Vegan Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

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When you hear Caesar salad, the term “vegan” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Traditionally made with anchovies, dairy-laden dressing, cheese shavings and grilled chicken, this popular menu item is far from vegan-friendly. But that doesn’t mean you can’t re-create this classic at home for your plant-based or lactose intolerant guests.

Light on calories yet heavy on flavor, this dish is a healthy and tasty alternative to fattening restaurant versions. Plus, the recipe yields extra dressing you can save to use as a marinade or dipping sauce!

Homemade Vegan Caesar Salad in Wooden Bowl | Vitacost.com/Blog

Serves 2

Ingredients

Dressing
1/2 Tbsp. lemon zest
1/2 Tbsp. Caper berries, drained
1/2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 Tbsp. sea salt
1/2 cup silken tofu
1/2 cup Vitacost Cold-Pressed Avocado Oil
1 pinch pepper

Croutons
1 baguette, diced into cubes
1 Tbsp. Gustus Vitae Italian Black Winter Truffle Sea Salt
1/2 cup avocado oil

Salad
2 heads romaine
1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In medium mixing bowl, thoroughly coat cubed baguette with avocado oil and Italian Black Winter Truffle Sea Salt.

2. Transfer croutons to baking dish in even layer. Bake 12 minutes or until brown and firm to the touch. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. In food processor, combine dressing ingredients and pulse to combine. Pour into glass jar, cover and reserve in refrigerator. Note: If you prefer creamier dressings rather than textured, continue to pulse until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Chop romaine into squares (approximately 2” x 2”) and arrange in serving bowls. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and add croutons and vegan Parmesan cheese. Save leftover dressing to use as a marinade or dipping sauce.

Gustus Vitae

Gustus Vitae's mission is to share the magic of cooking. Since our start at the Venice Beach Farmer's Market, we've stayed true to our roots, crafting Non-GMO Project Verified artisan finishing sea salts and gourmet spice blends in small batches, using primarily locally sourced and always sustainable ingredients. We don't irradiate or use ETO gas, and our products are free of nuts, wheat, artificial colors & flavors, gluten, soy, MSG and fillers of any kind. After mixing, our blends are sealed for freshness and hand-packed in our unique magnetic tins, wrapped with recycled paper labels. We believe in Quality Above All.