This Miso Caesar Dressing is made with Kefir and is a bold, creamy, tangy twist on the classic Caesar—packed with umami from white miso and richness from Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil.
The kefir adds probiotic benefits and a light, pourable texture that blends beautifully with the miso for a flavor that’s savory, bright, and restaurant-worthy.
With just a few everyday ingredients, you can whip up a velvety, nutrient-rich dressing that works on salads (like my Miso Caesar Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crispy Prosciutto), grain bowls, roasted vegetables, chicken, and more. Ready in minutes, this dressing gets even better as it chills, making it perfect for weekly meal prep.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Kefir – Adds tang, probiotics, and a pourable texture.
- Greek yogurt – Optional but recommended for extra creaminess and body.
- White miso paste – Mild, slightly sweet, and full of savory umami.
- Garlic – Freshly grated for the best Caesar punch.
- Lemon juice – Brightens and balances the creamy dressing.
- Dijon mustard – Helps emulsify and adds subtle heat.
- Parmesan cheese – Classic Caesar flavor with salty richness.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory depth and complexity.
- Black pepper – Fresh cracked for maximum flavor.
- Olive oil – Rounds out the dressing with silky richness.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Miso Caesar: Add a little Calabrian chili, sriracha, or crushed red pepper.
- Extra Creamy: Increase Greek yogurt to ½ cup and reduce kefir slightly.
- Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened dairy-free yogurt,
- Anchovy Boosted: Add ½–1 tsp anchovy paste for a more traditional Caesar profile.
- Herby: Blend in fresh basil, chives, or parsley.
- Thicker Dip Version: Reduce kefir by half and add more yogurt.
Pro Tips
- Chill the dressing at least 20–30 minutes before serving to help it thicken.
- Use cold ingredients—yogurt, kefir, and lemon juice—as it helps with emulsification.
- Grate garlic finely or use a microplane for a smooth, well-blended dressing.
- Add Parmesan at the end if mixing by hand to avoid clumping.
- Adjust consistency by adding more kefir (thinner) or yogurt (thicker).
- Store in a jar with a tight lid and shake well before each use.
Can I Substitute?
Yes! Like always though, any substitutions made to the recipe can result in a change in texture and/or flavor.
- Dairy-Free
- Replace kefir with unsweetened dairy-free yogurt + water.
- Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Choose vegan Worcestershire sauce.
- Gluten-Free
- Dressing is naturally gluten-free—verify the Worcestershire brand.
- Low-Sodium
- Reduce or omit Parmesan.
- Use low-sodium miso if available.
- Egg-Free
- This recipe is naturally egg-free—no raw egg like traditional Caesar.
- Kefir: if you don’t have kefir or can’t find it, use one of these easy swaps:
- Buttermilk – The closest match in tang and texture. Use ½ cup.
- Greek yogurt and water or milk – Mix ½ cup Greek yogurt with 2–3 tablespoons water or milk to thin it.
- Plain yogurt – Use ½ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt as a mild, creamy substitute.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in a sealed jar for 4–5 days.
- Thickens as it chills: Add a splash of kefir or water to thin if needed.
- Do not freeze: Freezing will separate dairy and miso.
- Shake before using: Miso and Parmesan naturally settle.
But, I Still Have A Few Questions…
What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that’s similar to yogurt but thinner, tangier, and higher in probiotics. Its pourable texture makes it ideal for creamy dressings.
What is miso?
Miso is a Japanese fermented soybean paste that adds salty, savory, umami flavor. White miso is the mildest and works best in dressings.
Can I make this dressing without kefir?
Yes. Use buttermilk, plain yogurt, or Greek yogurt mixed with a little water as an easy substitute (see instructions above).
Can I make this dressing without a blender?
Yes. This dressing comes together easily by hand—no blender needed. Add the kefir, Greek yogurt, miso, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire to a bowl or jar and whisk until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan and black pepper, then drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to help everything emulsify. Chill the dressing for 20–30 minutes to thicken.
How long does the dressing last?
This dressing keeps in the refrigerator for 4–5 days in an airtight jar. It thickens as it chills, so add a splash of water or kefir if needed.
How do I make the dressing thicker?
Add more Greek yogurt or reduce the amount of kefir for a richer, thicker consistency.
How do I make the dressing thinner?
Add a little more kefir or water to loosen the dressing.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the Worcestershire sauce you use is certified gluten-free.
Does this dressing contain eggs?
No. This recipe is completely egg-free and safe for those avoiding raw eggs.
What can I use this dressing on?
It’s great on salads (like my Miso Caesar Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crispy Prosciutto), grain bowls, roasted vegetables, chicken, fish, sandwiches, and as a dip for raw veggies.
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Let’s engage!
Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂
Miso Caesar Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup Kefir low-fat plain, unsweetened
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt optional, for creaminess
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 small garlic clove grated
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, jar, or small food processor, combine the kefir, Greek yogurt, miso paste, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire. Whisk or blend until smooth.
- If using a food processor, add the Parmesan and pepper directly. If mixing by hand, stir them in after blending.
- Add the olive oil and whisk or pulse again until fully incorporated.
- Chill the dressing for 20–30 minutes to help it thicken and allow the flavors to develop.
- Taste and adjust consistency or seasoning as needed before serving.
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Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.