Vegan Caesar salad lovers, rejoice! The iconic By Chloe vegan Caesar salad has won countless hearts with its creamy, tangy dressing and fresh, crispy greens—all without a trace of animal products.
Whether you’re fully vegan, exploring plant-based meals, or just looking for a fresh twist on a classic, this recipe brings the perfect balance of savory, zesty, and satisfying flavors to your bowl. It’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish for your favorite plant-based spread.
In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through making your own By Chloe-inspired vegan Caesar salad from scratch. From the rich, umami-packed dressing to the crunchy croutons and tender romaine, you’ll learn how to recreate this beloved dish at home with ease.
Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Caesar salad recipe is a game-changer because it captures the essence of the traditional Caesar salad without any dairy or eggs. Instead, it relies on nutrient-rich ingredients like cashews and capers to deliver that creamy, tangy dressing that’s packed with flavor.
The salad is balanced with crunchy, garlicky croutons and fresh romaine, creating a satisfying mix of textures.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to make. Whether you want a quick weekday lunch or a stylish appetizer for your next dinner party, this salad fits the bill.
The recipe is also gluten-free adaptable and can be whipped up with pantry staples, making it accessible for many home cooks.
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 cup vegan croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegan Caesar Dressing:
- 3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2-4 hours
- 1/4 cup water (adjust for consistency)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad tongs or spoons
- Baking sheet (if making homemade croutons)
- Small bowl (for soaking cashews)
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a small bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight to soften for the creamiest dressing.
- Prepare the dressing: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to your blender or food processor along with 1/4 cup water, lemon juice, capers, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and optional nutritional yeast.
- Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed until the dressing is creamy and smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add more water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make the croutons (optional): If you prefer homemade croutons, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube your favorite bread, toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with enough dressing to coat each leaf generously but not drown it.
- Add croutons and capers: Sprinkle the croutons and rinsed capers over the dressed lettuce. Toss lightly to combine.
- Season and serve: Finish with a fresh grind of black pepper and serve immediately for the best texture.
Tips & Variations
Tip: To save time, soak your cashews overnight in cold water. This also helps to reduce any raw taste and improves digestibility.
Variation: Add grilled vegan chicken strips or chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness.
Tip: For a nut-free version, substitute soaked sunflower seeds for cashews in the dressing.
Variation: Mix in some vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for an even richer flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 salad) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Fat | 18 g |
Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sugar | 4 g |
Protein | 7 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan Caesar salad is fantastic as a standalone light lunch or dinner. It pairs beautifully with hearty vegan main dishes like grilled tempeh, baked tofu, or a warm quinoa bowl.
For added flair, serve alongside a fresh vegan pasta like Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or a savory dip such as the Halibut Dip Recipe (veganized, of course!).
If you’re entertaining, this salad is a crisp, refreshing contrast to richer dishes like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe (adapted to plant-based), making your menu balanced and exciting.
Conclusion
Making By Chloe’s vegan Caesar salad at home is not only rewarding but also surprisingly simple. This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients to recreate the classic Caesar experience without compromise.
The creamy cashew-based dressing, zesty capers, and crunchy croutons deliver familiar flavors in a fresh, plant-based way that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this salad fits perfectly into your culinary repertoire. It’s healthy, delicious, and flexible enough for any occasion.
So next time you crave a Caesar salad, skip the dairy and eggs and whip up this vibrant vegan version—you won’t miss a thing!
📖 Recipe Card: by CHLOE Vegan Caesar Salad
Description: A fresh and flavorful vegan Caesar salad featuring crispy romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy cashew-based dressing. Perfectly balanced with tangy capers and vegan parmesan for a satisfying plant-based meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup croutons (vegan)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Soak cashews in water for at least 2 hours, then drain.
- Blend soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, capers, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss chopped romaine lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Add croutons and drizzle olive oil over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 20 g
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