A Caesar salad with a twist, no compromise on taste!
Remember those summer evenings when the classic and irresistible Caesar salad reigned supreme? Today, I'm offering a vegan version, just as delicious as the original, with a little twist: perfectly crispy chickpea croutons! This salad is ideal for a light and flavorful lunch or a casual dinner with friends. Get ready to surprise your taste buds and rediscover the pleasure of a Caesar salad, guilt-free!
The idea for this recipe came from a desire to revisit a classic dish, giving it a light and modern twist. I spent a long time searching for the perfect vegan crouton recipe, and these chickpea croutons are the result of much experimentation. Their crispy texture and subtly spiced flavor are the key to this salad's success.
This vegan Caesar salad is not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick preparation, you can impress your guests and enjoy a dish that's as healthy as it is satisfying. So, put on your apron and let's dive into preparing this culinary marvel together!
Ingredients
Serves 4:
- 1 can (400g) of chickpeas , drained and rinsed
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and cut into pieces
- 2 ripe avocados , diced
- 100g of cherry tomatoes , cut in half
- 1 lemon , its juice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of malted yeast
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic , pressed
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- Chickpea croutons (see instructions)
- (Optional) A few fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Instructions
- To prepare the chickpea croutons: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- To prepare the Caesar dressing: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk the dressing well to emulsify.
- To assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, avocados, cherry tomatoes, and Caesar dressing. Add the chickpea croutons and fresh parsley (optional). Gently toss to coat all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy this generous and refreshing vegan Caesar salad!
Chef's Tips
For even crispier croutons, you can let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.
Feel free to add other vegetables to your salad, such as cucumbers, grated carrots, or radishes. For a richer version, you can incorporate sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tahini or coconut cream to the Caesar dressing.
Conservation
It's best to eat the vegan Caesar salad the same day. If you need to store it, keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, separating the croutons from the rest of the salad to prevent them from getting soggy.
