A Bold, Flavor-Packed Plant-Based Take on a Classic
If you’re craving a creamy, tangy, and satisfying salad that’s completely dairy-free and packed with plant-based goodness, this Zesty Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpea Croutons is the perfect choice. Traditional Caesar salads rely on Parmesan cheese, anchovies, and egg-based dressing, but this vegan version delivers all the rich, umami flavors and creamy texture—without any animal products.
Instead of traditional croutons, we’re adding crispy roasted chickpeas for an extra protein boost and crunch. They’re savory, lightly spiced, and completely addictive. The homemade vegan Caesar dressing is made with cashews, tahini, and capers, creating a creamy, garlicky, and zesty dressing that perfectly coats fresh romaine lettuce.
This salad is not just nutrient-dense and protein-packed but also quick and easy to prepare. Whether you enjoy it as a main course, side dish, or meal prep salad, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Caesar Salad
1. Creamy, Garlicky, and Totally Addictive
The homemade cashew-based dressing delivers all the bold, tangy, and savory flavors of a classic Caesar dressing, with a smooth, velvety texture.
2. Crispy, Spiced Chickpea Croutons for Extra Crunch
Instead of traditional croutons, we’re using crispy roasted chickpeas, adding protein, fiber, and a delightful crunch.
3. Rich in Plant-Based Protein & Healthy Fats
With chickpeas, cashews, and tahini, this salad is protein-packed and full of healthy fats to keep you full and energized.
4. Quick, Easy, and Meal-Prep Friendly
This salad is ready in under 30 minutes and can be made ahead of time for an easy lunch or dinner option.
5. Completely Customizable & Allergy-Friendly
It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, and you can easily modify it with your favorite add-ins.
Picture Gallery
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup kale, finely shredded (optional, for extra nutrients)
- ¼ cup vegan Parmesan (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp capers, drained (adds a briny, tangy kick)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for extra umami)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Crispy Chickpea Croutons:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or aquafaba for oil-free)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Creamy Vegan Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup raw cashews, soaked for 2+ hours or boiled for 10 minutes
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp capers, drained (adds a briny, salty depth)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup water (adjust to desired consistency)
For the Homemade Vegan Parmesan: (Optional)
- ½ cup raw cashews
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Ingredient Breakdown
Romaine Lettuce – The Crisp, Refreshing Base
Romaine is crunchy, refreshing, and nutrient-dense, providing the perfect base for Caesar salad. If you want extra nutrients, add kale or spinach.
Chickpeas – The Protein-Packed Croutons
Instead of bread croutons, roasted chickpeas add a crispy, high-protein crunch while keeping the salad gluten-free.
Cashews & Tahini – The Creamy Dressing Base
Cashews blend into a smooth, rich dressing, while tahini adds depth and nuttiness. Together, they create a silky, dairy-free Caesar dressing.
Capers – The Anchovy Substitute
Capers add a briny, salty tang, giving the dressing a classic Caesar-like depth without using fish.
Nutritional Yeast – The Vegan Cheese Factor
Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, umami-rich flavor, making the dressing taste just like a traditional Caesar.
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Chickpea Croutons
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Vegan Caesar Dressing
- Drain soaked cashews and add them to a blender or food processor.
- Add tahini, Dijon mustard, capers, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, black pepper, and water.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed for a thinner consistency.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegan Parmesan (Optional)
- In a food processor, pulse together cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and sea salt until it resembles grated Parmesan.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine and shredded kale.
- Drizzle with the vegan Caesar dressing and toss until well coated.
- Add crispy chickpea croutons, capers, and vegan Parmesan.
- Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for extra cheesiness and serve with lemon wedges.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately, or store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds instead of cashews for the dressing and vegan Parmesan.
- Add More Protein: Top with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- For Extra Crunch: Add toasted pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds instead of chickpeas.
- Gluten-Free Option: This salad is already gluten-free, but double-check labels on store-bought vegan Parmesan or dressings.
- Make It Oil-Free: Omit olive oil and use aquafaba (chickpea water) for roasting the chickpeas.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~360
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fats: ~18g
- Fiber: ~7g
- Vitamin C: ~45% DV
- Iron: ~20% DV
This salad is high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a satisfying and balanced meal.
Conclusion
This Zesty Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpea Croutons is everything you love about a classic Caesar salad—but 100% plant-based, healthier, and more flavorful. With a rich, creamy dressing, crunchy chickpeas, and zesty flavors, it’s a must-try for any salad lover.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Did you add any fun variations? Share your experience in the comments below!
Disclaimer
Nutritional values are estimates. Always consult a professional for dietary advice.