12 Best Grocery Store Caesar Dressings, Ranked Worst To Best
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If there's one menu item you can bet on finding at almost any restaurant, it's Caesar salad. It's pretty much a staple and a delicious one at that. And for the biggest fans of Caesar salad, it's fortunately pretty easy to make at home, at least if you have a good dressing. A classic Caesar salad is simple, featuring romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and of course, Caesar dressing. And that's the kicker — Caesar dressing is made up of a complex combination of flavors, and it's pretty intense to try to make yourself. A traditional Caesar dressing recipe contains egg yolk, anchovies, lemon juice, garlic, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese, as well as dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce in some cases. Yeah, it's a lot.
So it's no wonder that many people instead turn to store-bought dressing when they choose to whip up a Caesar salad at home. Check out any grocery store and you'll see there are about a million options for Caesar dressing, which can ultimately present another problem in itself, if you're indecisive. Fortunately, you don't have to stress because we've done the hard work for you, rounding up the 12 best grocery store Caesar dressings, ranked worst to best. So read on before you head to the store to grab your ingredients!
12. Trader Joe's Vegan Caesar Dressing
Looking at the ingredients in Caesar dressing, it's pretty clear that it's not vegan in the slightest. And in fact, a key ingredient, Parmesan cheese, isn't actually vegetarian, so the dressing doesn't even fall under the category, either. That's where Trader Joe's comes in. Their Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing is a great plant-based alternative. And while it's certainly not the best store-bought dressing out there, it's still a great option.
While the flavor of the blended tofu helps give the dressing a creamy element, and the other flavors all work to create a Caesar-like flavor, it's still not quite the same taste you would get from a classic Caesar dressing. The main reason behind this is that this dressing has more tang to it than traditional Caesar does, without the creaminess of Parmesan cheese or egg yolk to fully balance it out. However, if you're a fan of the tangy flavor, then this might be the perfect dressing for you, especially if you're vegan. Otherwise, we say go for a more authentic version of this classic dressing.
11. Litehouse Creamy Caesar Dressing & Spread
A go-to classic Caesar dressing that you can easily find at many local grocery stores is Litehouse Creamy Caesar Dressing & Spread. Now, you won't find this bottle in the salad dressing aisle, so don't stress when you can't spot it right away. Instead, this dressing is made with fresh ingredients and can usually be found in the produce section because it's refrigerated.
This dressing does contain classic Caesar ingredients like egg yolk and anchovy paste, but it also includes canola oil and some other ingredients that take away from that delicious, fresh Caesar dressing taste.Additionally, it's worth noting that this dressing lists water as the second ingredient, which may be why you notice that your salad tastes a little watered down and flavorless. While this dressing isn't the worst out there, it's far from being the best. And since it's not vegan or even the healthiest dressing on this list, it might not be worth your time.
10. Panera Bread at Home Caesar Dressing
While not everyone is a fan of Panera Bread, there are plenty of people out there who truly enjoy the fast casual joint as a go-to breakfast and lunch staple. And one of Panera's popular menu options is its Caesar salad, featuring a creamy Caesar dressing on top. So any true fans of Panera will be thrilled to know that the brand's Caesar dressing is available to purchase in many grocery stores. And it's actually pretty good.
The ingredients in the Panera Bread at Home Caesar dressing are pretty close to the classic recipe. In addition to the egg yolks and anchovy paste, Panera's Caesar dressing goes one step further and includes Worcestershire sauce as well, adding some depth to the Caesar taste. However, this version also includes soybean oil and water, as well as added sugar, which definitely don't contribute to the traditional Caesar flavor. Still, it's a pretty creamy and tasty dressing, and an easy one to grab at the grocery store while running errands.
9. Marie's Caesar Dressing
When it comes to store-bought salad dressings, there are quite a few brands out there, and probably some you've never heard of. But several of them are worth trying out. For instance, Marie's Caesar Dressing — while not the best of the best — is still pretty good. And if you're a big fan of super creamy Caesar dressing, then this is definitely worth a try.
