Avocado-based Caesar dressings have become increasingly popular for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Avocado-based keto Caesar dressing offers a creamy, tangy alternative to traditional Caesar dressings made with dairy and starch thickeners.
Avocados provide healthy fats for keto, while lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan offer the classic Caesar flavor profile. This dressing can transform keto-friendly salads and vegetables into a delicious low-carb meal.
Below you’ll learn all about making, storing, and using avocado Caesar dressing on keto. With some simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll have a versatile condiment to dress up any salad or veggie side.
Ingredients for Avocado Caesar Dressing
The base ingredients for avocado-based keto Caesar dressing are:
- Avocados
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Mustard
- Anchovy filets (optional)
Here is more detail on the role each ingredient plays:
Avocados
- Provide creaminess and healthy fats
- Should be ripe but still slightly firm
- Adds richness without dairy
Lemon Juice
- Gives the tangy, sour flavor
- Balances out the richness of avocado
- Helps keep avocado from browning
Garlic
- Provides a pungent bite
- Boosts flavor complexity
- Pairs well with lemon and Parmesan
Parmesan Cheese
- Adds salty, umami, and tang
- Use freshly grated for intense flavor
- Vegetarian version can omit Parmesan
Olive Oil
- Adds smooth mouthfeel
- Helps emulsify ingredients
- Use high quality extra virgin olive oil
Mustard
- Boosts tangy spice
- Rounds out other flavors
- Dijon or spicy brown work well
Anchovies (optional)
- Provides savory, salty flavor
- Used instead of Parmesan in some recipes
- Omit for vegetarian/vegan version
Equipment Needed
Making avocado Caesar dressing at home is easy because you likely have most equipment already:
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic and slicing avocado.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure proper ratios.
- Blender or food processor: Emulsifies ingredients smoothly.
- Storage containers: Mason jars or dressing bottles to store.
Optional equipment that helps streamline the process includes:
- Microplane/zester: Grates Parmesan finely.
- Garlic press: Extracts juice easily from garlic.
- Squeeze bottles: For easy pouring over salads.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Follow this simple step-by-step recipe to make flavorful avocado keto Caesar dressing:
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 anchovies (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 2: Prep Ingredients
Start by juicing lemons to yield 3 tablespoons. Peel and roughly chop avocado, removing pit. Mince garlic clove, grate Parmesan, and chop anchovies if using.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Blender
Place all ingredients except oil and cheese into blender or food processor. Pour in olive oil.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high until mixture becomes smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape sides as needed.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Blend Briefly
Add grated Parmesan and pulse briefly just to incorporate. Do not over blend.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste dressing and season with salt, pepper, or more lemon to suit preferences.
That’s it! Pour dressing into a storage container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Storing Avocado Caesar Dressing
Here are some tips for properly storing your keto avocado Caesar dressing:
- Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Surface may brown but flavor remains when kept cold.
- Stir before using to reincorporate ingredients.
- Storage containers should have tight seal.
- Glass jars or bottles work well.
- Exposure to air can accelerate spoilage.
- Freezing lets it keep for months but may change texture.
- Freeze dressing in ice cube trays or muffin tins first.
Always inspect dressing before use and discard if mold or unpleasant odors develop.
Uses for Avocado Caesar Salad Dressing
This versatile condiment has many delicious uses beyond salad dressing:
Toss with Keto Lettuce Wraps
Spoon hefty portions over lettuce leaves to make easy no-carb wraps full of Caesar flavor.
Drizzle Over hot Vegetables
Dress up simply prepared hot veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
Use as Sandwich Spread
Schmear inside keto bread or lettuce wraps for a tangy sandwich condiment.
Toss with Cauliflower Rice
Bring basic riced cauliflower alive with savory Caesar notes.
Dip Crudités or Snack Veggies
Use as a quick dip for raw veggies when hunger strikes.
Marinate Chicken or Shrimp
In a pinch, marinate proteins in Caesar dressing before cooking.
Prepare Caesar Egg Salad
Stir into egg salad in place of mayo for a creamy low-carb twist.
With so many ways to use it up quickly, this avocado Caesar dressing will soon become a keto kitchen staple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Avocado-Based keto Caesar salad dressing:
Is avocado Caesar dressing actually keto?
Yes! By using avocado instead of starch or sweeteners, it has just 2g net carbs per serving, making it keto friendly. Be sure to count the carbs from Parmesan too.
Can I make it without anchovies or Parmesan?
Absolutely. For vegetarian or vegan versions, simply omit the anchovies and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Do I have to use Dijon mustard?
No, while Dijon is traditional, any mustard works. Spicy brown or whole grain mustards also pair well with the other flavors.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead?
Bottled lemon juice works but try to find an organic brand without preservatives. Fresh squeezed juice has the best flavor.
How long does homemade avocado Caesar dressing last?
It will keep up to 5 days refrigerated. For longer shelf life, store portions in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Why does my dressing seem watery after I blend it?
This can happen if you add too much lemon juice or olive oil. Try less liquid next time. Chilling it helps thicken the texture too.
What oil is best for making avocado Caesar dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil offers an authentic flavor profile. For nut-free version, avocado oil also works wonderfully. Avoid vegetable and canola oils.
Conclusion
Making your own keto Caesar dressing with avocado opens up many low-carb salad ideas beyond the same old lettuce and ranch. By pairing avocado with Caesar flavors like lemon, garlic and Parmesan, this dressing offers a creamy mouthfeel and tangy flavor punch.
It comes together quickly in a blender with everyday ingredients too. Simply mix up a batch and toss with greens, protein and veggies for an easy, nutritious keto meal. With your own avocado-based Caesar dressing ready-to-go in the fridge, healthy salad creations are never far away.
