Description
This Vegan Caesar Salad with Spiced Chickpeas is a plant-based twist on the classic Caesar, featuring crunchy romaine lettuce, crispy roasted chickpeas, and a creamy cashew-based Caesar dressing. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect as a main or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 romaine hearts, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt, to taste
- Croutons (optional, for topping)
- Extra nutritional yeast (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dry the chickpeas with a paper towel and spread them on the baking sheet.
- Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.
- While the chickpeas are roasting, blend the soaked and drained cashews, water, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers, nutritional yeast, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine with the dressing and toss well.
- Top with crispy chickpeas, croutons (if using), and extra nutritional yeast.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- Soaking cashews in hot water for 15 minutes softens them for easier blending.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Add grilled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
- Use gluten-free croutons for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (with dressing and chickpeas)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
