Vegan Roasted Chickpea Caesar Salad (Print Version)

Plant-based Caesar with crunchy roasted chickpeas and creamy cashew dressing, packed with fresh greens and bright flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Roasted Chickpeas

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cashew Caesar Dressing

07 - 3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked 2-4 hours and drained
08 - 1/3 cup water
09 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
10 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tablespoon capers
12 - 2 teaspoons white miso paste
13 - 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
14 - 1 clove garlic
15 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

17 - 2 medium heads romaine lettuce, chopped
18 - 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan, optional
19 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
20 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, optional
21 - Thinly sliced red onion, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat chickpeas dry with a clean towel. In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Combine soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers, miso, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and pepper in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Adjust seasoning or thin with additional water if desired.
05 - In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with sufficient cashew dressing to coat evenly.
06 - Top with roasted chickpeas, vegan Parmesan, and optional vegetables. Finish with freshly ground black pepper.
07 - Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein from chickpeas and healthy fats from cashews.
  • Texture Galore: The perfect combination of crispy chickpeas and fresh, crunchy romaine lettuce.
  • Dairy-Free Creaminess: A rich, tangy dressing that mimics the original without any animal products.
  • Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
02 -
  • Soak for Smoothness: Soaking the cashews for at least 2–4 hours is essential for achieving a completely smooth and creamy dressing texture.
  • Dry Thoroughly: For the crispiest chickpeas, ensure they are very dry before tossing them in oil and spices.
  • Blender Maintenance: Scrap down the sides of the blender while making the dressing to ensure no whole cashews remain.
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