This is The Best Vegan Caesar Salad and is ready in only 15 minutes! It’s made with just 4 ingredients: crispy romaine, vegan croutons, vegan cheese, and a mouthwatering vegan Caesar dressing.
Get ready for a flavor explosion in every mouthful! Crisp romaine, crunchy vegan croutons, and savory vegan cheese unite in perfect balance.
But the star of the show is the irresistible Vegan Caesar Dressing. Tangy, creamy, and utterly addictive, it elevates this salad to a whole new level.
Craving more vegan salad options? Try my Vegan Chicken Salad, Vegan Pasta Salad, Vegan Potato Salad, and Marinated Tofu Salad, and explore a world of delicious flavors!
Jump to:
🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick and easy. With just 4 ingredients and 15 minutes, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal without the kitchen time.
- Health-conscious option. This salad is lower in saturated fat than the traditional version and cholesterol-free.
- Vegan-friendly. This plant-based recipe is perfect for vegans and anyone embracing more plant-based meals.
- Budget-friendly. It's made with simple, affordable ingredients, without sacrificing taste or quality.
- Crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether it's a potluck, barbecue, or casual dinner, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy.
🧾 Ingredient notes
Vegan Caesar Dressing - I personally enjoy making it from scratch following my own recipe, but if you want to save time, you can use store-bought.
Romaine lettuce - While romaine lettuce is the traditional choice for Caesar salad, other types of lettuce can also be used.
Some alternatives include green leaf lettuce, butter lettuce, or even a mix of different lettuces for added variety.
Vegan croutons - For Caesar salad, classic toasted croutons are commonly used. Make sure they're vegan, though.
For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free croutons, or roasted chickpeas.
Vegan Shredded Cheese - I used store-bought vegan Parmesan cheese, but my Vegan Parmesan Cheese recipe is delicious and can be prepared in just 5 minutes if you prefer to make it yourself.
In addition, any store-bought shredded vegan Parmesan will work perfectly for this recipe.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📋 Variations
Here are five variations to add a special touch to your salad:
- Add protein. Include Baked Tofu, Tempeh Bacon, or Vegan Chicken to give your salad an extra protein boost.
- Mediterranean twist. Add sliced Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves to give your salad a Mediterranean flair.
- Spring salad. Take advantage of seasonal ingredients like fresh asparagus, snap peas, and radishes to create a vibrant and refreshing spring-inspired salad.
- Roasted veggies. Roast some colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, then toss them into your salad for added depth and flavor.
- Spicy kick. Add a kick of heat by incorporating sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give your salad a spicy twist.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Combine romaine lettuce, vegan croutons, and vegan shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the vegan Caesar dressing and toss to coat everything evenly and serve immediately.
💭 Expert tips
- Thoroughly wash and dry the lettuce. Thoroughly wash and dry lettuce to ensure it is crisp and fresh before use.
- Massage the dressing into the lettuce. Evenly distribute flavors by massaging the dressing into the lettuce.
- Toast croutons for a delightful crunch. Enhance texture by toasting in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Chill salad before serving. Let it rest in the fridge to let the flavors mingle and come together.
- Garnish with flair. Just before serving, add freshly cracked black pepper, olive oil drizzle, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
❓Recipe FAQs
It is not recommended to freeze it fully prepared, as the lettuce doesn't freeze well and may lose its texture.
However, you can freeze the dressing and croutons separately in freezer-safe containers.
As for vegan cheese, it's best to check the specific instructions on the packaging, as some types of vegan cheeses may or may not freeze well.
Its shelf life can vary. Once the dressing is added, it is best to consume the salad within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. The lettuce in the salad may start to wilt and lose its crispness after this time.
Refrigerate homemade vegan Caesar dressing for up to 5 days. Store-bought croutons and vegan cheese should be stored and used according to their respective packaging instructions.
Always check the lettuce for any signs of spoilage, such as wilting or browning, before consuming. Freshness and quality of the lettuce are important factors in determining the salad's shelf life.
Yes, you can make parts of the salad in advance.
Prepare the dressing and vegan cheese ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
The dressing can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, while the vegan cheese can be stored according to the packaging instructions.
As for the lettuce, it's best to chop and wash it just before serving to maintain its freshness.
By preparing these components in advance, you can save time and easily assemble the salad when desired.
Caesar salad is not inherently vegan due to the traditional ingredients used in the dressing and toppings.
The original Caesar salad dressing typically contains non-vegan ingredients such as anchovies, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes even raw egg yolks.
These ingredients are derived from animal sources and are not suitable for a vegan diet.
However, with some modifications and substitutions, it is possible to create a vegan version of Caesar salad that omits these animal-based ingredients and still captures the essence of the classic dish.
Certainly! You can definitely add more vegetables to your salad to enhance its flavor and nutritional profile.
Consider incorporating cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onions, bell peppers, avocado, or radishes for added freshness, crunch, and color.
These additional vegetables can provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making your salad more vibrant and satisfying.
🥗 Other delicious dishes to serve with this salad
⭐️ Did you like this recipe? Please consider giving it a 5-star rating and comment below!
📖 Recipe
The Best Vegan Caesar Salad (15 Minutes)
Ingredients
- 8 cups romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups vegan croutons
- ½ cup vegan shredded cheese, ideally Parmesan-style, but any type will work
- 1 batch vegan Caesar dressing, or 1 and ½ cups or 360 milliliters if you use store-bought
Instructions
- Combine romaine lettuce, vegan croutons, and vegan shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the vegan Caesar dressing and toss to coat everything evenly and serve immediately.
Notes
- Thoroughly wash and dry the lettuce. Thoroughly wash and dry lettuce to ensure it is crisp and fresh before use.
- Massage the dressing into the lettuce. Evenly distribute flavors by massaging the dressing into the lettuce.
- Toast croutons for a delightful crunch. Enhance texture by toasting in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Chill salad before serving. Let it rest in the fridge to let the flavors mingle and come together.
- Garnish with flair. Just before serving, add freshly cracked black pepper, olive oil drizzle, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Judy Calmelat says
I loved this dressing. I will use it on all salad types. It is so easy to make and very delicious.
Iosune says
Hi Judy! So glad you liked it 🙂