Appetizers & Starters > Salads & Cold Starters > Leafy Salads > Caesar Salad

Vegan Caesar Salad

A delicious and creamy vegan twist on the classic Caesar salad. This recipe uses a cashew-based dressing for a rich and flavorful experience that's completely plant-based.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 2 heads Romaine Lettuce
  • 1 cup Croutons
  • 1/2 cup Vegan Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 cup Raw Cashews
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 tablespoon Capers
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Soak the Cashews

Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to soften. This will ensure a smooth and creamy dressing.

Prepare the Romaine Lettuce

Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Chop or tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the dressing.

Make the Vegan Caesar Dressing

Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a food processor or blender. Add the water, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, nutritional yeast, capers, and olive oil. Process until completely smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice and nutritional yeast to achieve your desired flavor balance. The nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor.

Assemble the Salad

Just before serving, pour the vegan Caesar dressing over the chilled romaine lettuce. Toss gently to coat all the leaves evenly. Add the croutons and vegan Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly again. Serve immediately to prevent the croutons from becoming soggy.

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FAQ

  • Can I use roasted cashews?

    It's best to use raw cashews for the creamiest dressing. Roasted cashews can be used in a pinch, but the dressing may have a slightly different texture.
  • Can I substitute the nutritional yeast?

    Nutritional yeast provides a unique cheesy flavor that's essential to the dressing's taste. While you can try other ingredients, it's difficult to replicate the exact flavor. Some people use a small amount of miso paste as a substitute.
  • Where can I find vegan Parmesan cheese?

    Vegan Parmesan cheese can be found in most health food stores or online. You can also make your own using nuts, nutritional yeast, and seasonings.