VEGAN CAESAR SALAD
Vegan Caesar Salad is a plant-based version of the classic, featuring crispy romaine lettuce, roasted chickpeas for crunch, and a rich, tangy vegan Caesar dressing. This salad is topped with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour and crunchy croutons, making it both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish, this vegan Caesar salad offers all the familiar flavours of the traditional recipe but with a healthier, cruelty-free twist. It’s quick to prepare, loaded with fibre, and full of flavour, making it a delicious and wholesome meal.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée, Side
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
American, Mediterranean
PREPARATION / TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, roast (for chickpeas), One-Pot Wonders
OCCASION / HOLIDAY
Picnic, Summer, Spring, Quick Lunch, Weeknight Dinner, Family Gathering
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION / DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Healthy, High Fibre, Low Cholesterol, Quick & Easy, Gluten-Free (with gluten-free croutons)
DISH TYPE
Salad, Main Dish, Side Dish
INGREDIENTS FOR VEGAN CAESAR SALAD
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup chickpeas, roasted
- 1 tbsp vegan Caesar dressing
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup croutons
- Salt and pepper to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fibre: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Sugars: 3g
PREPARATION FOR VEGAN CAESAR SALAD
- Roast the Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Lettuce: While the chickpeas roast, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Make the Salad: Add the roasted chickpeas, croutons, and nutritional yeast to the salad bowl with the lettuce.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the vegan Caesar dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently to coat evenly.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crispy texture of the salad.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
20 minutes (for roasting chickpeas)
TIPS FOR VEGAN CAESAR SALAD
- To save time, roast a large batch of chickpeas in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra crunch, toss the croutons with olive oil and toast them in the oven for a few minutes.
- Use a good-quality vegan Caesar dressing for the best flavour, or make your own using cashews and nutritional yeast.
VARIATIONS
- Add grilled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
- Use gluten-free croutons or substitute with roasted nuts or seeds for a gluten-free version.
- Include avocado slices or cherry tomatoes for added texture and creaminess.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the chickpeas before roasting for a spicy kick.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store any leftover salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the dressing right before serving to keep the lettuce from becoming soggy.
- Freezer: Freezing the salad is not recommended due to the high water content of the lettuce, which can cause it to wilt upon thawing.