If you've ever had to skip Caesar salad because the dressing wasn't gut friendly, this Low FODMAP Caesar Dressing will change that. I missed that bold, tangy Caesar flavor that actually tastes like the real deal. That's exactly why I created this homemade recipe. It's creamy, zesty, and you can pronounce every ingredient. No weird thickeners, no hidden FODMAPs… just a quick and easy dressing that's as close to classic Caesar as it gets.
If you're a salad lover like me, you'll want to keep a few more low FODMAP dressing recipes in your back pocket. Try my low FODMAP ranch dressing for all your salad and dipping needs, a zesty low FODMAP Greek dressing that's basically the vinaigrette you didn't know you needed, or my low FODMAP Italian dressing that tastes even better than Olive Garden's.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No Raw Eggs - all the creamy flavor without the food safety worries.
- Gut Friendly - made with garlic infused olive oil instead of raw garlic.
- Tastes Like the Real Deal - bold, tangy, and just as good as classic Caesar.
- Quick to Make - just whisk and chill, ready in 5 minutes.
What You'll Need
- Mayonnaise - the creamy base that keeps this dressing rich and smooth.
- Garlic Infused Olive Oil - all the garlicky flavor without the tummy troubles. My favorite, and I've tried many, is one I get from Amazon.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - bright, zesty, and a must for that classic Caesar tang.
- Dijon Mustard - adds just the right kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Worcestershire Sauce - brings a deep umami flavor (make sure to grab a gluten free brand like Lea & Perrins).
- Anchovy Paste - the secret to real Caesar flavor. It is what makes you say, Yep, this is Caesar dressing.
- Parmesan Cheese - salty, nutty, and perfectly low lactose in the right amount.
- Black Pepper - freshly cracked for a little heat and depth.
- Kosher Salt - balances and sharpens all the flavors.
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions.
Selected ingredients are based on guidance on current serving sizes measured by the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App at the time of publishing. As always, follow your gut and modify as needed.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Whisk The Base
Add mayonnaise, garlic infused olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, black pepper, and kosher salt to a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Lemon Juice Tip: Use a citrus squeezer to make squeezing lemons a painless job! It also catches most of the lemon seeds...win, win!
Step 2: Add The Parmesan And Chill
Using a microplane, finely shred the Parmesan cheese directly into the bowl. Stir again until silky, then cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle.
Tips and Tricks
Anchovy Paste = Flavor Magic! Plug your nose with a chip clip like my daughter does, and add it. Trust me, you don't want to skip it!
Squeeze the Lemon Yourself! Fresh juice is tangy sunshine, bottled just isn't the same.
Skip the Bagged Parmesan! I know it's going to take a bit longer, but trust me, grating your own is worth it for that nutty, salty punch.
Give It A Chill! 30 minutes in the fridge and the flavors mingle like old friends.
Too Thick? Splash of water. Too Thin? Stir in a spoonful of mayo or cheese, and you're golden.
Special Diet Variations
- Dairy Free: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast instead for that nutty, cheesy flavor.
- Egg Free: Choose a vegan mayonnaise, and the recipe stays just as creamy.
- Gluten Free: Most ingredients are naturally gluten free, just double-check your Worcestershire sauce label.
- Low-Lactose Caesar Dressing: Since Parmesan cheese is low in lactose, this recipe works great as written.
- Fish Free: Leave out the anchovy paste and swap in a spoonful of capers or a pinch of nori flakes.
- Low Carb/Keto: This recipe already fits the bill since it's mayo and oil-based.
FAQs
Yes! Traditional Caesar dressings usually contain garlic, but this version uses garlic infused olive oil instead. You still get all the classic flavor without the FODMAPs.
If you want a fish free version, swap anchovy paste for finely chopped capers. Both add that salty, briny kick Caesar dressing is known for.
Yes, Parmesan is naturally low in lactose and Monash University has tested it as safe in a serving up to 40 grams.
This dressing will stay fresh in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Just give it a stir or shake before serving.
Absolutely! Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor that still tastes delicious.
Yes, Worcestershire sauce is low FODMAP in small amounts. Just check labels to make sure it's gluten free if you need it to be.
This recipe uses mayonnaise as the creamy base, so you get that silky texture without worrying about raw eggs.
The classic choice is crisp romaine, but this garlic free Caesar dressing is also delicious on kale Caesar, grilled chicken salads, pasta salad, or even drizzled over roasted potatoes.
Storing
Store: Keep your Caesar dressing in a sealed jar or container for up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir or shake before serving since it can settle a bit.
Freeze: This one's a no-go. Mayo doesn't thaw well, and you'll end up with a separated, grainy mess. Stick to the fridge for the creamiest results.
Make Ahead: Mix it up a day before you need it. The flavors get even better after they've had time to hang out together.
Low FODMAP Notes
Low FODMAP ingredient information is based on the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App testing results as of the day posted. As always, modify based on your gut and what works for you on a low FODMAP diet.
- Mayonnaise - usually safe; check the label to make sure no hidden onion or garlic is added. Don't use Miracle Whip, it is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.
- Garlic Infused Olive Oil - Monash approved because FODMAPs are water soluble, not oil soluble.
- Lemon Juice - fresh lemon juice is low FODMAP and adds the perfect tang.
- Dijon Mustard - low FODMAP in small amounts; Monash notes up to 1 tablespoon (23 grams) per meal.
- Worcestershire Sauce - low FODMAP in small amounts up to 2 tablespoons (42 grams) per meal. Choose a gluten free brand.
- Anchovy Paste - fish doesn't contain FODMAPs, so anchovy paste is safe.
- Parmesan Cheese - naturally low in lactose and Monash approved at 40 grams per serving.
- Black Pepper & Kosher Salt - both are FODMAP free and add balance and flavor.
For additional information on a low FODMAP diet, please visit Monash University or FODMAP Friendly. Both have websites and apps for additional guidance and testing results.
Ways To Use Caesar Dressing
Don't box it into one bowl, this garlic free Caesar dressing deserves a spot in dips, marinades, and even sandwiches.
- Classic Caesar Salad - toss with crisp romaine and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Low FODMAP Chicken Caesar Wraps - use gluten free tortillas, grilled chicken, and romaine for an easy lunch.
- Caesar Potato Salad - swap mayo for this dressing to give potato salad a tangy twist.
- Veggie Dip - perfect with zucchini, peppers, or carrot sticks from the farmers market.
- Pasta Salad Base - drizzle over gluten free pasta, grilled chicken, and fresh veggies for a filling meal.
- Marinade for Chicken - coat chicken in Caesar dressing before grilling for a flavor boost.
- Spread for Sandwiches or Burgers - smear onto your bun or wrap for a creamy, zesty kick.
More Loveable Dressing Recipes
- Homemade Western Dressing - sweet, tangy, creamy, and perfect on taco salads.
- Low FODMAP Thousand Island Dressing - zippy, creamy, and great in Big Mac Tater Tot casserole.
- Maple Dijon Dressing - sweet, tangy, and ready in minutes for spinach salad with mandarin oranges.
Love This Recipe?
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating + comment. It helps so much, and we love hearing from everyone! Thank You -Venessa
Recipe
Low FODMAP Caesar Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise (Note 1)
- ¼ cup garlic infused olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2 lemons (Note 2)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Note 3)
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (Note 4)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (Note 5)
Instructions
- Add mayonnaise, garlic infused olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, black pepper, and kosher salt to a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Finely grate the Parmesan cheese into the bowl using a microplane. Whisk again until combined, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Venessa Mandelkow says
Oh how I have missed you Caesar dressing! I may have eaten Caesar salads for lunch every single day for a week. It is so good.