This Vegan Kale Caesar Salad Recipe is a lunchtime winner that will make you crave greens! Full of hearty crispy chickpeas and doused in a tangy tahini-parmesan dressing, it will keep you full and satisfied. Full of plant-based protein, this easy lunch recipe is totally vegan and gluten-free.
What ingredients are in vegan caesar salad dressing?
Typically, caesar salad dressing is not dairy-free at all. To make it vegan, you need:
- Tahini - as the creamy base
- Lemon juice - for zing
- Dijon mustard - to help emulsify ingredients
- Garlic - for classic flavor
- Tamari or soy sauce - for umami
- Cashew parmesan - as a stand in for cheese
- Fresh parsley - for brightness
- Salt and pepper - to balance
- Water - to thin
How To Make A Kale Caesar Salad
Making this salad is quite simple; it can be ready in about 15 minutes. After mixing the above dressing ingredients together, you'll massage that dressing into a bed of kale and sliced cabbage. Then, you'll crisp some chickpeas on the stovetop and add those for additional plant-based protein. To serve, top greens with crispy chickpeas and wedges of avocado!
The tahini dressing is the star of the show, and this recipe does make extra. I personally prefer my salads on the lighter side of dressing, so there are options listed to use however much you prefer. This dressing is rather versatile and would be a great addition to other salads or even on a sandwich.
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To watch a video of how to make this salad, click here.
How to Massage Kale + Why It Is Important
Massaging kale helps break down its fibrous structure so that it's easier to eat. It also helps to absorb the flavors of whatever dressing you're using.
The easiest way to massage kale is to place it in a large bowl and use two hands to "knead" dressing into the leaves. I like to start with a smaller amount of dressing and work my way up. This process usually takes just a minute or two. You'll notice that the kale will darken in color and begin wilting. As it sits, it will soften even more.
I hope you enjoy this vegan kale caesar salad! For more kale recipes, try one of the posts next:
If you love winter salads, try this Cinnamon Maple Squash & Pink Radicchio Salad next.
Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Ingredients
For tahini parmesan caesar dressing:
- One third cup tahini
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 TBS dijon mustard
- 2 small cloves garlic chopped
- 2 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- One fourth cup cashew parmesan
- 2 TBS chopped parsley
- Dashes of salt and pepper
- Water to thin
For crispy chickpeas:
- 3 TBS neutral oil
- 15 oz cooked chickpeas one can, drained and rinsed
- 2 TBS nutritional yeast or more parmesan (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin optional
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 TBS maple syrup
- 1 TBS crushed red pepper optional
For salad:
- 1 head curly kale about 5 cups, washed and dried
- 1-2 cups sliced cabbage or Brussels sprouts washed and dried
- One half avocado sliced
Instructions
- To begin, combine all ingredients for dressing except water in a bowl or blender. Mix/blend to combine. Slowly stream in water until a thick but pourable consistency is achieved. Set aside.
- To make chickpeas, heat 3 TBS oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add chickpeas and stir, making an even layer in the pan.
- Add nutritional yeast, cumin, salt, maple syrup, and red pepper if using. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes. You may need to add more oil if they begin to stick. Stir every now and then until evenly browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add kale and cabbage to a large bowl and drizzle 4 TBS of the dressing on top. Using your hands, massage dressing into kale (this will make it easier to eat and more flavorful). Add more dressing to your liking, rubbing it in as you go.
- To serve, plate salad greens topped with crispy chickpeas and slices of avocado. Serve with more dressing on the side as desired.
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