Name: Miso Caesar Dressing: A Simple 7-Ingredient Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about ½ a large lemon); 1 tablespoon white miso paste; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove (finely minced); Black pepper (to taste); 12 ounces romaine lettuce (romaine hearts ideal); ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or to taste); ½ cup roasted cashews (salted or unsalted); ½ cup wonton chips (store-bought or homemade)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you’re looking to add a delicious twist to your salad routine, the Miso Caesar Dressing: A Simple 7-Ingredient Salad Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant dressing balances creamy, tangy, and umami flavors with zero fuss — no anchovies or food processor required. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your greens with ingredients that are easy to find and combine into a silky, flavorful sauce. Get ready to transform a basic Caesar salad into something unexpectedly refreshing and utterly addictive!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl contains a layered salad on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is fresh, bright green lettuce leaves, roughly torn. On top of the lettuce, there is a pile of crumbled white cheese on one side, crunchy tan-colored fried tortilla strips on another side, and light brown cashew nuts scattered among the lettuce. Creamy, pale yellow salad dressing is being poured over the top from above, covering parts of the cheese, tortilla strips, and lettuce. The image shows vibrant colors and texture contrasts, with the glass bowl allowing full view of the ingredients inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These seven straightforward ingredients are the secret behind the rich flavor and smooth texture of this dressing. Each one plays a crucial role, from the depth of miso paste to the bright zing of lemon juice, making this dressing a perfect harmony of taste and color.

3 tablespoons mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and a mellow base that ties all ingredients together.
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel with a hint of fruity undertones.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings essential acidity and brightness to balance the creaminess.
1 tablespoon white miso paste: Infuses an umami punch and subtle saltiness without overpowering.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Delivers a gentle spice and helps emulsify the dressing for a perfect texture.
1 garlic clove (finely minced): Adds a fresh, pungent kick that wakes up the entire flavor profile.
Black pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors with a touch of warmth and complexity.

How to Make Miso Caesar Dressing: A Simple 7-Ingredient Salad Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Ingredients Together

Start by placing the mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, white miso paste, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified. This process creates a luscious dressing that clings to every leaf of your salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce

While your dressing rests, wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly to avoid sogginess. For a perfect salad texture, slice the leaves vertically along their ribs one or two times, stack them up, and then chop into half-inch lengths. This technique creates bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat and equally coated with dressing.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

In a large serving bowl, toss the chopped romaine with ½ cup roasted cashews, grated Parmesan cheese, and crispy wonton chips. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful crunch and fresh flavors at their best.

How to Serve Miso Caesar Dressing: A Simple 7-Ingredient Salad Dressing Recipe

A white bowl filled with a fresh Caesar salad showing three main layers: the bottom layer has bright green romaine lettuce leaves with a crisp texture, the middle layer contains light brown croutons with a crunchy look, and the top layer is coated with a creamy white dressing that adds a smooth shine across the ingredients. A silver fork with a wooden handle lifts a bite that combines all these layers, with pieces of lettuce, dressing, and croutons clearly visible. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that gives a clean and fresh background to the dish, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add an extra touch of texture and flavor with freshly grated Parmesan scattered on top, or a few more chopped cashews. For those who love a bit of greenery, a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish and complement the miso’s subtle earthiness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dressing pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a full meal, making your salad component feel more elevated and filling. It also complements warm garlic bread or a light vegetable soup wonderfully, turning a simple lunch into a satisfying feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try using the dressing as a dip for crudités or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a flavorful punch. You can even swirl it into a grain bowl with quinoa or farro, adding a creamy component that unites all the elements. This versatility makes Miso Caesar Dressing: A Simple 7-Ingredient Salad Dressing Recipe a kitchen staple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to one week, making it perfect for quick weekday salads or unexpected guests.

Freezing

Because of its emulsified nature and mayonnaise base, freezing this dressing is not recommended. The texture can separate and become grainy upon thawing, which may affect the final flavor experience.

Reheating

This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature. If it thickens too much in the fridge, simply give it a good whisk or stir to bring it back to a creamy consistency before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing vegan?

You can easily swap the mayonnaise for a vegan version and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese in the salad to keep the umami flavor while making it vegan-friendly.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this Miso Caesar Dressing are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your Worcestershire or Dijon mustard labels if you’re adding any variations.

Can I use a different kind of miso paste?

White miso paste is recommended for its mild flavor, but you can try yellow or even red miso if you like a stronger, earthier taste. Just keep in mind it may alter the final flavor slightly.

How long does it take to make this dressing?

This dressing whips up in about 5 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy days when you want something fresh and flavorful in no time.

What should I do if the dressing is too thick?

If your dressing feels too thick, simply add a teaspoon of water or more lemon juice, whisking until you reach the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Miso Caesar Dressing: A Simple 7-Ingredient Salad Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a kitchen hack turned gourmet. Its balance of creamy, tangy, and savory makes it perfect for salads or even as a versatile sauce. I encourage you to try it and see how easily it transforms your meals into something special and memorable. You’re going to love how simple and delightful salad time can be!

Molly

Miso Caesar Dressing: A Simple 7-Ingredient Salad Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need