It surprised me that Caesar dressing is America’s #2 salad dressing right behind Ranch dressing. I never really had it other than occasionally ordering it at a restaurant but, now on a low sodium diet I need to experiment and expand my options.
So, I am pleased to add this tangy Low Sodium Caesar Dressing recipe to my list. All made without any extra sodium and some substitutions that blow away the high sodium levels of store-bought dressings and most homemade recipes!
My personal love is still Blue Cheese dressing but, I am just not seeing any way to improve the sodium level in it. So I have had to broaden my salad dressing repertoire lately while also discovering how easy most dressings are to make at home. As is the case for most common dressings this Low Sodium Caesar Dressing is another easy one.
| Typical sodium amount per serving | 300+ mg |
| Sodium per serving for this recipe | 44mg |
| Calories per serving | 176 |
| 2 Tablespoons = 1 serving | 8 |
Caesar dressing was first created by an Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini as a dressing and salad in 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico. It was originally made tableside in restaurants and made without anchovies. Caesar dressing is traditionally served simply on Romaine lettuce with croutons known as a Caesar salad in whole. This is great because we are going back to basics here and no anchovies means an easy win for reducing sodium.
Sodium in regular Caesar dressing
Nearly all commercial brand salad dressings and mixes are loaded with sodium. All but one top name store dressing was below 300mg sodium and usually ranging anywhere from 300 to 380mg sodium per 2 tablespoons.
This simple condiment can easily blow your sodium budget for an entire meal, mine being between 250-300mg per meal goal. So being Americas #2 and a dressing I use, more and more I wanted to find a way to make it lower in sodium and I did.
Most of the common foodstuffs that we use such as condiments, bread, and cheeses sometimes seem abnormally high in sodium. This is why I endeavor to create low sodium recipe versions of some of the “basics” that we consumed before we really (had to) cut back on sodium. I’ve been able to reduce this recipe down to a low sodium version of only 44mg per two (2) tablespoons.
And when combined with lettuce, my Low Sodium Croutons, and some sliced chicken I can make a whole meal that is perfectly within or way lower than my goals.
The six biggest changes to make Low Sodium Caesar Dressing
- Just eliminating added salt… I’ve seen it up to ¾ teaspoon or 1725mg sodium per recipe.
- Removing Anchovy paste at 660-940mg sodium per tablespoon.
- Using low sodium honey mustard at 15mg per 1 teaspoon instead of Dijon mustard at 109mg per teaspoon.
- Substituting Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese which has just 30mg per tablespoon instead of regular parmesan.
- This recipe also incorporates part of my Low Sodium Mayonnaise recipe which replaces store bought mayo from many standard recipes.
- Using a low sodium Worcestershire sauce (paid link) makes a difference also, eliminating 20mg sodium per teaspoon.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh large egg ( just room temperature)
- 1 Tbsp pre minced garlic
- 2 tsp honey mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp mustard powder yellow
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Lea and Perrins low sodium Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast – Bragg’s
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup extra light olive oil
- ½ cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
Blending technique to make Caesar dressing
The blending is very similar to my Low Sodium Mayonnaise as it basically the same recipe with some added ingredients. Just add your egg first, dry and solid ingredients, and then the remaining liquid ingredients. I made a short video of how easy it is. Or video here:
FAQ’s
This dressing will store well in the fridge for up to one (1) week when using a fresh egg. I like to use a screw-top mason jar that can be screwed on tightly. You can also give it a quick vigorous shake to mix up any settling and be ready to go when needed.
Yes. Most store bought dressing are 300+mg sodium per 2 tbsp. This recipe has only 44mg per 2 tbsp. Quite a difference, ehh? Plus it just tastes so much fresher!
Try my other great dressings to enjoy!
As always, please let me know how you like this recipe in the comments! I get motivated when I hear from you and interested to hear about how you liked and served your Low Sodium Caesar Dressing. So please, leave a comment or rating and share any tips you might have. You can follow me on Facebook and Pinterest also, for new recipes.
Low Sodium Caesar Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 fresh large egg ( just room temperature)
- 1 Tbsp pre minced garlic
- 2 tsp honey mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp mustard powder yellow
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Lea and Perrins low sodium Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast – Bragg's
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup extra light olive oil
- ½ cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Preparation
- Place all ingredients except Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in order listed in a narrow jar or beaker just wide enough to fit your stick blender. Allow to settle for a minute.
- Place stick blender in the bottom of the jar and turn on high. A vortex will form and pull the oil down and the oil will begin to thicken and turn to a typical off-white.
- Slowly move the blender head slowly up and down a little higher each time, until all the oil is incorporated, emulsified and no drizzles of oil is visible. The whole blend should take no longer than 1 minute.
- Add parmesan and blend up and down for about 10 seconds more. Add and adjust ingredients to taste.
- Store in a tightly sealed container (mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to one week when a fresh egg is used.
Utensils & special ingredients used
I use, own and recommend these products and ingredients used in this recipe and I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. Please understand that not everyone’s sodium and dietary requirements are the same, therefore some recipes may be higher than you’re allowed.
https://tastyhealthyheartrecipes.com/a-la-cart/sauces-dips-spices/low-sodium-caesar-dressing-for-salad/© 2024 Tasty Healthy Heart Recipes
I have a family member visiting from out of town and am struggling to make a low sodium Italian dinner since health requires her to be on a low sodium diet. I didn’t realize how many mg of sodium was in my typical Italian dinner. I will be adding this recipe to the menu. thanks for posting it!
Sodium levels are amazing if you don’t think about it! I hope you enjoy. Bill
Thanks for this recipe, Bill! I also started a low sodium diet a few months ago and I’m always on the lookout for new recipes. This one is very tasty and easy to prepare…and the garlic flavour intensifies over time! I added 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to make it slightly more tangy. I’ll try out some of your other recipes and let you know how they turn out.
Thanks again,
Rob
Thanks Rob!
Is the Nutritional Yeast – Bragg’s important to this recipe?
Hi Debbie, You can do without it if need be. I use it because it has a “parmesany” flavor to it and with no additional sodium. I use it sometimes on a pasta dish to “fake” a Parmesan topping.
Bill