Vegan Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons: Simple, Dairy-Free Recipe

Simple, quick, healthy, and completely dairy-free. Enjoy this vegan Caesar salad for lunch or dinner.

Serves three

Ingredients for Vegan Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons

Base

• 1 bag romaine lettuce
• 1 avocado
• Almond parmesan

Chickpea Croutons

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Generous pinch of mineral salt

Caesar Dressing

• ¾ cup cashew nuts
• ½ cup water
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp capers
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• Generous pinch of mineral salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Chickpea Croutons: Rinse the chickpeas and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel, removing any loose skins. Spread on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, then toss to coat. Place the garlic cloves for the dressing among the chickpeas. Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.

Caesar Dressing: Soak the cashews in hot (not boiling) water for 5 minutes, then drain. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, roasted garlic cloves, capers, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy and smooth.

Chop the romaine lettuce and place in a large bowl. Toss with desired amount of dressing, then top with chickpea croutons, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of almond parmesan. Got extra avocado? Freeze it for later!

Enjoy your meal!

Also try our Caesar brunch bread recipe.