Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe

Raw cashews: These need to be soaked in water for at least 2 hours to soften them for blending.

Water: Helps achieve the desired consistency for the dressing.

Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the dressing.

Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy taste that enhances the overall flavor.

Capers: Adds a briny, salty element to the dressing.

Garlic: Gives a robust, aromatic flavor.

Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy.

Maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dressing.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dressing.

To achieve a smoother and creamier texture for your vegan Caesar dressing, make sure to blend the soaked cashews on high speed for at least 2-3 minutes. If your blender struggles, you can add a bit more water gradually until the desired consistency is reached. Additionally, using freshly squeezed lemon juice will enhance the tanginess and brightness of the dressing.

• raw cashews - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar creamy texture when blended and are a good nut-free alternative.

• water - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can add a bit more creaminess to the dressing.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar tangy flavor profile.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with stone-ground mustard: Stone-ground mustard has a similar flavor but with a bit more texture.

• drained capers - Substitute with green olives: Green olives offer a similar briny flavor that capers provide.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic for a more subtle garlic flavor.

• nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste adds a similar umami flavor and depth to the dressing.

• maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar provides a similar sweetness and is also vegan-friendly.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use less to avoid overpowering the dressing.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To keep your vegan Caesar dressing fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container. This prevents any unwanted odors from the fridge from seeping in and ensures the dressing maintains its creamy texture.
• Place the container in the coldest part of your fridge, typically the back, where the temperature is most consistent. This helps in preserving the delicate flavors of the lemon juice and nutritional yeast.
• If you plan to use the dressing within a week, simply give it a good shake or stir before each use to recombine any separated ingredients.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the dressing. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. This prevents the container from cracking as the dressing freezes.
• Alternatively, use an ice cube tray to freeze individual portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. This method allows you to thaw only what you need, reducing waste.
• When ready to use, thaw the dressing in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, place the container in a bowl of warm water to speed up the process.
• After thawing, blend or whisk the dressing to restore its creamy consistency. The cashews may cause slight separation, but a quick mix will bring it back to its original state.
• Avoid refreezing the dressing once thawed, as this can affect the texture and flavor. Instead, use it up within a week for the best taste experience.

• Gently warm the vegan caesar dressing in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid boiling to prevent separation.
• If you prefer using a microwave, transfer the dressing to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature.
• For a quick and even reheating, place the dressing in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir continuously until warmed through.
• To maintain the fresh flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a bit more dijon mustard after reheating to brighten up the taste.

• Blender: To blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

• Measuring cups: To measure the cashews, water, and other liquid ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the lemon juice, dijon mustard, capers, nutritional yeast, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Knife: To mince the garlic clove.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for mincing the garlic.

• Airtight container: To store the dressing in the fridge for up to a week.

• Strainer: To drain and rinse the soaked cashews effectively.

Soak cashews overnight: Soak cashews overnight to save time in the morning.

Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender ensures a smooth and creamy texture quickly.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the process.

Store in portions: Divide the dressing into smaller containers for easy use throughout the week.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze half for future use.