Kefir Caesar Dressing

I seem to be experiencing quite a few belated culinary experiences that are novel to me - first brie last week, and then Kefir over the weekend!

My wonderful friend Emily came to stay with us this past weekend, and there is nothing quite like the bliss of being able to chat in person with a close friend until 3AM, knowing yet another grand day of fun awaits you! The three of us took a jaunt to Trader Joe's on Sunday afternoon...

Where we purchased both plain and strawberry 1% Kefir for our own little Kefir-sampling event that evening!

Having heard such wonderful things about this creamy, probiotic-filled beverage all around the food blog world, especially from Gina of The Candid RD, whose opinion I trust entirely on all matters delicious and nutritious, it was truly time for Kefir to cross the threshold of our kitchen. Naturally, we all fell seriously, madly in love with Kefir. Zach was so enthused that he suggested using Kefir as an ingredient in our supper that night... Hmmm... Kefir is tangy... Caesar dressing is tangy... Kefir is healthy... Caesar dressings at restaurants are usually not so healthy... Why not try a healthy Kefir Caesar? (Sounds like a Shakespearean character with an identity crisis...)

I whipped up a Caesar dressing which, yes, does use a bit of light, olive-oil based mayo, but also sings with rather more posh ingredients such as the requisite anchovies, Parmesan, and just enough Kefir to provide a lovely, crisp, tangy flavor. I dare say this is much lighter than purchased Caesar dressings, and we were totally enamored with the decadent-tasting result. I'm also quite confident that vegetarians could easily remove the anchovies and still have a luscious dressing, thanks to the bright flavor of the Kefir. We used our Kefir Caesar to garnish some baked trout crusted with smoked paprika, and I've also been happily dipping baked tempeh in the dressing this week... Naturally, it's perfect over a bowl-full of classic romaine leaves, too! Ah, these are my salad days, indeed...

Kefir Caesar Dressing

1/2 cup light, olive oil based mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 T 1% Kefir
4 T lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp granulated garlic
1 T anchovy paste (optional)

~ In a food processor, blend together all the ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Serve over baked fish, baked tofu, baked tempeh, or drizzled on a salad!