Caesar salad is a cherished classic, but the traditional dressing can derail health goals with its high carb and calorie count. Fortunately, it’s easy to recreate the tangy flavors of Caesar dressing while keeping it keto-friendly.
This recipe whips up a keto caesar salad dressing that celebrates the tangy, savory flavors you love without all the added carbs. A luscious combo of olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic and spices mimics the creamy decadence of traditional Caesar dressing, but clocks in at just 1 gram of carbs per serving!
Drizzled over crisp lettuce, savory cheese and crunchy low-carb croutons, this dressing transforms any salad into a mouthwatering keto-approved meal. Read on for an easy, step-by-step method to preparing this flavorful dressing in minutes flat.
Why You’ll Love This Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
Tangy, creamy Caesar salad dressing tops the list of most popular salad dressings. But traditional Caesar dressing recipes load up the calories and carbs with oil, cheese, eggs and sugar.
This easy keto Caesar salad dressing delivers all the rich flavor you love, minus the carb overload. Just a handful of simple ingredients blend up into a creamy, decadent dressing that adds just 1 gram of carbs per serving.
You’ll also love this recipe because it:
- Requires no cooking or heating – just whisk and chill!
- Uses Greek yogurt for added thickness and creaminess without the eggs
- Keeps in the fridge for a week, so you can make a big batch
- Is infinitely customizable with different oil, cheese, herb and spice options
- Turns boring salads into craveable, restaurant-worthy meals
This dressing even works for egg-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan diets by swapping in alternate ingredients. Simply blend, drizzle and enjoy keto salad nirvana!
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this keto Caesar dressing is that it comes together with just a few simple ingredients you likely have on hand:
- Greek yogurt – Provides tangy flavor and creamy base
- Olive oil – Adds richness and healthy fats
- Lemon juice – Brightens up the flavor
- Garlic – Gives a zesty kick
- Dijon mustard – Adds depth of flavor
- Parmesan cheese – Brings savory, salty flavor
- Herbs and spices – Customize to your taste preferences
That’s it! No odd ingredients required. These simple staples blend into a luxuriously rich, tangy dressing bursting with classic Caesar flavor.
Dressing Tips
A few small tweaks make a big difference in Caesar dressing. Follow these tips for the tastiest results:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – the flavor punch is much stronger than pre-shredded.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice rather than using bottled for fresher, brighter taste.
- Mince the garlic instead of using powdered garlic for optimal flavor.
- Whisk slowly when adding the oil to properly emulsify the dressing.
- Let the dressing chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Feel free to customize this dressing to suit your tastes. Want it extra lemony or garlicky? Go for it! Not a fan of mustard? Leave it out.
For a vegan/dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of yogurt and swap nutritional yeast for the Parmesan. The possibilities are endless.
No matter how you tweak it, emulsifying is key for a smooth, creamy texture. Whisk slowly and steadily as you drizzle in the oil until thick and glossy.
With just a few simple tweaks, this dressing elevates any salad into a crave-worthy keto meal. Let your creativity run wild!
How To Make Caesar Salad Dressing
Making this keto Caesar dressing at home is simple and fast. In just 5 minutes, you can whip up a big batch of this flavorful dressing to have on hand anytime.
Gather the ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make the base
Add the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, Parmesan and a pinch of salt and pepper to a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and combined.
Emulsify the dressing
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk at a steady pace. The oil will start to thicken and emulsify the ingredients to create a creamy, glossy texture.
Keep whisking for a minute or two once all the oil is added until the dressing is completely thickened and emulsified.
Season and chill
Taste the dressing and add more salt, pepper, lemon juice or Parmesan if desired. Transfer to an airtight container or jar.
Let the dressing chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3-4 days) before using. This allows time for the flavors to meld and develop.
Making homemade Caesar dressing really is that easy! In just a few minutes, you can create a big batch to have on hand whenever a tangy, creamy salad dressing craving strikes.
How To Serve Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
This versatile keto-friendly dressing can transform any salad into a restaurant-worthy Caesar salad. For a classic Caesar, drizzle it over chopped romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese and crisp low-carb croutons or baked chickpea crisps.
But don’t stop there! It also makes an amazing dip for raw veggie sticks like carrots, celery and cucumber. Additionally, use it to top grilled chicken breasts, shrimp skewers or salmon fillets to infuse them with tangy flavor.
You can even use this zesty dressing as a marinade for chicken or steak. The possibilities are endless for how to enjoy this flavor-packed keto Caesar dressing!
Variations Of Caesar Dressing
Love to experiment? Try adding anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce for extra umami. You can also use different oils like avocado or walnut oil for a twist. Spice it up with cayenne pepper or chipotle powder. The possibilities are endless!
Keto Caesar Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the sour cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, mustard and garlic in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until smooth and emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 69mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 2g
The nutrition info is based on a 2 tablespoon serving size of the dressing. Key highlights are 140 calories and just 1g of net carbs per serving. This keto Caesar salad dressing fits perfectly into a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet plan.
Additional Info
This keto Caesar dressing is creamy, tangy and full of flavor without all the carbs and calories of traditional Caesar dressing. It’s made with simple real food ingredients like olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice and garlic. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Conclusion
This easy keto Caesar salad dressing recipe delivers on all the tangy, savory flavor you love, minus the carbs. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s creamy, zesty and full of Parmesan flavor. Drizzle it on your favorite salads for a quick and delicious keto-friendly meal!
FAQs
What is keto Caesar salad dressing?
Keto Caesar salad dressing is a low-carb, high fat version of classic Caesar dressing made with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and yogurt or mayonnaise. It has all the tangy, creamy flavor of traditional Caesar dressing without all the carbohydrates and sugar.
Is Caesar dressing keto-friendly?
Traditional Caesar dressing is high in carbs and sugar and not keto-friendly. This recipe is specifically designed to be a keto version made with keto-approved ingredients and contains only 1g net carbs per serving.
What is the best oil to use?
Extra virgin olive oil is the best oil to use for keto Caesar dressing. Avocado oil also works well. Avoid vegetable and canola oils.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent keto-friendly substitution for mayonnaise in this recipe. Plain full-fat Greek yogurt will make the dressing nice and thick and tangy.
How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?
Homemade Caesar dressing will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 5-7 days stored in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What salads go well with this dressing?
This keto Caesar dressing pairs perfectly with a classic Caesar salad made with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, keto croutons and grilled chicken or shrimp. It’s also delicious on any garden salad.
