Vegan Caesar Salad

This vegan caesar salad is a hearty and satisfying kale salad that is perfect for a crowd! It’s easy to make, nut free, gluten free but tastes just like a classic caesar dressing we all know and love.

I’ve always loved a good caesar salad. Crunchy croutons, creamy dressing, crispy lettuce, ugh it’s so good. It was my summer lunch of choice during most of my high school years and still is to this day!

Fast forward almost 10 years and I’ve finally nailed the perfect dairy free and vegan caesar dressing that just so happens to be nut free too. And even healthy! I used a mix of kale and romaine, but you can use all of just one of those if you prefer.

The secret ingredient? Hemp hearts! This is probably not an ingredient you would think to use for a caesar dressing, but trust me, it’s perfect.

They’re high in protein and yield such a creamy dressing without having to use any nuts like cashews, vegan mayo or tahini. It’s easy, healthy and has a classic caesar dressing flavor. Try my edamame crunch salad or quinoa chickpea salad next!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Easy to make
• High protein
• Dairy free & gluten free
• Perfect for meal prep

How to make vegan caesar salad

First, we’ll get the chickpea croutons into the oven. While those are roasting, prep the rest of the salad.

Remove the stems of the kale and chop the leaves into very small pieces. If you grab the bottom of the kale stem, you should be able to just run your fingers up the piece of kale and the leaves will pull right off.

As far as chopping goes, I like to use kitchen sheers (basically just fancy scissors) to get the kale into small pieces. This makes for a much more enjoyable eating experience.

Transfer to a large mixing bowl and dry the kale using a towel, then chop up the romaine.

Vegan caesar dressing

To make the dressing, add all ingredients into a high speed blender and process until smooth. Taste, and adjust seasonings as desired. 

You can add a bit more dijon mustard for more tang, more salt, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some spice.

Toss the dressing with the kale, and use your (clean) hands to massage the dressing into the kale. Toss in the chickpeas, sliced avocado, parmesan and enjoy! 

This vegan caesar salad makes the perfect side dish, starter before a large bowl of spaghetti or add it to a wrap for a simple meal prep lunch. I love it with my hidden veggie pasta!

Tips for kale salads

To soften the kale, add it to a colander and run under warm water. While the water is running, massage the kale with your hands to help break it down. 

You’ll want to do this for about 1 full minute to wash the kale, make it easier to chew and less bitter since it won’t be as tough.

When you add the dressing to the kale, it helps to use your hands to massage it into the leaves to make sure everything is well coated and kind of “massage” it in a sense. You can toss it with spoons if desired, but hands are easier and ensure every leaf is properly coated.

Does caesar salad have parmesan?

Usually! Use the Violife parmesan cheese and grate it over the salad, or try my cashew parmesan. Traditional caesar dressing also usually has egg and anchovy, which is why it’s not vegan!

Try these salads next

• Thai Quinoa Salad
• Kale and Apple Salad
• Massaged Kale Salad
• Butternut Squash Salad

Lastly, if you want more recipes straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to my email list. As always, tag me on instagram if you make this recipe so I can see your creation!