Marie's Caesar Dressing has quite an interesting list of ingredients, and it's pretty clear that following the traditional Caesar dressing recipe wasn't their top priority. In addition to soybean oil, olive oil, egg yolks, and anchovy, Marie's also contains sour cream as a primary ingredient. It definitely doesn't scream Caesar, but it does help make the dressing super creamy. Furthermore, there isn't a ton of garlic flavor to this dressing, so even though the dressing definitely captures the creaminess of traditional Caesar, the flavor just isn't all there.
8. Brianna's Asiago Caesar Dressing
Another decent option for store-bought Caesar is Brianna's Asiago Caesar Dressing. This dressing isn't exactly traditional — there's no anchovy paste, and the only egg yolk is in powdered form. However, this dressing contains a lot more tangy elements — including savory and piquant Worcestershire sauce — which you may or may not like depending on your taste preferences.
Furthermore, Brianna's Asiago Caesar Dressing contains both rice vinegar and balsamic vinegar, neither of which are traditionally in Caesar dressing. However, this dressing does contain a good amount of shredded asiago cheese to balance out the vinegar, as well as garlic puree to really amp up the flavor. So while it's safe to say this dressing doesn't taste exactly like traditional Caesar dressing, that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you like vinaigrettes, garlic, and cheese, then Brianna's Asiago Caesar Dressing might be a great Caesar for you to try.
7. Bolthouse Farms Caesar Yogurt Dressing & Dip
One thing that's for sure when it comes to classic Caesar dressing is that it isn't exactly low in calories or fat when made the traditional way. But it you are trying to watch what you eat while still enjoying that delicious Caesar taste, there are some great options for you. Perhaps the lowest-calorie Caesar dressing you'll find at the grocery store is Bolthouse Farms Caesar Yogurt Dressing & Dip. The dressing can be found in the refrigerated section, usually by the produce, and for good reason. This dressing features yogurt as a main ingredient, which makes it creamy and savory, but also lower in calories.
This dressing also contains asiago and Parmesan cheeses, garlic, and egg yolk to help give it the Caesar taste you know and love. But while this lighter dressing is definitely creamy, and garlicky, it's lacking in the tang department due to the absence of anchovies, dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce. Still, Bolthouse Farm's Caesar dressing is pretty good for only having 50 calories and 3.5 grams of fat per serving. When you're looking for a salad that's actually diet-friendly, this dressing will help get the job done.
6. Newman's Own Creamy Caesar Dressing
One of the recognizable salad dressing brands out there is arguably Newman's Own. You can find it in pretty much any supermarket, and it is typically pretty consistently good no matter what kind of dressing you get. And Newman's Own Creamy Caesar Dressing stands out as a tasty option for salad lovers. It may not be the absolute the best Caesar dressing out there, but it's certainly a great and reliable choice, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the different brands out there.
The ingredient list for this dressing is pretty impressive, too. Not only does the dressing contain egg yolks and olive oil, there's also Worcestershire sauce made with anchovy as well as Parmesan cheese. All the important Caesar dressing elements are there, making it a solid choice. But there's a bit of a flavor punch missing. Even though this dressing technically contains anchovy, you don't really get a lot of it in the taste, and there's also not a lot of garlic or lemon flavor, either. However, it's still creamy and delicious, so don't be afraid to give it a go next time you're at the store.
5. Marzetti Supreme Caesar Dressing
Another really tasty store-bought Caesar dressing is no doubt Marzetti's Supreme Caesar Dressing. This can also be found in the refrigerated section, meaning there are no preservatives, so it's as fresh as you can expect a store-bought dressing to be. This dressing contains the classic combination of egg yolk, Parmesan, and anchovy that you want from a traditional Caesar dressing, along with a few more less traditional added ingredients that give this Caesar dressing its unique taste.
Specifically, molasses and red wine vinegar make an appearance in Marzetti's Caesar dressing, which definitely works to set the dressing apart from others in the grocery store. And while it's still a delicious dressing, there's something just a little off from the brand's take on the recipe. The dressing is full of flavor, but not as creamy as others on the shelf, and also seems to be missing the tang from the Worcestershire sauce, too.
