If there’s one stereotype I’m on a mission to debunk, it’s the notion that salads are the poster child for boring and sad meals. We’ve all had that sad iceberg lettuce salad with a few shredded carrots and a tomato. It’s not really satisfying and it definitely doesn’t make you HAPPY. So, I’d like to welcome you to my “NOT Sad Salad Series!” And welcome to this recipe: Vegan Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons. This salad has a symphony of textures and nutritional benefits.
I want to shake up the salad world with creations that make you smile, and happy! I like to combine a variety of flavors and textures, making salads fun and always dressed with a homemade dressing. In this salad series you can always expect a salad that is easy to make that incorporates many nutritional elements that work together. You’ll be getting a hefty serving of veggies (some fruits and nuts likely as well!), plant-based protein, and a tasty homemade dressing.
My New Obsession with Caesar Salads
I've become recently obsessed with vegan caesar dressing after some friends came in town and told me they were obsessed with vegan caesar salads. Every time we went out to eat they had to try the vegan caesar. Needless to say, I became obsessed and wanted to try to recreate the creaminess of the dressing and umami flavor! Also, homemade croutons are a must on salads now- they're so easy and add that punch of flavor and crunch!
Vegan Caesar Dressing
The key to this salad is in the homemade vegan caesar dressing. I tried MANY variations of caesar dressings and various ingredients within to try to replicate the savory and umami flavors found in a traditional caesar dressing. I also wanted it to be rich and creamy.
To get the creaminess, I knew I had to start with a hummus base and then added in citrus to even out the capers and sweetness from the maple syrup. The nutritional yeast adds a savory element and the tang comes from the red wine vinegar. It is delish and also works as a great sauce to a wrap, not just a dressing to a salad!
Homemade Croutons
Another staple of caesar salads are croutons! YUM! Croutons are so simple to make, all you need is some bread. I used a bagel for this recipe, but a baguette or even slices of sourdough will work great!
To make the croutons cut your bread into squares then toss in a bowl with oil and herbs. Air fry for 5-7 min at 380F (if you don't have an air fryer feel free to put it in the oven at 375F for 15-20 minutes).
Vegan Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
- romaine and kale I like a mix
- 1 bell pepper minced
- 1-2 carrots peeled
- 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans
- 2 tablespoon hemp seeds
- baguette or loaf of bread can be a few days old
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 teaspoon herbs oregano, basil, thyme, sesame seeds, whatever you have
Caesar Dressing
- ⅓ cup hummus
- 1 ½ teaspoon capers
- 2-3 teaspoon nutritional yeast
- 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ lemon juiced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of your salad dressing components then set aside
- To make the croutons cut your bread into squares then toss in a bowl with oil and herbs. Air fry for 5-7 min at 380F. (If you don't have an air fryer feel free to put it in the oven at 375F for 15-20 minutes.)
- Combine all of the salad ingredients then dress and top with croutons and enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed this recipe. Don't forget to rate and review below! And if you're looking for a different kind of salad, check out my kale and pasta salad with a pesto dressing!
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