Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe

Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, this forms the base of the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.

Croutons: Provides a satisfying crunch.

Vegan parmesan: A dairy-free cheese alternative that adds a savory flavor.

Cashews: Soaked to create a creamy dressing.

Lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness to the dressing.

Dijon mustard: Gives a slight kick and depth of flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic element.

Nutritional yeast: Imparts a cheesy, umami flavor.

Olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for the dressing.

Water: Helps achieve the desired consistency for the dressing.

When blending the dressing, make sure to soak the cashews for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will ensure they blend smoothly, giving your Caesar dressing a creamy texture without any graininess.

• Romaine lettuce - Substitute with kale: Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a slightly different texture and flavor but works well in salads.

• Cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them a perfect alternative.

• Croutons - Substitute with toasted chickpeas: Toasted chickpeas add a crunchy texture and are a gluten-free option.

• Vegan parmesan - Substitute with nutritional yeast and ground almonds: This combination mimics the cheesy flavor and texture of vegan parmesan.

• Soaked cashews - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu provides a creamy texture and is a good source of protein.

• Lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a similar tangy flavor to the dressing.

• Dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar flavor profile with a bit more texture.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dressing well.

• Nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste adds a savory, umami flavor that can enhance the dressing.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a neutral flavor.

• Water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds extra flavor to the dressing without altering the consistency.

• To store the vegan Caesar salad, keep the dressing and the salad components separate. This prevents the romaine lettuce and croutons from becoming soggy.
• Place the chopped romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Store the croutons in a separate airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunchiness.
• For the dressing, transfer it to a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
• If you need to freeze the dressing, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
• When ready to serve, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and croutons in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
• Sprinkle with vegan parmesan just before serving to ensure it retains its texture and flavor.

• If you have leftover Vegan Caesar Salad, it's best to store the dressing separately from the lettuce and croutons to prevent sogginess.

• To reheat the croutons, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy again.

• For the dressing, if it has thickened in the fridge, you can add a small amount of water or olive oil and whisk it until it reaches the desired consistency.

• If you prefer a slightly warm salad, you can lightly warm the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to wilt the lettuce too much.

• Once everything is ready, toss the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and reheated croutons together, then pour the dressing over and mix well. Sprinkle with vegan parmesan and serve immediately.

• Blender: to combine and blend all dressing ingredients until smooth

• Large bowl: to toss the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and croutons

• Measuring cups: to measure out the ingredients like cashews, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and water

• Measuring spoons: to measure out smaller quantities of ingredients like lemon juice, dijon mustard, and olive oil

• Garlic press: to mince the garlic clove for the dressing

• Knife: to chop the romaine lettuce

• Cutting board: to provide a surface for chopping the romaine lettuce

• Spatula: to scrape down the sides of the blender and ensure all dressing ingredients are well combined

• Salad tongs: to toss the salad and coat it evenly with the dressing

• Grater: to grate the vegan parmesan if it is not pre-grated

Prepare the dressing in advance: Blend the dressing ingredients the night before and store in the fridge to save time on busy days.

Use pre-washed lettuce: Opt for pre-washed and chopped romaine lettuce to cut down on prep time.

Buy pre-made croutons: Purchase croutons instead of making them from scratch to save a few extra minutes.

Soak cashews overnight: Soak the cashews overnight to ensure they blend smoothly and quickly when making the dressing.

Batch prep ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes and grate vegan parmesan in bulk to use throughout the week.