love this Homemade Caesar Dressing
- It’s made from scratch the traditional way, using egg yolk and oil to create an emulsified dressing that’s creamy, smooth, and full of fresh flavour, without mayonnaise or anchovies.
- It’s quick + easy, coming together in just a few minutes. Perfect for weeknight salads, meal prep, and easy entertaining.
- This keto-friendly Caesar dressing has only 0.6g net carbs per 2 tablespoon serving.
Key Ingredients + Substitutions
- Egg Yolk – Acts as the natural emulsifier, giving the dressing its creamy texture without the need for mayonnaise.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds sharpness, depth, and a little heat. If your cloves are small, consider adding 2-3 cloves, unless you prefer a less garlicky dressing.
- Lemon Juice – Brings brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the oils. A lesser amount of white wine vinegar also works in a pinch.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a tangy richness and helps stabilize the emulsion. You could also use stone-ground or whole grain mustard.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds depth and umami without anchovies.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the flavour neutral and allows the garlic and lemon to shine. Avocado oil is great keto and paleo friendly option.
- Olive Oil – Adds richness and classic Mediterranean flavour. Use all avocado oil for a more neutral flavour, or all olive oil for a bolder dressing.
- Salt + Pepper – Enhances and balances all the flavours.
For a more mellow and classic tasting Caesar dressing, reduce the lemon juice and Dijon by half, add ¼ cup grated parmesan, and use 1 tablespoon anchovy paste in place of the worcestershire.
How to make Homemade Caesar Dressing
In a blender (or using an immersion blender), blend together the egg yolk, garlic, lemon juice, dijon, and worcestershire until smooth and emulsified. With the blender running, stream in the oils and blend until thickened and creamy. Season with salt + pepper, and enjoy!
Serving + Storage Tips
- Toss with romaine lettuce, chopped bacon, and shaved parmesan for a keto Caesar salad
- Drizzle over grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak
- Use as a dressing for keto bowls or wraps
- Spoon over roasted vegetables
Storage: Store in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Homemade Caesar Dressing (No Mayo!)
Ingredients
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt + pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a blender (or using an immersion blender), blend together the egg yolk, garlic, lemon juice, dijon, and worcestershire until smooth and emulsified.
- With the blender running, stream in the oils and blend until thickened and creamy.
- Season with salt + pepper, to taste.
