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Post by: Angela Tucker
Recipe from: Ohsheglows.com

I have loved this recipe for a long time, but I was recently reminded of it when an amazing colleague made it for a work function. I have also made this recipe for work pot lucks, and it is always a great success! My favourite thing about this recipe? It uses roasted chickpeas instead of croutons! What an interesting idea for enjoying more pulses! At said work function, many people who normally wouldn’t touch chickpeas actually tried some! This recipe also includes other nutritional powerhouses such as hemp hearts, kale and cashews.

This salad would be perfect for a summer BBQ or pot luck to suit many dietary needs, as it is vegan (therefore meat-free, egg-free and dairy-free) and gluten free. This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days so it can be made in advance, and the ingredients are also easy to find at most grocery stores

Vegan Caesar Salad

Makes: 5-6 small bowls
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Roasted Chickpea Croutons:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (or 1 1/2 cups cooked), drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Caesar Dressing (makes 3/4-1 cup):

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 small garlic clove (you can add another if you like it super potent)
  • 1/2 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce (I use Wizard’s gluten-free brand)
  • 2 teaspoons capers
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt and pepper, or to taste

For the Nut and Seed Parmesan Cheese:

  • 1/3 cup raw cashews
  • 2 tablespoons hulled hemp seeds
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • fine grain sea salt, to taste

For the lettuce:

  • 1 small/medium bunch lacinato kale, destemmed (5 cups chopped)
  • 2 small heads romaine lettuce (10 cups chopped)

Directions:

  1. Soak cashews in a bowl of water overnight, or for at least a few hours. Drain and rinse.
  2. Roast chickpea croutons: Preheat oven to 400°F. Drain and rinse chickpeas. Place chickpeas in a tea towel and rub dry (it’s okay if some skins fall off). Place onto large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle on oil and roll around to coat. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, salt, and optional cayenne. Toss to coat. Roast for 20 minutes at 400°F, then gently roll the chickpeas around in the baking sheet. Roast for another 10 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden. They will firm up as they cool.
  3. Prepare the dressing: Add the cashews and all other dressing ingredients (except salt) into a high-speed blender, and blend on high until the dressing is super smooth. You can add a splash of water if necessary to get it blending. Add salt to taste and adjust other seasonings, if desired. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the Parmesan cheese: Add cashews and garlic into a mini food processor and process until finely chopped. Now add in the rest of the ingredients and pulse until the mixture is combined. Salt to taste.
  5. Prepare the lettuce: Destem the kale and then finely chop the leaves. Wash and dry in a salad spinner. Place into extra large bowl. Chop up the romaine into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and then spin dry. Place into bowl along with kale. You should have roughly 5 cups chopped kale and 10 cups chopped romaine.
  6. Assemble: Add dressing onto lettuce and toss until fully coated. Season with a pinch of salt and mix again. Now sprinkle on the roasted chickpeas and the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Be sure to check the label to ensure your Worcestershire Sauce is gluten-free (if necessary) as not many are. I use Wizard`s Gluten-Free Organic Worcestershire Sauce.
  • The dressing thickens when chilled, so be sure to leave it at room temperature to soften before using
Recipe from: http://ohsheglows.com/2014/11/24/crowd-pleasing-vegan-caesar-salad/

Nutrition Info

Serving size: 1/5th of the salad

Calories: 430

Fat: 29g

Carbohydrates: 36g

Fibre: 8g

Protein: 15g

Sodium: 710mg

Iron: 6mg

Calcium: 175mg

Vitamin A: 1005 RAE

Folate: 210 DFE

Recipe analysis complete using: https://www.eatracker.ca/recipe_analyzer.aspx

Angela Tucker is a Registered Dietitian from rural Manitoba. Angela first became vegan for compassionate reasons but soon realized other ways a vegan lifestyle and plant-based diet positively impacts the planet and health. To learn more about her philosophy on food, visit her blog PrairieSprout. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram.