Vegan Caesar Salad with Chickpeas (Printable)

Enjoy a fresh take on Caesar salad with chickpea croutons and creamy dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chickpea Croutons

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Salad

07 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
08 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
09 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Vegan Caesar Dressing

10 - 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
11 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
12 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
13 - 2 tsp capers, finely chopped
14 - 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
17 - 2 tbsp olive oil
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

19 - 2 tbsp vegan parmesan, grated (optional)
20 - Freshly cracked black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Pat chickpeas dry with a kitchen towel. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
03 - Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden. Let cool.
04 - Meanwhile, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers, nutritional yeast, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
06 - Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
07 - Add the roasted chickpea croutons on top. Sprinkle with vegan parmesan and more black pepper, if desired.
08 - Serve immediately for the best texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The chickpea croutons add the perfect crunch and protein boost.
  • This salad is a refreshing take on a classic that even non-vegans rave about!
02 -
  • Never skip drying the chickpeas! It’s vital for achieving that crunchy texture.
  • Roasting them longer than you think can really pay off; aim for golden color without burning!
03 -
  • Adjust the seasoning of your dressing—don’t be afraid to add a little more lemon or garlic!
  • Store leftover chickpea croutons in an airtight container to keep them crispy.
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