If you're an ovo-lacto-vegetarian who craves the occasional Caesar salad, you may be a professional label-reader already. Although the original Caesar salad created in the 1920’s by chef Caesar Cardini did not contain fish, it did contain Worcestershire sauce, which counts anchovies as one of its ingredients. Most modern dressing recipes also contain either Worcestershire sauce or anchovy fillets as well.
By using copious spices, tangy lemon juice, and salty/pickled ingredients like capers, it is possible to create a fish-free version of Caesar Salad dressing that doesn’t taste like it’s missing anything. When you don’t have time for homemade Caesar dressing, try one of these top two vegetarian Caesar salad dressings.
The Best Anchovy-Free Caesar Dressing: Best Dressed
The best vegetarian Caesar dressing is, without a question, Best Dressed No Anchovy Caesar. Made in Toronto and available across Ontario, Best Dressed is worth seeking out. It’s a sharp, cheesy, garlicky vinaigrette that hits the mark for flavour and consistency. Find it in the refrigerated produce section of supermarkets, and smaller natural foods or whole foods stores.
Best Dressed also makes a Caesar dressing that contain anchovies, so read the label to make sure you’re getting the right one. Bonus: neither of the Best Dressed Caesar dressings contain egg.
Priced at about $5.49 per jar, this fresh dressing is more expensive than shelf-stable bottled brands. But, it's worth every penny.
- Best Dressed Web page: Caesar Dressing
Runner-Up: Lisa’s Gourmet No Anchovies Caesar
Lisa’s Gourmet products are more widely available than Best Dressed, usually in the refrigerated produce section at major grocery stores. Like Best Dressed, Lisa’s offers an anchovy-free version of their Caesar dressing. It’s a creamy dressing (as opposed to a vinaigrette) with a slightly different flavour; garlicky and tangy but more sour than Best Dressed.
Priced at about $3.99, Lisa's is the less expensive option.
Tips for Finding a Vegetarian Caesar Salad Dressing
Finding a vegetarian dressing can be challenging, even at big supermarkets. Mainstream brands almost universally contain anchovies. It's worth a separate trip to find smaller, local brands at health food stores or whole food/organic markets. Many anchovy-free brands are fresh dressings with short expiry dates, found in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle.
When you can’t find Caesar, there are alternatives. Try a garlic vinaigrette or creamy asiago dressing in a pinch. Top with croutons, vegetarian bacon bits (soy crumbles or tempeh strips) and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Don’t see your favourite brand listed here? These are the best brands in Ontario, Canada. Leave a comment below with your favourite vegetarian Caesar dressing, including where the dressing is available.
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