Looking to add a fresh, healthy, and delicious dish to your meal rotation? This creamy Vegan Caesar Salad recipe with garlic-roasted crispy chickpeas is a game-changer. Packed with nutrients, easy to make, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking to try something new, this salad is sure to impress.
If you’re looking for more plant-based chickpea recipes, feel free to explore my full collection of vegan chickpea recipes here.
The Tradition Behind Non-Vegan Caesar Salad: Why It’s Not Plant-Based
Caesar salad is a classic and beloved dish, but unfortunately, it’s not vegan. The traditional recipe includes ingredients like anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolk, which are all animal-derived products. These ingredients give the salad its unique flavor and texture, but they also make it unsuitable for those following a vegan diet.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to create a vegan version of Caesar salad that is just as delicious and satisfying as the original. With plant-based alternatives like capers, nutritional yeast, and creamy tahini dressing, you can create a salad that is both delicious and dairy-free.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Kale
- A nutritional powerhouse, kale is the star of this salad. If kale isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with romaine lettuce or spinach.
Tahini
- This creamy sesame paste is a great base for the dressing. If you don’t have tahini, you can use almond butter or cashew butter.
Garlic
- Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the dressing. You can also use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
Lemon Juice
- Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dressing. In a bind, you can substitute with lime juice or apple cider vinegar.
Dijon Mustard
- Adds a tangy kick to the dressing. Yellow mustard or stone-ground mustard can also work.
Capers and Caper Brine
- These provide a salty, briny flavor that’s key to a classic Caesar dressing. You can use finely chopped olives if you don’t have capers.
Chickpeas
- These make for fantastic, protein-packed croutons. You can also use white beans or tofu cubes as alternatives.
If you are a fan of chickpeas be sure to check out my 15 Chickpea Recipes that are Easy and Delicious here.
Italian Seasoning
- Adds a burst of flavor to the chickpea croutons. Feel free to mix your own blend of oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have a pre-made mix.
Garlic Powder
- Enhances the flavor of the croutons. Onion powder can also be a good substitute.
Optional Toppings
- Vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor. Bread croutons can provide additional crunch if desired.
Helpful Tools for Making This Dairy Free Caesar Salad
To make this recipe, having the right tools can make all the difference:
- Mason Jar: Perfect for shaking up the dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Blender: Alternatively, use a blender for a smoother dressing.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing the salad.
- Pan: For cooking the chickpea croutons to perfection.
How To Make This Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe
Preparing the Dressing
- Add all dressing ingredients into a measuring cup deep bowl or mason jar.
- Stir in the measuring cup/bowl or put on the lid and shake until ingredients are well combined.
- If the dressing is too thick, add water 1 tbsp at a time to adjust the consistency. You can use a blender instead of shaking or whisking the dressing if desired.
- Set aside in the fridge.
Making the Chickpea Croutons For This Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe
- Add the chickpeas to a pan on medium heat with olive oil.
- Cook until they are lightly browned and crisp, about 5-6 minutes.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked, reduce heat and add garlic powder, salt to taste, and 1 tbsp Italian seasoning.
- Mix them up and set aside.
Salad Preparation
- Wash kale, remove the stems, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Massage the kale for a minute or two with a little olive oil or lemon juice to remove the bitterness. Alternatively, you can massage the Caesar dressing into the kale.
- Add to a large mixing bowl and pour on the vegan Caesar dressing.
- Toss the salad and top with your chickpea “croutons”, bread croutons, and sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese.
- Serve and enjoy!
Why I Love This Healthy Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe
I adore this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make, well-balanced, and crafted with wholesome, nutritious ingredients. Being 100% vegan, it’s free from eggs and dairy, making it a fantastic option for anyone seeking a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional Caesar salad.
This salad is not only vegan but also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that’s both tasty and nutritious. Pair it with my Vegan Gnocchi Puttanesca or Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips & Tricks
Massaging the Kale: This step is crucial for making the kale tender and easy to eat. Massage the kale with a little olive oil and lemon juice before adding the dressing. This softens the kale and reduces its bitterness, significantly enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the salad.
Adjusting Dressing Consistency: If your dressing is too thick, add cold water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This ensures the dressing coats the kale evenly without being too heavy.
Vegan Parmesan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast: If you don’t have nutritional yeast on hand, you can use vegan parmesan cheese instead. Both options add a delicious, cheesy flavor to the salad.
