Creamy Vegetarian Caesar Dressing: Tangy & Garlicky (Print Version)

Whip up a luscious Vegetarian Caesar Dressing recipe that's tangy, garlicky, and totally dairy-free. Perfect for salads or dipping, it’s a kitchen game-changer!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Creamy Base

01 - 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
02 - 1/2 - 3/4 cup water

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 3-4 large garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
05 - 2 tbsp capers (plus 1 tsp brine)

→ The Tangy Edge

06 - 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
07 - 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

→ Seasoning Staples

08 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
09 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, we gotta get those cashews ready for their close-up. Pop your raw cashews into a bowl and cover them with hot, not boiling, water. Let them hang out for at least 15-20 minutes, or even better, overnight in cold water. This is where I always want to rush, but trust me, properly softened cashews are key to a truly smooth, lump-free dressing. You'll see them plump up a bit, ready for blending!
02 - Once those cashews are soft and happy, drain them really well and toss them into your trusty blender. Add about half a cup of fresh water to start. Blend on high until you've got a super smooth, creamy paste. Seriously, keep blending until there are no cashew bits left. This is the foundation of our luscious <b>Vegetarian Caesar Dressing</b>, so a little patience here pays off big time! I've definitely under-blended before, and the texture was... rustic, to say the least.
03 - Now for the good stuff! Add your fresh garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, capers (don't forget a little brine!), nutritional yeast, a good pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper to the blender. You're starting to build that iconic Caesar flavor profile. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine, hon, a garlicky, tangy promise of deliciousness!
04 - With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in your olive oil. This is where the magic happens, and the dressing starts to emulsify and thicken beautifully. Keep blending until everything is perfectly combined and has that rich, creamy texture you're looking for. If it's too thick, add a tiny splash more water, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. I often add a little more lemon juice at this point for an extra zing!
05 - This is the fun part! Stop the blender and give your <b>Vegetarian Caesar Dressing</b> a taste. Does it need more salt? More pepper? A little extra lemon zing? Maybe another caper or two? Adjust the seasonings to your heart's content. Every palate is different, so make it yours! I'm a big fan of extra pepper, personally, for that classic punch.
06 - Once you're happy with the taste and consistency, pour your gorgeous <b>Vegetarian Caesar Dressing</b> into an airtight jar or container. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time isn't just for cooling; it actually allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it taste even better. It’s like all the ingredients have a little party and get to know each other. Then, drizzle it generously over your favorite salad!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skimp on the cashew soaking time; it's critical for that silky smooth texture.
02 - Always use fresh garlic and lemon juice; it truly makes all the difference for this dressing.
03 - Chilling the dressing allows the flavors to deepen and meld, so try not to skip this step!
04 - For an extra garlicky kick, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for 5-10 minutes before blending.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Blender
02 - Airtight Jar

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150 kcal
Total Fat: 14g
Total Carbohydrate: 6g
Protein: 3g

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