A lighter take on the classic Caesar dressing, made creamy with cottage cheese and packed with flavor from garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This homemade dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads or serving as a dip, offering a delicious balance of tanginess and richness with fewer calories than traditional versions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lighter & Healthier – Uses cottage cheese instead of mayo for a protein-packed alternative.
- Rich & Creamy – Blended to perfection for a smooth and velvety texture.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Versatile – Great for salads, wraps, or as a dip for veggies.
- Bold & Flavorful – Parmesan, garlic, and Dijon mustard add depth to every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin, if desired)
Directions
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and capers.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Pour over your favorite salad or use as a dip for veggies and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 100 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Caesar: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for heat.
- Extra Tangy: Increase the lemon juice or add a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Anchovy Flavor: If you love traditional Caesar, add a small amount of anchovy paste.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh parsley or chives for extra freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Separation Fix: If the dressing separates, simply stir or blend again before serving.
- Reheating: No reheating needed—enjoy chilled!
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes! Low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese both work, but full-fat will be creamier.
2. How do I make this dressing smoother?
Blending for an extra 30-60 seconds or straining it through a fine-mesh sieve will create a silkier texture.
3. What can I serve this dressing with?
It’s great on Caesar salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, or as a dip for crackers and raw vegetables.
4. Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
5. What if I don’t have a blender?
You can mash everything together with a fork or whisk, but the texture will be chunkier.
6. Can I substitute the capers?
Yes, try chopped green olives or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a similar briny flavor.
7. How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cottage cheese and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
8. Can I make it thicker for a dip?
Yes! Reduce the amount of olive oil or water to keep it thick and creamy.
9. Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
10. Can I freeze this dressing?
No, freezing may affect the texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing is a flavorful, protein-packed alternative to traditional Caesar dressing. Quick to make, rich in taste, and versatile in use, it’s the perfect addition to salads, veggies, and wraps. Try this healthier homemade dressing and enjoy the bold flavors without the extra calories!
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Creamy Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing is a lighter, protein-packed alternative to traditional Caesar dressing. Made with cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and Dijon mustard, it’s rich, tangy, and velvety smooth—perfect for salads, wraps, or as a dip. Quick to make in just 5 minutes, this gluten-free, high-protein dressing delivers bold flavors with fewer calories!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and capers.
2. Adjust Consistency:
- Blend until smooth and creamy (about 60 seconds).
- If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons water and blend again.
3. Season & Serve:
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Pour over salads, grain bowls, or use as a dip for veggies.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Extra Tangy: Increase lemon juice or add white wine vinegar.
- Anchovy Flavor: Add a small amount of anchovy paste for traditional Caesar taste.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cottage cheese & nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Dips
- Method: Blending No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
