Roasted Vegetables & Kale Salad with Vegan Avocado-Caesar Dressing
This salad combines roasted carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes with massaged kale, tossed in a creamy avocado-Caesar dressing. It’s plant-based, vegan, and winter-warming — perfect as a main or side.
⏱ Total Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For Roasted Vegetables
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
½ medium sweet potato, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Kale
2 cups kale leaves, tough stems removed, chopped
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
For Vegan Avocado-Caesar Dressing
½ ripe avocado
2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
Toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
Nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
Croutons (vegan)
Instructions
1. Roast the Vegetables
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
2. Prepare the Kale
Massage chopped kale with 1 tsp olive oil and pinch of salt for 2–3 minutes until softened and dark green.
3. Make the Avocado-Caesar Dressing
Blend together avocado, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Add water slowly until creamy and pourable.
4. Assemble the Salad
1. Place massaged kale in a large bowl.
2. Add roasted vegetables.
3. Drizzle dressing generously and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle optional toppings (seeds, nutritional yeast, croutons).
Tips
Use seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, cauliflower, or beetroot for winter.
Add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
Keep dressing separate if storing leftovers; toss just before serving.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, roasted vegetables can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Keep dressing separate.
Q: Can I skip tahini?
Yes, use more avocado or vegan yogurt for creaminess.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Optional: add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 18g (healthy fats from avocado & olive oil)
Fiber: 10g