This Vegan Caesar Salad is almost identical to a traditional Caesar Salad but with a plant-based twist. This salad combines romaine lettuce, tahini, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for a simple yet flavorful base. The homemade creamy Caesar dressing adds an intense richness to the salad. Additionally, this easy salad recipe is perfect for any occasion: This versatile vegan caesar salad recipe is a perfect light lunch, healthy snack, or side dish. It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks and gatherings.
History of Caesar Salad
While some believe the Caesar salad hails from Mexico or America, it likely originated in 1924. Italian chef Cesare Cardini, working in a Tijuana restaurant, assembled simple ingredients to create this iconic dish. He named the salad after himself, and it quickly became a popular menu item.
How to Make Vegan Caesar Salad
First, whip up the creamy dressing. Blend tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, and paprika until smooth. Drizzle in olive oil, then season to taste.
Toss chopped romaine with the dressing. Sprinkle on crumbled tempeh(if using) for a savory bite, then add crunchy croutons and parmesan for the finishing touches.
Once everything is combined, toss the salad with croutons and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Add Crispy Tempeh for savory bites: Crumbled tempeh adds a satisfying crunch and protein boost to the salad. Marinate it in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes before baking or pan-frying for optimal flavor and crispness.
- Homemade croutons for the perfect crunch: Opt for homemade vegan croutons to ensure perfect texture and control over ingredients. You can also use store-bought gluten-free croutons for convenience.
- Customizable toppings: Customize your salad with additional toppings like chopped red onion, sliced avocado, or fresh herbs for a personalized touch.
- Vegan parmesan cheese from scratch: Make your own vegan parmesan cheese by blending together ½ cup raw cashews, ¼ cup nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt and garlic powder until finely ground.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like my Garlic Jalapeño Hummus or my Savory Oven Roasted Chickpeas.
Vegan Caesar Salad
Ingredients
The dressing:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
The salad:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped
- ½ cup croutons use store-bought or homemade vegan croutons
- ¼ cup vegan Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled tempeh optional
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the dressing is emulsified and desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the dressing. Top with the vegan Parmesan cheese, croutons, and crumbled tempeh(if using). Serve immediately.
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