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    Home » Vegan Recipes

    Vegan Caesar Salad

    Published Jan 19, 2021 · Updated Jul 10, 2021 · 9 Comments

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    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. See my disclosure policy.

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Healthy vegan Caesar salad with crispy spiced chickpeas, dairy-free parmesan, and creamy vegan cashew dressing is a crunchy, flavorful, and light dish for lunch or dinner.

    A bowl of caesar salad
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Storage
    • Substitutions & Swaps
    • Video
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    I love coming up with healthy salad recipes that aren't totally boring. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a basic chopped salad with a simple oil and vinegar dressing, but sometimes you just need...more! More crunch, more flavor, more creaminess, more texture. And definitely more protein to make it a meal.

    That's why this Caesar salad recipe is one of my favorites. Every bite is complete with crunchy homemade croutons, delicious spiced chickpeas, super creamy caesar dressing, and "parmesan cheese".

    A person drizzling dressing on a Caesar salad

    Ingredients

    This is a classic Caesar recipe with a plant-based twist to make smooth cashew-based dressing. The result is every bit as flavorful, creamy, and addicting as regular Caesar dressing. I think you'll love it as much as I do. Reminder: You can find the printable, detailed recipe in the recipe card below.

    Bowl of vegan caesar salad topped with croutons.
    • Romaine lettuce. This is a must-have for crunch, fresh Caesar. Chop it into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
    • Chickpeas. This is how I love to add extra crunch and protein to my Caesar salad to make it a vegan meal.
    • Garlic powder. Adds just the right amount of savory flavor to crispy spiced chickpeas.
    • Dried parsley. This is the key to adding a fresh, herby flavor to your chickpeas.
    • Cashews. You'll need these to make your own quick and easy vegan parmesan. You can also use store-bought parmesan. My favorite is by Follow Your Heart.
    • Nutritional yeast. A go-to flavor enhancer to add nutty, cheesy flavor without any dairy.
    • Garlic croutons. Because no Caesar salad is complete without plenty of crunchy croutons!
    • Vegan caesar salad dressing. This is what really brings your salad to life!

    Storage

    After dressing, the salad should be enjoyed right away. You can store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

    Keep the croutons and crispy chickpeas in an airtight container on the counter for up to one week. If they lose any of their crispiness, dry them ut in a 350°F oven until they're crunchy again.

    Substitutions & Swaps

    • Gluten-free. Substitute gluten-free bread or pre-made croutons.
    • Other proteins. Use Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu, tempeh, or seitan for another plant-based protein option.

    Video

    Did you enjoy this recipe? Please leave a comment and a ⭐ star review below!

    Looking for more easy, healthy lunch ideas? Try these rainbow hummus wraps next!

    Recipe

    A bowl of caesar salad

    Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe

    Vegan Caesar salad made with chickpeas, croutons, and a homemade creamy Caesar dressing! 
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Author: Karissa Besaw
    Prep Time: 20 mins
    Cook Time: 5 mins
    Total Time: 25 mins
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 183kcal

    Ingredients

    Spiced Chickpeas

    • 1-2 teaspoons oil - - ex. grape seed or olive oil
    • ⅓ cup chickpeas
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
    • pepper to taste

    Vegan Parmesan

    • ¼ cup cashews
    • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

    Caesar Salad

    • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
    • garlic croutons
    • vegan caesar salad dressing
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Spiced chickpeas: Add oil and chickpeas to a skillet. Mix in salt, garlic powder, parsley, and pepper. Heat on medium until warm and browned, about 5 minutes.
    • Vegan Parmesan: Blend together cashews and nutritional yeast until it becomes the texture of traditional parmesan cheese. A spice grinder is perfect for this, but a regular blender or food processor will also work.
    • In a bowl, toss the chickpeas, vegan parmesan, and romaine lettuce with the croutons and the amount of salad dressing you prefer. Add more vegan parmesan on top if you wish! This recipe makes 2 big salads or about 4 if served as a side salad.

    Notes

    *Prep time includes making croutons and dressing.
    Nutrition facts do not include croutons or Caesar dressing - please see the individual recipes for those nutrition facts.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 8187IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3mg
    did you make this recipe?please leave a star review and a comment below!

    More Yummy Vegan Salads:

    • Chopped Salad with Cashew Bacon Bits
    • Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
    • Apple Lentil Salad
    • Kale & Cranberry Quinoa Salad

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    About Karissa

    Hey! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen. Read more...

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    hey there!

    Welcome to Karissa's Vegan Kitchen! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen.

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