If you love Caesar dressing but want a healthier twist, this creamy, tangy version made with blended cottage cheese is going to be your new go-to.

A bowl of creamy white Caesar salad dressing with a wooden spoon is surrounded by romaine lettuce, fresh garlic, lemons, cottage cheese, a small bowl of oil, and a sieve on a lace cloth.

Say goodbye to traditional store-bought dressing and hello to this incredibly easy and delicious healthy caesar dressing!

It’s packed with flavor, protein, and that classic Caesar taste—without the guilt!

A wooden spoon scoops creamy Caesar dressing from a wooden bowl. In the background, fresh lettuce leaves accompany cottage cheese in a small bowl and a wedge of lemon on a lace-adorned wooden table.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Caesar dressing is a game-changer! By using blended cottage cheese, we get a creamy texture with extra protein and fewer calories.

Looking for a more traditional caesar salad dressing? Be sure to check out our classic caesar salad dressing recipe with tons of five star reviews!

A wooden bowl of creamy Caesar salad dressing with a wooden spoon. Surrounding items include lettuce, a halved lemon, garlic, and a knife with a wooden handle. A small bowl of crumbled cheese on the lace cloth completes this delightful cottage cheese-inspired scene.

Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing

Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in minutes! No food processor needed—just a hand blender and a small mixing bowl.

Whether you’re making a classic Caesar salad or drizzling it over chicken breast, this dressing will add a fresh flavor you’ll crave.

Ingredients

Cottage cheese, blended – Dairyland 4% is my go-to because it blends into a smooth, creamy base.
Parmesan cheese, shredded – Parmigiano Reggiano or pecorino romano work great for a bold, salty flavor that makes this dressing taste like the real deal.
Juice from a lemon – fresh lemon juice adds a tangy kick and brightens up all the other ingredients. The zest is a great thing to add for even more citrusy goodness!
Garlic cloves – fresh garlic is key to achieving that classic Caesar salad dressing taste. If you love garlic powder, you can add a pinch for extra depth.
Extra virgin olive oil gives this dressing a silky, smooth consistency that is needed to balance the thick cottage cheese. Avocado oil is a great alternative for a milder taste.
A teaspoon of anchovy paste provides that signature anchovy flavor without needing whole anchovies or anchovy fillets. If you love the real deal, you can use a minced anchovy filet instead.
Worcestershire sauce – this ingredient gives the dressing its depth, adding a subtle umami punch similar to fish sauce.

A glass bowl on a wooden surface holds creamy hummus being blended with a spatula. Nearby are a lemon half, a garlic bulb, and a metal strainer, suggesting the artful preparation of an exquisite caesar salad dressing.

Instructions

1. Using a hand blender, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. This step ensures a creamy texture without chunks.

2. Juice the lemon. Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference! Store-bought lemon juice doesn’t have the same bright, fresh flavor.

A glass measuring cup holds a medley of ingredients: grated cheese, garlic cloves, anchovies, creamy cottage cheese Caesar salad dressing, an egg yolk, and a brown liquid. Nearby on the wooden surface lie half a lemon and a small bowl of olive oil.

3. Add all ingredients into a mixing bowl—no need for a food processor.

Close-up of an immersion blender mixing a creamy white garlic sauce, like a rich cottage cheese Caesar salad dressing, in a measuring cup. Lemon slices and garlic cloves are visible in the background on a wooden surface.

4. Use a hand blender to mix into a smooth consistency. Blend everything together until you reach a creamy caesar salad dressing texture.

5. Add salt & pepper to taste.

A wooden bowl of creamy Caesar salad dressing sits on a table, surrounded by fresh lettuce, garlic cloves, lemon, and a small bowl of cottage cheese. Nearby, a knife with a wooden handle awaits the next culinary task.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you love a bit more tang, add another squeeze of lemon juice! Is the dressing too thick? Add more olive oil.

7. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.

A spoon drizzles creamy garlic sauce into a wooden bowl, creating the perfect base for a cottage cheese Caesar salad dressing. The scene is set with lettuce, lemon slices, a doily, garlic cloves, and crumbled cheese on a rustic wooden surface.

Tips & Tricks

Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best flavor and creamy texture. Nonfat Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, but it won’t be as rich.
Store in an airtight container like a mason jar to keep it fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
For extra zing, add a little lemon zest or a touch more worcestershire sauce.
If you want a thinner dressing, add a splash of water or more fresh lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
Make it dairy-free by swapping out the parmesan for nutritional yeast and using a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
Pair with homemade croutons and romaine lettuce for the best way to enjoy a classic Caesar salad at home.

A wooden spoon drizzles creamy cottage cheese Caesar salad dressing over a bowl, surrounded by romaine lettuce, lemon, garlic, and olive oil on a lace cloth background.

A wooden spoon lifts creamy Caesar salad dressing from a wooden bowl. Surrounding items include fresh lettuce, a small bowl of cheese, a doily, garlic cloves, a lemon slice, and a partially visible cheese slicer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing without anchovy paste?

Yes! While anchovy paste gives this dressing its traditional Caesar flavor, you can substitute it with a little extra worcestershire sauce or fish sauce for a similar umami taste.

How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?

Stored in an airtight container, this dressing stays fresh for about 5 days in the fridge. Always check for freshness before using.

Can I use a food processor instead of a hand blender?

Absolutely! A food processor will work just as well to blend the cottage cheese into a smooth consistency. Just be sure to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is fully mixed.

A wooden spoon scoops creamy cottage cheese dressing from a bowl on the table, which also holds garlic cloves, a doily, a knife, lettuce, and a lemon. In the background is a small bowl of Caesar salad dressing.

This easy recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier version of your favorite salad dressing. Whether you’re topping kale Caesar salad, dipping veggies, or making a homemade Caesar salad, this creamy dressing will be a hit!

A bowl of creamy cottage cheese Caesar dressing with a wooden spoon lifting a portion. Surrounded by fresh lettuce, lemon halves, and garlic cloves. Text overlay reads cottage cheese Caesar dressing. Website URL at the bottom.

If you love this homemade dressing please give it a five star rating and help me share it on Facebook or Pinterest!

Hello, I’m Heather!

I'm an active mom of twin boys who is always looking for opportunities to inspire creativity through fun crafts, do-it-yourself projects and delicious recipes. This blog has been an integral part of supporting my little family and I am so grateful to have you become a part of our journey! Let's create together... Read more...

Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe (with Cottage Cheese)