This easy-to-make low-carb Caesar dressing is a wonderful way to add bold, delicious flavor to your salads while sticking to a keto-friendly nutrition plan. With its combination of savory Parmesan, anchovies, garlic, and lemon, it makes salads feel like a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.
The Benefits of Homemade Caesar Dressing
Creating your own Caesar dressing has many advantages over store-bought versions:
- No added sugars. Most bottled Caesar dressings contain high amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other additives. This recipe has no added sugars, relying only on natural ingredients for flavor.
- High in healthy fats. With olive oil as its base, this dressing provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support the keto lifestyle.
- Free of thickeners and preservatives. By making it fresh at home, you avoid unnecessary additives like xanthan gum, cellulose, and preservatives.
- Complements keto diets. Very low in carbs and high in fats, this dressing fits perfectly into a keto eating plan.
So ditch the store-bought bottles and try this easy homemade dressing! Your keto salads will never be the same.
Tips for Using This Dressing
While traditionally used on Caesar salads, this flavorful dressing can also enhance other salad varieties or be used as a rich dipping sauce for vegetables. Here are some tips:
- Pair with hearty greens like romaine, kale, spinach, or arugula to stand up to the strong Parmesan flavor.
- Dip grilled chicken or other keto-friendly proteins in the dressing for added flavor.
- Drizzle over cooked broccoli, Brussels sprouts or asparagus. The lemon brightens up these keto veggie side dishes.
Don’t limit your use of this versatile low-carb dressing – get creative with all kinds of salad and veggie pairings!
Nutrition Highlights
- High in healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil
- Only 0.3g net carbs per serving
- Provides calcium and vitamin E
This nutrient profile makes our dressing an excellent addition to keto and low-carb diets aiming to get over 70% of calories from fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the dressing last in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 2-3 weeks thanks to the natural preservative effects of olive oil.
Q: Can I use regular instead of light olive oil?
A: Feel free to use any variety of olive oil you prefer based on taste and budget. Light olive oil has a more delicate flavor.
Q: What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?
A: Use a good quality Parmesan that you enjoy eating on its own. Pre-grated Parmesan won’t incorporate as well into the emulsion.
Q: Can I adjust the anchovy amount based on taste?
A: Yes, add more or less to suit your preferences. The anchovies provide that distinctive Caesar flavor.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to help fellow home cooks.
Caesar Salad Dressing
Notes
The oil is a natural preservative, and the homemade Caesar dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks without spoiling.
Ingredients
- 500 ml olive oil (lightly flavored)
- 60 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 30 g parsley (finely chopped)
- 2 eggs
- 3 anchovies
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 2-3 pinches of salt
Instructions
- Place eggs, mustard, garlic, garlic, anchovies, salt and pepper in a food processor and blend on medium/high speed for 3 minutes or until well blended.
- Lower the speed below medium and add the oil very slowly, in a thin stream. If you add the oil too quickly, the dressing will break down.
- Add the Parmesan, chopped parsley and lemon juice and mix until combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. If the dressing is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of hot water to thin it out.
- Serve over your favorite salad or use as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Caesar Salad Dressing
Serves: 26
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 175 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 19.3g | 29.2% | |
| Saturated Fat 3.1g | 15% | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 16mg | 5.3% | |
| Sodium 130mg | 5.4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 0.3g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0.1g | 0% | |
| Sugars 0.1g | ||
| Protein 1.9g | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium 30mg | Iron 0mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Keto En Casa