Vegan Caesar Salad, a dish that boasts the flavors of traditional Caesar dressing while offering up additional nutrients and plant-based protein. Filling, delicious and dairy free. A fresh compliment to many meals!
Where Did Caesar Salad Originate?
I have always loved Italian food, and one of my favorite dishes is Caesar salad. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been to an Italian restaurant which didn’t offer it on the menu. I, like most people, think of it as food hailing from Italy. Many years ago while dining in an Italian restaurant, a server set the record straight. I had mentioned something about Caesar salad and Italy to which he responded, “It’s Mexican.” I thought, huh? Turns out the server was correct. Caesar salad was created by an Italian restaurateur named Caesar Cardini. Caesar had immigrated to America and was living in San Diego, but lore has it that he created the Caesar recipe at a restaurant he’d opened in Tijuana, Mexico. Either way, thanks, Mr. Cardini!
Vegan Caesar Salad – Ingredients
Vegan Caesar Salad
I have recreated several Italian dishes to be gluten-free and plant-based: Eggplant Caponata, Creamy Vegan Alfredo, Vegan Italian Meatballs, Corn and Chickpea Polenta, and of course we can’t forget Vegan Parmesan Cheese! If you’ve got the Vegan Parmesan cheese then you must have the Vegan Caesar Salad to put it in! I truly could not begin to quantify the number and variety of places where I’ve ordered a Caesar. It’s seems each establishment puts their own spin on this popular dish. Some were so delicious I found myself craving them again only 3 hours after I had finished downing them — don’t judge!! Others . . . well, let’s just say they didn’t taste like Caesar salad! Although this dish has some room for individual interpretation in the composition of the dressing, there are some distinct flavors that one immediately recognizes.
Vegan Caesar Salad – Tossing Lettuce with Dressing
What Does Caesar Salad Dressing Taste Like?
There is a recognizable taste that comes from combining garlic and lemon with the tang of vinegar, and mixing in a creamy base that makes most people say, “Oh, that’s Caesar Dressing.” I think you will find my Vegan Caesar Salad to be no different. Caesar salad (the non plant-based version) is the salad of choice for many of my family members, and all of them across the board agree this Vegan Caesar Salad tastes just like the traditional rendition! To make an authentic plant-based version I wanted to include Parmesan cheese in the recipe, and as fortune would have it I just created a recipe for that so it’s ready for you here.
Vegan Caesar Salad – Dressed Salad
A great addition to any picnic! One of the many advantages to all plant-based ingredients is that they tolerate the heat much better than their dairy based counterparts. Enjoy!!
Using Chickpeas as Croutons
I use roasted chickpeas for croutons. You can follow my recipe for Roasted Chipotle Chickpeas and simply omit the chipotle chili pepper.
Making Vegan Parmesan Cheese
My Vegan Parmesan Cheese recipe yields 1 cup. For this recipe you will want to increase the quantity, as you need 1 and 1/4 cup for the Caesar dressing and topping the salad. Make a double batch! The leftover cheese will store nicely in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. We like having it around to sprinkle on other salads or pizza.
Vegan Caesar Salad
Vegan Caesar Salad, a dish that boasts the flavors of traditional Caesar dressing while offering up additional nutrients and plant-based protein. Filling, delicious and dairy free. A fresh compliment to many meals!
Ingredients
- 1/2 ripe avocado (about 2/3 cup)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 4 cloves fresh garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (finely ground)
- 1 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese divided (See my post on homemade Vegan Parmesan Cheese for the recipe. Note - the recipe makes 1 cup. If you make a double batch the extra will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.)
- 1 large head romaine lettuce
- 3/4 cup roasted chickpeas may be used as croutons
Instructions
- 1) Combine the first eight ingredients in the food processor. Pulse a few times to mix, then blend until smooth.
- 2) Add one cup vegan parmesan cheese to mixture and blend well until smooth. Chill until ready to dress salad.
- 3) Cut washed lettuce into 1 inch strips. (It is best to use a salad spinner to dry lettuce as dressing will apply more evenly.) Place in bowl, and add dollops of dressing to lettuce. Gently mix in with tongs using stirring and flipping motion. Dressing is thick but will mix in easily.
- 4) Plate salad and top with roasted chickpeas and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Vegan Parmesan Cheese or to taste.
Notes
Depending on how much lettuce is used you may have leftover dressing which you can store in the refrigerator.
Prep time does not include the five minutes to make Vegan Parmesan Cheese.
Leave a Reply