This Vegan Caesar Salad has all the creamy, garlicky goodness of the classic—with no Parmesan or anchovies.
It’s hard to beat the crisp, creamy, tangy magic of a Caesar salad. With its crunchy romaine lettuce, rich dressing, and golden croutons, the dish has earned a permanent place on dinner tables and restaurant menus alike. I have twin vegan nephews, and whenever they visit, I like to create vegan versions of their favorite dishes. One of them especially missed Caesar salad, so I set out to create a version that would hit all the right notes—minus the Parmesan and anchovies. This vegan Caesar salad was the result—and it’s been a hit ever since!
The most likely inventor of the Caesar salad is Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurant owner who took advantage of Prohibition by opening Caesar’s Palace in Tijuana, a popular spot for people looking to drink legally. As the story goes, during the busy 4th of July weekend in 1924, the restaurant began running low on ingredients, so he tossed together what he had on hand—romaine, croutons, Parmesan, lemon, and garlicky dressing—and the Caesar was born. His brother Alex may have played a hand in the recipe too, but Caesar’s name is the one that stuck.
This salad has all the bold umami flavor and creamy richness without the animal products. Vegan mayonnaise steps in for the egg yolk and oil-based dressing, and plant-based Parmesan brings that signature savory flavor. Homemade croutons are easy to prep (and totally worth it), so you can be sure every bite is 100% vegan.
Is This Vegan Caesar Salad Healthy?
Romaine lettuce, the foundation of this salad, is rich in vitamins A and K, as well as folate. You can boost the fiber by using whole-grain bread for the croutons or add protein with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu. While vegan mayo can vary in terms of ingredients, many options are made with heart-healthy oils and fewer preservatives than traditional dressings.
Why Homemade Croutons Are Worth It
Homemade Croutons far outshine the packaged variety in both flavor and texture. Besides that, store-bought versions often contain preservatives and unnecessary additives. By making your own, you can control the ingredients, using quality bread and extra-virgin olive oil. You can even customize the flavors by experimenting with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika or Italian herbs, to elevate the taste of your salad. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Vegan Caesar salad is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, if you keep the dressing and croutons separate until you’re ready to serve—this keeps the lettuce from wilting and the croutons from getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this vegan Caesar salad with a hearty main like Vegan Eggplant Parmesan or Vegan Meatballs for a full Italian-inspired dinner. For dessert, keep things plant-based with a Raw Vegan Tart with Chocolate and Pistachios. Looking for more vegan salad recipes? Try this Healthy Grated Cauliflower Salad or this refreshing Cucumber Avocado Salad.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons capers minced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 heads romaine lettuce washed and chopped
- 1 cup homemade croutons
- 1/2 cup vegan Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced capers, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the prepared dressing until well coated.
- Top the dressed lettuce with homemade croutons and grated vegan Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
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