The Ultimate Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe with Garlic-Roasted Chickpeas

Try out this delicious and nutritious vegan caesar salad recipe that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free. If you’re a fan of kale, you’ll love this plant based Caesar salad recipe. It’s perfect as a main course or appetizer for any meal.

Making a vegan kale Caesar salad is simple and easy. All you need are a few basic ingredients. Such as kale, tahini, garlic chickpeas, and a mason jar to make the dressing. You can also add any other veggies you prefer and switch out the garlic chickpea crisps for traditional bread croutons if you prefer. For the dressing, you can find a link to my vegan Creamy, Delicious, & Easy Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe.

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 healthy and animal-friendly. So, whether you’re vegan or just looking to switch up your salad game, a plant-based Caesar salad is definitely worth a try!

Uncovering the Fascinating History of the Beloved Caesar Salad: From Tijuana to Your Plate

Legend has it that the Caesar salad was born in a surprising location – Mexico! Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini allegedly invented the recipe by chance at his Tijuana restaurant, although his brother Alex claims they created it together beforehand. Regardless of who deserves the credit, the original Caesar’s Restaurant Bar still stands and the iconic salad features classic ingredients: crisp romaine, tangy lemon, salty parmesan, and, of course, a crunchy crouton. Today, this beloved salad has evolved into many forms, including our own inspired, plant-based version featuring a zesty, garlicky dressing.

Ingredients & Substitutions: What Is In A Healthy Vegan Caesar Salad?

Vegan Kale Caesar salad is a simple recipe that can be easily modified to fit your tastes. I love adding avocado for extra creaminess. Of course, you can switch out the garlic chickpea crisps for traditional bread croutons. Instead of Kale, you can also use romaine lettuce.

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a delicious and healthy vegan caesar salad:

• 1 bunch of fresh kale
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 4 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 cup of tahini
• 1/4 cup of cold water
• 1 teaspoon of capers and 1/2 teaspoon of caper brine (optional, but highly recommended – see notes)
• 1/2 can of chickpeas (540 mL or 19 fl oz)
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning

Get ready to transform these simple ingredients into a delicious and nutritious salad!

Helpful Tools

To make this healthy plant based Caesar Salad recipe, you don’t need any fancy equipment. Just some basic kitchen tools that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Frying Pan: You’ll need a frying pan to toast the chickpeas and croutons for added crunch and texture.
• Mason Jar: A Mason jar is perfect for mixing together the Caesar dressing ingredients. Simply add all the ingredients into the jar, screw on the lid, and shake it up until the dressing is well combined.
• Measuring Cups: You’ll need measuring cups to accurately measure out the ingredients for the dressing and croutons.
• Large Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the salad ingredients together. It’s important to use a large bowl to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the delicious dressing.

With these simple kitchen tools, you’ll be able to whip up this delicious and nutritious salad in no time.

How To Make This Vegan Caesar Salad

To start, whip up the dressing by combining all ingredients in the mason jar and shaking it up. If it’s too thick, add some water to thin it out. For the chickpea “croutons,” cook them in a frying pan with olive oil until they’re slightly crispy and seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Prepare the kale by washing, de-stemming, and chopping into bite-sized pieces. Massage with olive oil or lemon juice to reduce bitterness, then toss with dressing, vegan bacon bits, and chickpea croutons. Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan and enjoy a delicious and healthy vegan Caesar salad!

Why I Love This Healthy Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe!

I love this recipe because it’s super easy to make, well-balanced, and made with healthy whole foods. The fact that it’s 100% vegan (egg-free) and dairy-free makes it a great option for those looking for a healthy and delicious Caesar salad alternative.

So, give it a try and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free. Serve it as an appetizer, a side salad with dinner, or even a lunch!

Tips & Tricks For This Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe

• To make sure the kale is tender and easy to eat, massage it with a little bit of olive oil and lemon juice before adding the dressing.
• If you don’t have nutritional yeast on hand, you can use vegan parmesan cheese instead.
• For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives to the salad.
• If you’re short on time, you can use a bag of pre-roasted chickpeas instead of roasting them.

FAQ: Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe

Conclusion: Healthy Vegan Kale Caesar Salad

Looking for a healthy twist on a classic Caesar salad? Try our vegan version, made with crisp kale, a zesty garlic dressing, and plant-based parmesan. This plant-powered salad is packed with nutrients and free from animal products, making it a healthy and ethical choice for any meal. Give this healthy vegan Caesar salad a try and taste the difference for yourself!