Salad dressing, caesar, fat-free
FDC 171045tbsp (1 NLEA serving) (34 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 4 · -18 vs Fats & oils medianFat-free caesar dressing scores 4 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band placement that ranks 58th of 60 in the Fats & oils category, an unusual result for a dressing without fat since its calories come mainly from carbohydrate rather than any standout vitamin or mineral.
Made to mimic the tang of traditional caesar dressing without the oil, it's drizzled over salads or used as a dip, with a tablespoon (34 g, one NLEA serving) delivering the flavor punch. To make up for the missing fat, it leans on salt, running high in sodium at 1260 mg per 100 g, so it's worth checking the label if sodium is a concern.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around salad dressing, caesar, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 131 kcal | 7% |
| Total fat | 0.23 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 1 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1260 mg | 55% |
| Carbohydrate | 31 g | 11% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Sugars | 8.8 g | |
| Protein | 1.5 g | 3% |
| Potassium | 48 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 33 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.29 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 4 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 1 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.02 mg | 0% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal | 2% |
| Total fat | 0.08 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.03 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0.34 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 428 mg | 19% |
| Carbohydrate | 10 g | 4% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.07 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 3 g | |
| Protein | 0.5 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 16 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 11 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 1.4 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.03 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0.34 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.01 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171045Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the fats & oils median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
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In the kitchen and how to use it
Fat-free caesar dressing is a reformulated version of the classic creamy caesar, made by replacing the oil and egg-based emulsion with water, starches and gums to thicken it while keeping the garlic, anchovy, parmesan and black pepper flavors of the original. It's used the same way as regular caesar dressing, tossed with romaine lettuce and croutons for a caesar salad, or used as a dip for raw vegetables and a spread for wraps and sandwiches. It also works as a marinade base for grilled chicken, since the garlic and anchovy flavors hold up well against heat.
A tablespoon serving is 34 grams, and per 100 grams the dressing has 131 calories with 30.7 grams of carbohydrate and 8.82 grams of sugar, both higher than a traditional oil-based caesar dressing since starches and sugar are used to replace the mouthfeel that fat normally provides. Fat itself is negligible at 0.23 grams per 100 grams, and it carries 1.47 grams of protein per 100 grams. It does carry 1260 mg of sodium per 100 grams from the anchovy, parmesan and seasoning, so it's worth using in a measured pour rather than a heavy drizzle. Refrigerate after opening and use by the date on the bottle.
Frequently asked questions about salad dressing, caesar
Is fat-free caesar dressing actually fat-free?
It's very low in fat at 0.23 grams per 100 grams, with starches and gums used instead of oil to create a creamy texture.
What is fat-free caesar dressing used for?
It's tossed with romaine lettuce and croutons for a caesar salad, or used as a dip or sandwich spread.
How much sodium is in fat-free caesar dressing?
It contains 1260 mg of sodium per 100 grams.