Caesar Dressing Is the New Ranch, and You’ll Want to Put It On Everything

Once the go-to condiment for everything from fries to pizza, ranch is finally meeting its match. Caesar dressing, with its punchy umami, garlicky bite, and creaminess, is becoming the new all-purpose sauce.

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You can drizzle it on grain bowls, use it as a dip for roasted vegetables, and slather it onto sandwiches. Where ranch leaned mild and herbaceous, Caesar brings a bolder flavor profile that satisfies the same creamy, cooling needs with more attitude.

The Caesar trend

The Caesar salad, a staple in American cuisine, has evolved from a simple romaine and crouton ensemble to a versatile flavor profile embraced across a myriad of dishes.

Trader Joe’s

The growing “Caesar everything” movement showcases the adaptability of the dressing, proving the classics are classic for a reason. But there’s room for innovation, and both chefs and home cooks alike have developed vegan versions of the iconic dressing, utilizing ingredients such as cashews, tahini, and capers to replicate its creamy, umami-rich profile.

This reinvention has paved the way for the “Caesar everything” trend, where the distinctive flavors of Caesar dressing are applied to a wide array of vegan dishes.​

“A Caesar has all the components that […] makes food good,” recipe developer and cookbook author Hailee Catalano, told Eater.

While Catalano references traditional Caesar, which contains anchovies and dairy, you can achieve that same umami and tartness with plant-based ingredients for a dressing that’s “classic and balanced.”

Catalano says she’ll sometimes add Calabrian chilies that makes it spicy “but also adds a bit of fermented flavor to it,” she explains. She’s also added ingredients once considered unconventional for a dressing, such as charred corn for sweetness or porcini mushroom powder for more of that umami flavor.

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Jasper J. Mirabile Jr. the owner and chef at Jasper’s Restaurant and the host of Live! From Jasper’s Kitchen Radio, told Tasting Table that Caesar salad got its reputation partly due to its fresh preparation. “It was traditionally prepared tableside and mixed by hand, relying on the Worcestershire sauce to provide depth of flavor rather than mustard,” he said. Even the use of a seasoned wooden bowl plays a part in the salad’s popularity.

But you don’t need to head to a restaurant for that experience or flavor. 

Crafting the perfect vegan Caesar dressing

The cornerstone of the “Caesar everything” trend is the creation of a compelling vegan Caesar dressing. Traditional recipes often call for anchovies, egg yolks, and parmesan cheese, which pose challenges for those adhering to a plant-based diet. However, several inventive alternatives have emerged.

Of course, there are plenty of store-bought options, too. But whipping up your own Caesar is simple, and there are a variety of delicious plant-based bases to choose from.

1Cashew-Based Dressing

Soaked and blended raw cashews form a creamy base, complemented by garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and capers to achieve the characteristic tang and depth. This approach is highlighted in recipes like the one from Love and Lemons, which emphasizes the simplicity and richness of this method.  

Minimalist Baker

2Hummus-Based Dressing

Hummus provides a nut-free alternative with a smooth texture. Combined with spicy mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and capers, this version delivers a savory flavor reminiscent of the classic dressing. Minimalist Baker offers a quick and easy recipe that exemplifies this approach.

3Vegan Mayonnaise Base

For those seeking convenience, using store-bought vegan mayonnaise as a foundation can expedite the process. Enhancing it with Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, crushed garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, white vinegar, and capers results in a flavorful, versatile dressing. 

(Vegan) Caesar everything

Once mastered, vegan Caesar dressing can elevate numerous dishes. Drizzle it over baked potatoes, steamed artichokes, tarts, pizzas, quiches, and galettes. Try it in these easy meal ideas.

Ashley Madden

1Kale or Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Replacing romaine with nutrient-dense kale or Brussels sprouts offers a hearty twist. Massaging the leaves with dressing softens their texture and infuses flavor. Topping with crispy chickpeas adds protein and crunch. 
Try this recipe: Vegan Tahini Caesar Salad With Smoked Chickpeas

2Caesar Wraps

Incorporating the dressing into wraps with grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas alongside fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal, showcasing the dressing’s versatility beyond salads.
Try this recipe: Easy Vegan Caesar Wrap With Grilled Tofu​

3Roasted Vegetables

Drizzling vegan Caesar dressing over roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower introduces a creamy, tangy element that enhances their natural flavors.
Try this recipe​: Buddha Tofu and Roasted Vegetable Sheet Pan

Love and Lemons

4Grain Bowls

Adding the dressing to grain bowls featuring quinoa, farro, or brown rice, combined with assorted vegetables and plant-based proteins, ties the components together with a familiar zest. Try out this nutrient-packed recipe by Love and Lemons. Switch it up by swapping out the kale pesto for your go-to Caesar dressing.
Try this recipe: Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl

5Dips and Spreads

Thickening the dressing by reducing the water content transforms it into a delectable dip for crudités or a spread for sandwiches and burgers, offering a flavorful alternative to traditional condiments. Use it in place of ranch for your cauliflower wings, fries, or even fried mozzarella sticks. The possibilities are endless.
Try this recipe: 5-Minute Vegan Caesar Dressing