Caesar salad was one of my favorite ways to get in my greens before going plant-based. As I started to look at the ingredients in most caesar dressings, I was horrified. Companies can get away with so many preservatives and chemicals in our food! This refreshing, all-natural caesar dressing tastes like the real deal! People can’t even tell the difference. The recipe is easy, quick, filling, and has become a staple in my busy daily life. It’s creamy, crunchy, flavorful…everything a girl could ask for in life! I guarantee this will become your new obsession.
A quick reminder that whenever I cook, I like to do it intuitively. This means measurements aren’t always exact, they are to taste. If you do not like spicy foods, omit the hot sauce! If you need something sweeter, go ahead and add maple syrup. We are all different and unique, so why would we all follow the same recipe?
That is why I like to give “loose” measurements of ingredients in recipes. For instance, if you don’t have romaine on hand…any lettuce will work! Be resourceful with what you buy to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. If you think you will never use nutritional yeast in your life, don’t go out and buy it (however I love this stuff!) In this salad, if you don’t have chickpeas available, add anything you want! Try cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, tofu, or another bean for the toppings. If you don’t have dijon mustard on deck, you can just use regular! Stop wasting food and buying more to “follow the recipe.” Just add what ya got!
Getting creative in the kitchen has helped me to find peace in my life, nurture my inner child, and be healthier. When it comes to cooking, people tend to have so much dread, but new recipes are fun to try! Cooking at home also preserves the energy of the food. You know exactly what is going on in it and who is preparing it! No hidden ingredients, excessive oils, or bad energy from angry cooks will enter you! Remember that everything is an energy exchange, so take some time to bless and show gratitude for this abundance of nourishment. I hope this inspires you to cook more intuitively and feed your spirit with fresh, organic, colorful foods. Enjoy this homemade vegan caesar salad!
much love, peace & vibez 2 u & all beings everywhere
-EC <3
vegan caesar salad
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 3 handfuls or chopped kale and/or arugla optional
For the Caesar-style dressing:
- ½ cup raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds de-shelled
- 2 tbsp capers + a splash of caper brine
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove garlic or ½ large clove
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ⅔ cup water to blend — adjust for thickness
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional but recommended toppings:
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 3 tbsp hemp seeds
Instructions
Prep the greens:
- Rinse, chop, and dry the romaine (and kale if using).
- Add to a large mixing bowl.
- If using kale, massage it with a little olive oil and lemon juice to soften and mellow the flavor.
Make the dressing:
- In a blender, combine sunflower (or pumpkin) seeds, capers, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and water.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust — add more lemon, brine, salt, or water if needed for flavor and consistency.
Assemble the salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the greens.
- Add chickpeas, nutritional yeast, and hemp seeds (or any of your favorite crunchy salad toppings).
- Toss everything together until well coated.
Serve:
- Enjoy fresh as a main or side — it’s perfect on its own or with roasted veggies, tempeh, or tofu on top.
