Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing (No Anchovies)
This Caesar salad dressing, made without anchovies, features high-protein cottage cheese for a creamy, rich flavor. Simple ingredients like parmesan, almond milk, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and garlic make this an easy, anchovy-free dressing that adds a fresh, homemade touch to your favorite salads.
What I love most is how light and fresh it feels, but still tastes indulgent ā and it only takes a few minutes to mix up. Itās higher in protein, lower in carbs, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Why Youāll Love This Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing Recipe
- Anchovy-free: Enjoy the rich Caesar flavor without the fishy taste, perfect for those who prefer a milder dressing.
- Creamy and flavorful: Cottage cheese and parmesan create a smooth, luxurious texture that elevates any salad.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples like almond milk, olive oil, and garlic for easy prep.
- Quick and versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or adding a homemade touch to any meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make my easy creamy caesar salad dressing:
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Grated pecorino romano, asiago parmigiano reggiano cheese, or any grated cheese can be used as an alternative to shredded Parmesan.
Cottage Cheese: You can substitute with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or mayonnaise as creamy alternatives.
Light Olive Oil: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil can be used as alternatives.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best lemon flavor. But you can also storebought lemon juice but juice from fresh lemons tastes best!
Dijon Mustard: You can omit or use yellow mustard or mustard powder instead.
Worcestershire Sauce: If needed, use a gluten-free brand. If you have a fish allergy, use a brand that does not contain anchovies. You can also replace this with liquid aminos.
Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic cloves can be used instead of garlic powder.
Milk: You can use any milk, including almond milk, regular dairy milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
Salt and Black Pepper: You can omit these or use any variety you like.
How to Make My Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my cottage cheese caesar dressing. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Make the Salad Dressing
In a blender, food processor, or the chopper cup with an immersion blender, combine parmesan cheese, cottage cheese, almond milk, light olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Blend until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
My Expert Recipe Tips
Dressing Consistency: Add more milk for a thinner dressing
Additional Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and seasonings as needed. You can also add fresh lemon zest or an additional tablespoon of lemon juice to increase the lemon flavor.
Dressing Storage: This recipe makes about 1-1/2 cups of lemon caesar dressing. One serving is 1-2 tablespoons, so you will have plenty of dressing to store in the fridge. You can cut the recipe in half if you prefer less leftover.
Delicious Caesar Serving Suggestions
Classic Caesar Salad
Toss crisp romaine with your creamy cottage cheese caesar dressing, sprinkle on fresh parmesan, and top with crunchy croutons. Simple, bold, and full of flavorājust like the original.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Add grilled or pan-seared chicken over romaine tossed with your homemade dressing. Croutons and a big handful of parmesan make it a satisfying meal youāll crave again and again.
Vegan Caesar Salad
Swap chicken for crispy tofu and use a dairy-free caesar with white miso for that deep, savory bite. Still crunchy, creamy, and totally deliciousājust plant-based.
Caesar Pasta Salad
Toss your dressing with cooked pasta, chopped romaine, parmesan, and croutons. Add grilled chicken or tofu to turn it into a hearty, make-ahead lunch.
Amp Up the Umami
Want extra flavor? Stir in a little white miso paste. It adds depth and brings out those classic caesar vibesāeven without the anchovies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you love lemon? Check out more of my easy and nutritious lemon dinner or lunch recipes:
Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing (No Anchovies)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese (blended)
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce (gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup milk (almond milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
Instructions
- In a blender, food processor, or the chopper cup with an immersion blender, combine parmesan cheese, cottage cheese, almond milk, light olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Blend until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
I love it. The fact that it has ingredients that I already have and I can throw everything in the blender. The taste is so delicious. Thanks Nicole
Hi Karen, thank you so much for the review! I’m so glad you love this recipe, too š
This recipe is so good… I have made it several times. I must admit that I am now substituting parmesan for asiago and for me the taste is way better. I am also using avocado oil instead of olive oil, and I am using half and half instead of almond milk. This is one rich and tasty dressing. I can never go back to store bought. I am so thankful for this recipe.
Hi Joe, thank you for the review! I love your substitutionsā¦thank you for sharing š
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
That’s awesome, Caleb! Thank you š
This a great caesar recipe without tasting like fish!! Love it!!! The cottage cheese is a yummy and healthy base.
Thank you for the review, Loraine! š
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!! It is easy to make and has all the classic caesar flavor š