Vegan Caesar Salad

vegan caesar salad

I don't follow a strictly vegan diet, but lately I have been leaning that way because I find dairy-free meals are easier on my digestive system. Though I've long mastered a vegetarian Caesar salad, I wanted to find out if a vegan version was just as tasty, and it was! What I did here was to make a cashew-based dressing with some almond milk, garlic, olive oil, mustard, nutritional yeast for some cheesy flavor, and some fresh lemon juice for a bit of zesty zing. Don't forget the black pepper either. The combination of kale and romaine worked well here and you can add croutons or not — it's not required, but it fills out the salad nicely.

Caesar salad

Vegan Caesar SaladVegan Caesar Salad
Recipe by
Published on August 18, 2015

An all vegan version of the classic Caesar salad with a creamy and zesty cashew, Dijon and lemon dressing — no one will miss the dairy in this one!

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Salad:
  • 1 medium head of romaine lettuce, torn
  • 1/2 bunch of kale, trimmed and torn
  • 2/3 cup crushed rusks or other croutons (optional)
Dressing:
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, or more as needed
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • juice from 1 lemon (3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup vegan Parmesan Cheese for sprinkling over the tossed salad (optional, see note)
Instructions:
  • Soak the cashews in warm water for 2 hours or longer.

  • In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, kale and croutons.

  • Drain the cashews and add to a food processor or blender. Add the remaining dressing ingredients and process until smooth. If too thick, add more olive oil.

  • Toss the dressing into the salad until well mixed and add some more black pepper and sprinkle with vegan Parmesan if desired.

  • Note: To make vegan Parmesan, combine 3/4 cup unsalted raw unsalted cashews, 1/4 cup almonds, 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder in and pulse into a fine meal. Store any remaining cheese in a well-sealed jar in the refrigerator.

Makes 4 to 6 large servings

vegan caesar salad with cashew mayo

Other salads to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Beetroot, Leek and Walnut Salad
Creamy Vegan Coleslaw Dressed with Avocado
Creamy Herbed Potato and Green Pea Salad
Lazy Summer Cottage Cheese & Fruit Salad

4 comments:

Joanne said...

I've been really into cashew-based dressings lately! This one sounds perfect to add to my repertoire!

Johanna GGG said...

it looks lovely with all the greens - and I love cashew based dressings too

Shaheen said...

Looks lovely Lisa, I can't remember the last time I had a veggie Caesar Salad, I know though that i have never had a vegan variation and I am liking this with the addition of the kale. Thanks for sharing with #EatYourGreens

Kada said...

This recipe is tasty, quick and easy to do. I have done it twice after I found it. I added some smoked tofu and tempeh in it. Thanks for sharing. :)