Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
A vegan twist on the classic Caesar salad! Instead of croutons, roasted crispy chickpeas add crunch and protein, while a creamy cashew-tahini Caesar dressing brings all the garlicky, tangy flavors without dairy or anchovies. Perfect as a side or a hearty main dish.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings:2-3
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chickpeas
1 can (15 oz / 400g) chickpeas
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Salad Base:
1 medium head romaine lettuce
½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
¼ cup red onion
For the Vegan Caesar Dressing:
½ cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water 15 min, then drained)
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 small garlic clove
½ tsp capers
4–5 tbsp water
Salt & pepper to taste
Garnish:
Vegan Parmesan (store-bought or homemade with cashews & nutritional yeast)
Extra roasted chickpeas
Instructions
Roast the chickpeas
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Dry chickpeas thoroughly with a towel.
Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
Make the dressing
In a blender, combine soaked cashews, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, nutritional yeast, garlic, capers (if using), salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water 1 tbsp at a time until pourable.
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce (and tomatoes/onion if using) with half of the Caesar dressing.
Top with crispy chickpeas.
Drizzle with extra dressing.
Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan or more nutritional yeast.
Notes & Tips
For extra crunch, add homemade sourdough croutons alongside chickpeas.
If you don’t have cashews, substitute with silken tofu for a lighter dressing.
Store leftover dressing in the fridge up to 4 days.
Chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh, but can be re-crisped in the oven for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this oil-free?
A: Yes! Roast chickpeas in the air fryer without oil, and skip the olive oil in the dressing.
Q: Can I use kale instead of romaine?
A: Definitely—massage kale with a little lemon juice and olive oil first to soften.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: It pairs well with roasted potatoes, vegan flatbread, or as a side to pasta.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430
Protein: 16g
Carbs: 43g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 10g