4. Girard's Caesar Dressing
Almost identical to Marzetti's Caesar dressing is Girard's Caesar Dressing. This store-bought salad topper also contains the egg yolk, Parmesan, and anchovy combination that helps make Caesar dressing so delicious, but is again missing the Worcestershire sauce. Additionally, Girard's isn't in the refrigerated section, so it's not as fresh as some of the refrigerated options, but it somehow manages to capture the essence of traditional Caesar dressing a little better than many other brands.
And what makes this dressing even better is the fact that it's typically easier to find in most grocery stores, and you don't have to worry about refrigerating it until after it's opened. Girard's Caesar dressing strikes pretty great balance of tangy and creamy, just like you expect from a traditional Caesar dressing. And at under $4 a bottle (via Walmart), it's definitely a budget friendly option that will add some zest to your homemade salads.
3. Primal Kitchen Dairy-Free Caesar Dressing with Avocado Oil
As far as health concerns go, Primal Kitchen Dairy-Free Caesar Dressing with Avocado Oil might just be the best of the best. This dressing is dairy-free, so you won't see any Parmesan cheese in the ingredients, but that doesn't stop it from being utterly delicious. Made with high-quality avocado oil, coconut aminos, and apple cider vinegar, this dressing truly sets itself apart in terms of flavor. And even without any dairy, it's still impressively creamy thanks, in part, to the nutritional yeast.
All the other ingredients, including egg yolks, garlic, black pepper, and even rosemary work really well together to create a Caesar dressing that's healthy, creamy, tangy, and honestly tastes like something you would get at a restaurant. The only downside is that the high-quality ingredients make this dressing a little more expensive than many other brands you'll find at the grocery store, and it also isn't as widely available as other popular Caesar dressings. But for those who are more health-conscious, Primal Kitchen's Caesar dressing is top-notch, if you can get your hands on it.
2. Cardini's Original Caesar Salad Dressing
One of the absolute best store-bought Caesar dressings out there is definitely Cardini's Original Caesar Salad Dressing. You can't get more classic than this, as the recipe comes from the original inventor of the Caesar salad, Caesar Cardini. Part of what makes this dressing so tasty is that there's a heavy Parmesan cheese presence, along with creamy egg yolk, salt, garlic, lemon, mustard, onion, and anchovy — essentially every element you need in the perfect Caesar dressing, as to be expected. The flavors really come together well in this dressing, and the creaminess is almost unmatched.
While there's no Worcheshire sauce in this salad dressing, it's not lacking in tang or savory flavor profiles. The dressing has lemon juice and vinegar, and the combination of onion and garlic work to give the dressing a savory, aromatic taste that compliments the creaminess provided by the egg yolks and cheese. Another great thing about Cardini's Caesar dressing is that it's pretty easy to find, as well, and it's decently priced — you'll find it for less than $5 at Walmart. So when you're looking for a great Caesar dressing to top your salad for Friday night dinner or a quick lunch, give this one a try. We guarantee you won't regret it.
1. Ken's Steak House Creamy Caesar Dressing
Finally, the best of the best store-bought Caesar dressing out there is Ken's Steak House Creamy Caesar dressing. This dressing is downright delectable, and while it's also lacking in Worcheshire sauce, the overall flavor and texture of this dressing more than makes up for that one missing ingredient. The classic egg yolk, Parmesan, and anchovy combination really works in this dressing, and there's the perfect amount of tang from lemon and vinegar, without too many other flavors muddling the classic taste of this dressing.
Ken's Steak House is also a widely-distributed brand, meaning you can probably find it at least one of your local grocery stores. And, it's not too expensive, costing less than $3 a bottle from Walmart. Is it the healthiest? No. But does it capture the creamy, tangy essence of Caesar dressing in a convenient bottle? Absolutely. Ken's might just make you feel like you're eating a traditional, tableside Caesar salad at a cozy Italian restaurant, even when you're just in you're dining room on a Tuesday night.