Silken Tofu Caesar Dressing
Elevate your salads with this rich and creamy Silken Tofu Caesar Dressing. Perfectly balanced with the umami flavor of anchovy paste and the tang of lemon juice, this vegan-friendly twist on the classic Caesar dressing will delight your taste buds. Made with smooth silken tofu, fresh garlic, zesty Dijon mustard, and aged Parmesan cheese, it's a nutritious option that enhances any salad while providing a creamy texture without the dairy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
soft tofu
150 g (drained)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Dijon mustard
10 ml
anchovy paste
10 ml
lemon juice
30 ml (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
50 ml
Parmesan cheese
30 ml (grated)
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the silken tofu, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2
Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Add in grated Parmesan and continue blending for an additional 30 seconds.
4
Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
5
Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silken Tofu Caesar Dressing?
It is a rich and creamy alternative to traditional Caesar dressing that uses silken tofu as a smooth base instead of raw eggs or mayonnaise.
Is this dressing strictly vegan?
As written with anchovy paste and Parmesan cheese, it is not strictly vegan. However, it is a vegan-friendly twist that can be easily modified.
How can I make this recipe 100% vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the anchovy paste with capers or miso paste and swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
Is Silken Tofu Caesar Dressing dairy-free?
The recipe contains Parmesan cheese, so it is not dairy-free unless you substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative.
What type of tofu should I use?
You should use 150g of drained soft or silken tofu to achieve the smoothest, creamiest texture.
Can I use firm tofu instead of silken tofu?
Firm tofu is not recommended as it will result in a grainy or chunky texture rather than the smooth consistency required for a dressing.
How long does this dressing stay fresh?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Can I freeze Silken Tofu Caesar Dressing?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the tofu can change significantly and become watery or spongy upon thawing.
What is the role of silken tofu in this recipe?
Silken tofu acts as the emulsifier and base, providing a creamy texture and protein boost without the need for heavy cream or eggs.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Generally yes, but always check the labels of your Dijon mustard and anchovy paste to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 50 ml of olive oil.
Can I substitute the anchovy paste?
Yes, you can substitute anchovy paste with 10 ml of capers or white miso paste for a similar umami flavor profile.
What can I use if I do not have Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How much lemon juice should I add?
Add 30 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best zesty flavor.
Does this recipe contain egg?
No, this recipe is completely egg-free, making it a great option for those with egg allergies.
How long should I blend the ingredients?
Blend the main ingredients for 1-2 minutes until smooth, then blend for an additional 30 seconds after adding the Parmesan.
Can I make this dressing without a blender?
It is difficult to achieve the required smooth consistency without a blender or food processor, as the tofu needs to be fully emulsified.
How much Parmesan cheese is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 30 ml of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this dressing healthier than store-bought Caesar?
Yes, it is generally lower in calories and saturated fat because it uses tofu as a base instead of oil-heavy mayonnaise or egg yolks.
What is the best way to serve this dressing?
It is best served chilled over crisp Romaine lettuce, kale, or used as a dip for fresh vegetables.
How much anchovy paste is used?
The recipe uses 10 ml of anchovy paste.
Do I need to drain the tofu?
Yes, the tofu should be drained to prevent the dressing from becoming too watery.
Can I add extra protein to this dressing?
The tofu already provides protein, but you can add nutritional yeast for a boost of B-vitamins and additional protein.
What should I do if the dressing is too thick?
If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a teaspoon of water or extra lemon juice and blending briefly.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While bottled lemon juice works, freshly squeezed juice provides a more vibrant and authentic Caesar flavor.
Is this recipe low in salt?
The saltiness comes primarily from the anchovy paste and Parmesan; you can adjust the final seasoning to your preference.
What are the main flavors of this dressing?
The primary flavors are creamy tofu, pungent garlic, tangy lemon, and savory umami from the anchovy and cheese.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it works well as a marinade for chicken or roasted vegetables due to its acidic lemon and savory garlic components.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: soft tofu, garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan, and salt/pepper.