Creamy Low-Cal Caesar Dressing with Tofu
Discover the delight of this healthier take on classic Caesar dressing! After adopting this recipe last year, it has become a staple in my kitchen. The creamy texture comes from blended soft-silken tofu, making it a nutritious alternative that doesn't skimp on flavor. The tanginess of lemon juice, the kick of Dijon mustard, and the umami from anchovies create a satisfying dressing that feels indulgent without the calories. Serve it generously over fresh romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and grated Parmesan for a caesar that you can indulge in guilt-free. I'm eager to try it with firm tofu next time for a different texture!
8
Servings
25
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tofu
1/3 cup (soft-silken, drained)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Dijon Mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons ( )
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Anchovy Paste
1 teaspoon (or 1 anchovy fillet)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon ( )
Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons ( )
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon ( )
Sugar
1 pinch ( )
Black Pepper
1 pinch (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by poaching the soft-silken tofu in a small saucepan of simmering water for about 2 minutes until heated through. Drain, coarsely chop it, and allow it to cool.
2
In a blender, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, anchovy paste (or anchovy fillet), salt, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3
With the blender running, slowly add the cooled tofu, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Continue blending until the dressing is creamy and smooth.
4
Transfer the dressing into a small jar or airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shake well before serving.
Nutrition Information
1.25g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
1.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Low-Cal Caesar Dressing with Tofu?
It is a healthier version of the classic Caesar dressing that utilizes soft-silken tofu to achieve a creamy texture with fewer calories.
How many calories are in this Caesar dressing?
Each serving of this dressing contains approximately 25 calories.
Is this dressing considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious alternative that is low in fat and calories while providing a small amount of protein.
Why is tofu used in this recipe?
Blended soft-silken tofu acts as a low-calorie base that provides a rich, creamy consistency similar to traditional dressings.
What kind of tofu should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of soft-silken tofu for the smoothest results.
Can I use firm tofu instead of silken?
While the recipe suggests silken for smoothness, the author mentions wanting to try firm tofu for a different texture in the future.
Do I need to cook the tofu?
Yes, the instructions state to poach the tofu in simmering water for about 2 minutes and then let it cool before blending.
Is this dressing recipe vegetarian?
As written with anchovy paste, it is not vegetarian. However, you can omit the anchovies to make it vegetarian.
Can I make this Caesar dressing vegan?
To make it vegan, you would need to omit the anchovy paste and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative.
How long does it take to prepare?
This is a quick recipe that can be prepared in less than 15 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The key ingredients are tofu, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, anchovy paste, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Can I omit the anchovy paste?
Yes, the anchovy paste can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor or a vegetarian option.
What is a good substitute for anchovy paste?
You can use a small amount of miso paste or soy sauce to replicate the salty umami flavor if you skip the anchovies.
How long can I store this dressing?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze this tofu-based dressing?
It is not recommended to freeze this dressing as the texture of the tofu base may separate upon thawing.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are approximately 1.75 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
This low-calorie dressing contains only 1.25 grams of fat per serving.
Are there carbohydrates in this dressing?
Yes, each serving contains about 1.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is necessary to properly emulsify the tofu and other ingredients into a smooth dressing.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Why is there a pinch of sugar in the recipe?
A pinch of sugar helps balance the tanginess of the lemon and the saltiness of the cheese and anchovies.
How do I serve this dressing?
Serve it over romaine lettuce with homemade croutons and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the labels on your Dijon mustard and anchovy paste to be sure.
Should I shake the dressing before serving?
Yes, you should shake the container well before serving to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for one minced garlic clove.
Can I add more Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cheese to your taste preference, though it will affect the nutritional values.
Is this dressing good for weight management?
Yes, with only 25 calories per serving, it is an excellent option for those looking for a lighter salad dressing.
What is the consistency of the final product?
The dressing has a smooth and creamy consistency similar to traditional dairy-based Caesar dressings.