Extra Flavor Boost: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives to the salad. These additions provide a tangy, savory kick that complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
Quick Chickpea Croutons: If you’re short on time, you can use a bag of pre-roasted chickpeas instead of roasting them yourself. This shortcut saves time while still giving you that delightful crunch.
Adding Extra Crunch: For an additional layer of crunch, add bread croutons or toasted nuts to your salad. This extra texture makes the salad more satisfying and enjoyable.
FAQ: Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe
Yes, you can make substitutions in this kale caesar salad recipe. For example, you can use a different type of lettuce instead of kale, or use a different type of nut instead of cashews. However, keep in mind that making substitutions may alter the flavor and texture of the dish.
Yes, you can make this kale caesar salad in advance. However, it is recommended to store the dressing separately and add it to the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
If you’re short on time, you can use a bag of pre-roasted chickpeas instead of roasting them.
To make this salad more filling, you can add protein sources such as grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve the salad with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
This healthy vegan kale caesar dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 days. Leftover Caesar salad can also be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The crispy chickpeas can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Kale Salad
- 1 bunch Kale (about 5 cups, chopped)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or lemon juice for massaging
Dressing
- ¼ cup Tahini
- 1-2 cloves Minced Garlic
- 2-3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (juice of ½ a large lemon)
- ½ tsp Dijon Mustard
- Cold Water to adjust the consistency
- 1 tsp capers, finely chopped into a paste
- 1 tsp caper brine
- Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper to taste
Chickpea "Croutons"
- ½ can Chickpeas, rinsed and drained (to make this more filling, use the whole 19oz can)
- 1-2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Pinch of Salt
Optional Toppings
- Vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- Bread Croutons
Instructions
Dressing
- Add all dressing ingredients into a mason jar. Put on the lid and shake until ingredients are well combined.
- If the dressing is too thick, add water 1 tbsp at a time to adjust the consistency. (use a blender instead of shaking or whisking the dressing if desired) Set aside in the fridge.
Chickpea Croutons
- Add the chickpeas to a pan on medium heat with olive oil. Cook until they are lightly browned and crisp. This should take about 5-6 mins.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked reduce heat and add, garlic powder, salt to taste, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning. Mix them up and set aside.
Salad Prep
- Wash kale, remove the stems and chop into bite sized pieces. Massage the kale for a minute or two with a little olive oil or lemon juice to remove the bitterness. (Or you can do what I do and just massage the caesar dressing into the kale)
- Add to a large mixing bowl and pour on the vegan Caesar dressing.
- Toss the salad and top with your chickpea "croutons", bread croutons, and sprinkle with vegan Parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Chickpea Croutons: These don’t store well, so it’s best to make them fresh. To save time, you can use a bag of pre-roasted crispy garlic chickpeas.
- Enhancing Caesar Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of capers and 1/2 teaspoon of caper brine to give the dressing a more authentic Caesar flavor. Capers are a fantastic vegan substitute for anchovy paste.
- Cheesy Toppings: Vegan parmesan cheese tastes wonderful in this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, nutritional yeast is an excellent substitute.
Nutrition
Conclusion: Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe
This Vegan Caesar Salad recipe is not only healthy and delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With its creamy, flavorful dressing, crunchy chickpea croutons, and nutrient-packed kale, it’s a salad that will leave you satisfied and coming back for more. Try it out and see how this plant-based twist on a classic Caesar salad can become a favorite in your household.
I love this vegan Caesar!! So good thank you
So happy you loved it and you’re very welcome 😀
Loved this vegan kale Caesar salad!! I put mine into a wrap and grilled it! Turned out SO amazing 🤩
Hi Caitlyn, thank you so much for trying out this recipe! My husband also always requests this in a wrap!
The flavour of this was AMAZING, one of the best plant based Caesar dressings I have tried. This page is book marked! Excited to show this one to my friends
wow thank you SO much for your kind words! I’m so happy you loved this recipe and thank you so much for sharing it with a friend. It means the world to me!
So tasty!! Best vegan ceaser the dressing is amazing I used it on a romain lettuce 🥬 I will be making this again.
yummm it’s so good on romaine with some croutons! So happy you loved it 🙂
Creamy delicious 🤤 11/10
SO happy you loved this tahini caeser! TY!