The Ultimate Vegan Caesar Salad: Crunchy, Creamy, and Completely Irresistible
A Classic Reinvented
Description
This Vegan Caesar Salad is a plant-based twist on the classic favorite. Featuring crisp romaine, a rich and tangy cashew-based Caesar dressing, and crunchy roasted chickpeas instead of croutons, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
1/4 cup vegan Parmesan (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Crispy Chickpeas:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cashew Caesar Dressing:
1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours or boiled for 10 minutes
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp capers
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Chickpeas
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel, removing as much moisture as possible.
In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
Blend all dressing ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice for tanginess or water to thin.
Set aside or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, toss chopped romaine with the Caesar dressing.
Add the cherry tomatoes, avocado slices (if using), and vegan Parmesan.
Top with crispy chickpeas for crunch.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~320
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 35g
Fiber: 7g
Healthy Fats: 16g
When I first went vegan, one of the things I missed most was a good Caesar salad. That creamy, tangy dressing combined with crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons was a staple in my pre-vegan days. Most traditional Caesar dressings rely on anchovies, egg yolks, and Parmesan cheese, but after much experimenting, I created a cashew-based dressing that perfectly mimics the rich, umami-packed flavors of the original. And instead of croutons, I use crispy roasted chickpeas for a high-protein crunch. Trust me—this version will win over even the most skeptical salad lovers!
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below how it turned out, and don’t forget to share it with your fellow salad lovers!
The Importance of Each Ingredient
The Salad Base
Romaine Lettuce – Provides crispness and a refreshing bite that balances the rich dressing.
Cherry Tomatoes – Adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color, complementing the savory elements.
Vegan Parmesan – Enhances umami depth and contributes to the cheesy flavor without dairy.
Avocado – Offers a creamy texture and healthy fats that add richness and balance.
The Crunch Factor
Chickpeas – A high-protein, fiber-rich alternative to croutons, providing a satisfying crunch.
Olive Oil – Helps the chickpeas roast to a golden, crispy texture while adding healthy fats.
Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika – Infuses the chickpeas with smoky and savory notes.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing the flavors.
The Creamy Dressing
Raw Cashews – Creates the luxurious creamy base, replacing traditional dairy-based dressing.
Lemon Juice – Adds the tangy brightness that mimics the classic Caesar dressing taste.
Dijon Mustard – Provides a slight kick and complexity.
Capers – A plant-based alternative to anchovies, bringing a salty, briny depth.
Nutritional Yeast – Delivers a cheesy, umami-packed note without dairy.
Vegan Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a mild sweetness and deep, balanced flavor.
Garlic – The signature bold, garlicky essence that defines Caesar dressing.
Salt & Black Pepper – Completes the dressing by rounding out all the flavor
Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Caesar Salad
Extra Crispy Chickpeas: Let the chickpeas cool completely before storing so they stay crunchy.
Make-Ahead Dressing: This dressing thickens in the fridge, so stir in a little water before serving if needed.
Homemade Vegan Parmesan: Mix 1/4 cup cashews, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor for a quick DIY version.
Why this is the Best Recipe:
This Vegan Caesar Salad is not just a substitute for the classic—it’s an upgrade. The combination of fresh, crunchy romaine, a rich, tangy dressing, and crispy chickpeas creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just trying to eat more plant-based meals, this salad is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
100% Plant-Based – No dairy, eggs, or anchovies needed!
Protein-Packed – Chickpeas provide a crunchy, nutritious boost.
Creamy & Flavorful – Cashews blend into a luscious, tangy dressing.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Perfect for Meal Prep – The dressing and chickpeas can be made in advance
The Ultimate Vegan Caesar Salad: Crunchy, Creamy, and Completely Irresistible
Author: Purely Plant Plate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
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Purely Plant Plates – A Nourishing Food Blog
Purely Plant Plates is a comprehensive food blog dedicated to plant-based living, offering a wealth of delicious and nutritious vegan recipes, expert baking tips, and in-depth nutritional insights. Whether you're a long-time vegan, exploring plant-based eating for the first time, or simply looking to incorporate more wholesome, animal-free meals into your diet, this blog is your go-to resource for all things vegan cooking.
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