This Vegan Caesar Salad is a plant-based twist on the classic, featuring crisp Romaine lettuce, a creamy homemade dressing, and seasoned croutons or chickpeas for extra protein. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes and makes for a satisfying side or light lunch. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Caesar salads or new to plant-based meals, this version is sure to please!

Vegan Caesar Salad with Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Caesar Salad captures all the bold flavors of the original, without the dairy. The creamy, tangy dressing is made from soaked cashews, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, creating a rich texture. Paired with crispy chickpeas or crunchy homemade croutons, it offers the perfect balance of fresh vegetables and indulgent creaminess. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

1 head Romaine lettuce
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup red onion, chopped
½ can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ loaf crusty bread, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Vegan Caesar Dressing:

½ cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
½ cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic
¼ cup red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon capers
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)

Directions

Make the dressing:
In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped capers, salt, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Place in an airtight container in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Prepare the croutons:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Tear the crusty bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Assemble the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the Romaine lettuce with chopped parsley, red onion, chickpeas, and the crispy croutons.
Drizzle the chilled Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or chives, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 3 side dishes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

Greens: Mix Romaine lettuce with kale, arugula, or butter lettuce for a variety of textures.
More Veggies: Add tomatoes, cabbage, or other crunchy vegetables for added freshness.
Protein: Add roasted chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a protein boost.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Keep the salad and dressing separate to maintain freshness. The salad ingredients can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it’s best to assemble the salad fresh.
Reheating: The salad is best served fresh, but you can reheat the croutons or chickpeas in the oven if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dressing in advance?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just shake or stir before serving.

2. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free bread for the croutons or skip them entirely and substitute with gluten-free chickpeas for crunch.

3. Can I use other nuts instead of cashews for the dressing?

You can use almonds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts instead of cashews, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado for extra flavor and crunch.

5. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.

6. Can I make this salad without the chickpeas?

Yes, you can skip the chickpeas or replace them with other protein options like tofu, tempeh, or even grilled vegetables.

7. Can I use store-bought croutons?

Yes, you can use store-bought croutons, but homemade croutons are much fresher and offer a great crunch.

8. Can I prepare this salad the night before?

It’s best to store the dressing and salad ingredients separately if preparing in advance. The croutons should be stored in a separate container to keep their crunch.

9. How can I thicken the dressing if it’s too runny?

You can add more cashews to the dressing and blend again, or use less water to achieve your desired thickness.

10. How can I make this salad more filling?

Add extra protein, such as chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh, or even grains like quinoa or couscous to make it more filling.

Conclusion

This Vegan Caesar Salad is a lighter yet equally satisfying version of the classic, with a creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and fresh vegetables. It’s quick, easy, and perfect as a side or a light lunch. With its rich flavors and customizable options, this salad will soon become a favorite in your plant-based meal rotation. Enjoy!