VEGAN CAESAR SALAD WITH CRISP CHICKPEAS

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Vegan Caesar Salad With Crisp Chickpeas image

There are many ways to mimic the rich, creamy texture of emulsified, egg-based Caesar dressing: Tofu, vegan mayonnaise, aquafaba whipped with oil, the list goes on. Blended raw cashews prove themselves the best base in this version, which is fortified with garlic, mustard, miso paste and caper brine to achieve the tangy-salty-punchy balance found in the real deal. Crisp chickpeas and hand-torn croutons add a crunchiness that plays well with the velvety dressing.

Provided by Becky Hughes

Categories     brunch, easy, lunch, quick, weeknight, salads and dressings, main course, side dish

Time 25m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 small loaf crusty bread, such as sourdough, torn into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and thoroughly dried
1 large bunch lacinato kale, stems removed and roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
1 large head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)
1 cup whole (unroasted) cashews
1 snack-size (2-by-3-inch) sheet roasted nori, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast, plus more for serving
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
3 garlic cloves
2 teaspoons brine from a jar of capers
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon white miso paste
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. On a medium baking sheet, toss the bread with 2 tablespoons olive oil; season generously with salt and pepper. On a second baking sheet, toss the chickpeas with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Bake both until chickpeas and croutons are browned and crisp, stirring both halfway through, about 10 minutes for the croutons and 20 minutes for the chickpeas. Set aside.
  • While the chickpeas and croutons roast, prepare your dressing: To a high-speed blender, add all the dressing ingredients, plus 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 3/4 cup water; blend until completely smooth, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula every now and again. Set dressing aside. (You should have 1 1/2 cups).
  • In a large bowl, add the kale and the dressing. Using your hands, massage the kale until slightly softened. Add the lettuce, croutons and half the roasted chickpeas; toss to coat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with additional nutritional yeast. Top with remaining roasted chickpeas; grind black pepper over, and serve immediately.

Mark McGuckin
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This salad is a delicious and healthy option for a summer meal.


Luiz Brazil
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This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.


Hasnat Malik
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I love the combination of flavors and textures in this salad. The crispy chickpeas and creamy dressing are a perfect match.


basajjatebagererwanzaalo Ssenoga
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover roasted chickpeas. It's also a great option for a quick and easy lunch.


Roodab Ali
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I'm always looking for new vegan recipes, and this one is a winner! It's healthy, delicious, and easy to make.


Chaudhary Umar
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This salad is a great make-ahead meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights.


Jabbar qabool
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I love that this salad is so versatile. You can add or remove ingredients to suit your own taste.


SR vines
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This salad is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. My kids didn't even notice they were eating broccoli!


James Nolan
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I'm not a big fan of salads, but this one was really good! The dressing was especially flavorful.


Gabriel Ratshumane
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This salad is a must-try for any vegan or vegetarian. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's sure to become a favorite.


Adrian Kinyanjui
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I'm always looking for new ways to make salad more exciting, and this recipe definitely delivered! The crispy chickpeas and creamy dressing took this salad to the next level.


Husnain Nawaz2411
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This salad is a great option for a summer cookout. It's light and refreshing, and it's easy to make ahead of time.


Nana Appiah
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I'm always looking for new vegan recipes, and this one did not disappoint! It's a great salad that's both healthy and delicious.


Njabulo Msimango
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This salad is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids loved the crispy chickpeas and the creamy dressing.


Shahed Foraji
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I love the combination of flavors in this salad. The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the crispy chickpeas and fresh greens.


Shawon Gammer
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover chickpeas. It's also a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.


Gloria Sedillo
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I'm not a vegan, but I really enjoyed this salad. It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.


Alishah khan
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This is my new favorite salad! It's so easy to make and it's packed with flavor.


Zadran Khan
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I made this salad for a potluck and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it, even the non-vegans.


12 tushar
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This vegan Caesar salad was a hit! The chickpeas were a great addition, adding a nice crunch and protein boost. The dressing was creamy and flavorful, and the salad was overall very satisfying.