ClockPlayEmailInstagramLinkSMSTwitterYouTubeWhatsAppXSearchClockRight ArrowArrow DownCaret downCaret upCaret leftCaret rightHamburger MenuPop OutThumbs upThumbs up buySpeechAudio onReplayPlusMinusSad smiley faceNo resultsSwapMoreYour grocery bagSuccessShop Tasty MerchYour Cart (empty)Your CartFacebookPinterestEmailPrintSmsTwitterWhatsappCommentTips Highlights
Skip to Content
MealLunchSaladsHigh-FiberHigh-ProteinUnder 1 HourUnder 45 MinutesFood ProcessorBlenderWeeknightDinnerVegetarianVeganHealthyDairy-FreeNorth American

Vegan Caesar Salad

featured in Classic Caesar Salad vs. Vegan Caesar Salad

The classic Caesar salad has met its match with this vegan version. Mix together kale and romaine for added flavor and texture, toss with an easy cashew-based dressing, and top with homemade pepita Parmesan cheese and crunchy chickpea croutons. Consider this Caesar Salad 2.0.

Betsy Carter & Karlee Rotoly
Tasty Team
Total Time

45 minutes

45 min

Prep Time

20 minutes

20 min

Cook Time

25 minutes

25 min

Vegan Caesar Salad
Total Time

45 minutes

45 min

Prep Time

20 minutes

20 min

Cook Time

25 minutes

25 min

Ingredients

for 4 servings

Vegan Caesar Dressing

  • 4 oz raw cashews (110 g)
  • ¼ cup filtered water (60 mL)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons caper, drained
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground kelp, or nori
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pepita Parm

  • ⅓ cup roasted pepitas (20 g)
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast (25 g)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Crunchy Chickpea Croutons

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and dried
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Assembly

  • 5 oz romaine lettuce (150 g), roughly chopped
  • 5 oz lacinato kale (150 g), cut into 1 in (2.54 cm), massaged
  • kosher salt, to taste

Nutrition Info

  • Calories 543
  • Fat 34g
  • Carbs 42g
  • Fiber 12g
  • Sugar 7g
  • Protein 20g

Estimated values based on one serving size.

Preparation

  1. Make the vegan caesar dressing: In a high-powered blender, combine the cashews, water, garlic, capers, kelp, Dijon mustard, and nutritional yeast. Blend on medium speed until the cashews are mostly broken down and the dressing is starting to become thick, then add the lemon juice and blend on medium-high speed until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. With the blender running on medium speed, stream in the olive oil to emulsify. Add the salt and pepper and pulse to incorporate. The dressing will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  2. Make the pepita parm: In a food processor, pulse together the pepitas and nutritional yeast until broken down to a texture similar to grated Parmesan cheese. Add the olive oil and salt and pulse until the crumbs are moistened and starting to clump together. The pepita parm will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  3. Make the crunchy chickpea croutons: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. On an unlined baking sheet, toss the chickpeas with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until the chickpeas are well coated.
  5. Roast for 18–20 minutes, turning the pan halfway through, until the chickpeas are crispy on the outside and somewhat tender on the inside. The chickpea croutons will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  6. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, season the romaine and kale with a couple of pinches of kosher salt. Drizzle with ⅓ cup of the dressing and toss until well coated. Add up to ⅓ cup more dressing until dressed to your taste. Add half of the chickpea croutons and ¼ cup of the pepita parm and toss to incorporate. Top with the remaining chickpeas and more pepita parm. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
  7. Enjoy!
  8. Don't let a good recipe slip away. Download the Tasty app and save your favorites for easy access.

Related Recipes

Vegan Caesar Salad