Spread the love

Vegan Kale Caesar Salad Recipe: A Healthy And Gluten Free Dish

Looking for a healthier, plant based spin on the traditional Caesar salad? This vegan kale Caesar salad recipe is packed with flavor, crunch, and wholesome ingredients, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, satisfying salad. Featuring a creamy vegan Caesar dressing, crispy chickpeas, and crunchy croutons, this dish is not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious. Stick around to learn how to create this mouthwatering recipe that’ll have you coming back for seconds!

1. What is a Vegan Kale Caesar Salad?

A vegan kale Caesar salad is a plant-based version of the classic Caesar salad, swapping out ingredients like anchovies, Parmesan cheese, and traditional croutons for wholesome, vegan-friendly alternatives. The base of this salad is nutrient-rich kale, topped with a creamy vegan Caesar dressing, crispy chickpeas, and gluten-free croutons. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a delicious vegan breakfast yet healthy twist on a beloved recipe.

Delicious Vegan Kale Caesar Salad Recipe – Perfect for Every Meal

Recipe by chefCourse: vegan breakfast, Breakfast, Salads

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

155

kcal

Ingredients

For the Salad Base:
1 bunch of kale (about 6 cups, washed and chopped)
1 cup of crispy chickpeas (prepared by roasting 1 can of chickpeas)
1 cup of gluten-free bread cubes (for homemade croutons)
For the Vegan Caesar Dressing:
1/2 cup cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 clove of garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon capers
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1–2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency, if needed)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Soak the Cashews: Start by soaking 1/2 cup of cashews in water for 2-4 hours. This softens them, making the dressing creamy and smooth. Drain and rinse once softened.
Blend the Dressing: In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of capers, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing feels too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Kale
Wash and Chop: Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Massage the Kale: Drizzle the chopped kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Using your hands, gently massage the kale for 2-3 minutes. This softens the leaves and enhances the flavor.
Step 3: Roast the Chickpeas
Season the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse 1 can of chickpeas. Pat them dry with a paper towel and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Roast: Spread the chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Step 4: Make the Croutons
Cube the Bread: Take 2-3 slices of gluten-free bread and cut them into small cubes.
Season and Toast: Toss the cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of garlic powder, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Combine Ingredients: Place the massaged kale in a large bowl. Drizzle the vegan Caesar dressing over the kale and toss until the leaves are evenly coated.
Add Toppings: Scatter the crispy chickpeas and croutons on top of the dressed kale.
Serve: Sprinkle some additional nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor, and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per 100g of Salad)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	155 kcal
Protein	5 g
Total Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	1.2 g
Carbohydrates	14 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugars	2 g
Sodium	280 mg
Calcium	90 mg
Iron	2.3 mg
Vitamin C	40 mg

This nutrient profile makes the vegan kale Caesar salad a nutritious option packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber, perfect for a light lunch or dinner!

2. Ingredients Needed for a Vegan Kale Caesar Salad

For this recipe, you’ll need a combination of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients:

For the Salad Base:

Kale: A bunch of washed and chopped kale (lacinato or baby kale works great).
Crispy Chickpeas: Roasted and seasoned for added crunch.
Homemade Croutons: Gluten-free bread cubes toasted to perfection.

For the Vegan Caesar Dressing:

Cashews: Soaked for creaminess.
Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor.
Garlic: For a bold, savory kick.
Olive Oil: To enhance richness.
Lemon Juice: Provides tanginess.
Capers: A salty, briny alternative to anchovies.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Optional Add-Ins: Avocado for creaminess or tahini for a nut-free option.

By keeping these simple ingredients on hand, you’ll have everything you need to create a nutritious Caesar salad.

3. How to Make the Vegan Caesar Dressing

This creamy vegan Caesar dressing is the star of the show, packed with bold flavors that mimic the traditional recipe without dairy or anchovies.

flavor—perfect for drizzling over kale!

4. Preparing the Kale for the Salad

Kale can be tough and fibrous, but with the right preparation, it transforms into a tender, flavorful base for your salad.

Steps to Prep Kale:

Wash and Dry: Rinse the kale leaves thoroughly and pat them dry.
Chop the Kale: Remove the stems and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
Massage the Kale: Drizzle olive oil over the chopped kale, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and massage the leaves for 2-3 minutes. This helps break down the fibers, making the kale softer and more enjoyable to eat.

Massaging your kale is a game-changer—it’ll make even kale skeptics fans of this hearty green!

5. Creating Crispy Chickpeas for Crunch

Crispy chickpeas are the ultimate topping for a vegan kale Caesar salad, adding both texture and flavor.

How to Roast Chickpeas:

Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse 1 can of chickpeas, then pat them dry.
Season: Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Roast: Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.

If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, roasted tofu or nuts can be used as substitutes.

6. Making Homemade Vegan Croutons

Croutons are an essential component of a Caesar salad, and making them at home allows you to customize the flavor.

Easy Steps for Gluten-Free Croutons:

Cube the Bread: Cut gluten-free bread into small cubes.
Season: Toss the cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Toast: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Homemade croutons are crispy, flavorful, and the perfect addition to this vegan kale Caesar salad.

7. Assembling the Vegan Kale Caesar Salad

Once all the components are ready, it’s time to bring the salad together.

Assembly Instructions:

Add the Kale: Transfer the massaged kale to a large bowl.
Toss with Dressing: Add the vegan Caesar dressing and toss until the kale is evenly coated.
Top with Chickpeas and Croutons: Scatter crispy chickpeas and croutons over the salad for texture and flavor.

For an extra touch, sprinkle vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top!

8. Why You’ll Love This Vegan Kale Caesar Salad

This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:

Kale: A superfood rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Chickpeas: A great source of plant-based protein.
Dressing: Made with healthy fats and whole-food ingredients.

Compared to traditional Caesar salads, this vegan version is lighter, dairy-free, and just as satisfying.

9. Variations and Substitutions

This salad is incredibly versatile:

Swap the Greens: Use baby kale or lacinato kale for a milder flavor.
Change the Toppings: Replace chickpeas with roasted nuts or tofu.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute cashews with tahini in the dressing.

Feel free to customize the salad to suit your preferences or dietary needs!

10. FAQs About Vegan Kale Caesar Salad

1. How long can you store the salad?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

2. Can you make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

3. Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Absolutely! Romaine or spinach are great alternatives.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free bread for the croutons.

5. What pairs well with this salad?

This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light main course. Pair it with grilled vegetables or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Key Takeaways:

Use fresh kale and massage it for better texture.
Make a creamy vegan Caesar dressing with cashews and nutritional yeast.
Add crispy chickpeas and homemade croutons for the perfect crunch.