Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Vegan Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini Caesar Dressing is a satisfying plant-based twist on the classic Caesar. Crunchy romaine, crispy roasted chickpeas, and a rich, garlicky tahini dressing come together for a hearty, dairy-free meal or side dish. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients—no anchovies or cheese required.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettucecanned chickpeas (drained, rinsed, and dried)olive oilgarlic powdersmoked paprikasaltpepperlemon juicegarliccloveTahiniDijon mustardnutritional yeastmaple syrupwatercapers (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.

While chickpeas roast, make the dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, maple syrup, and a bit of water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust water for desired consistency.

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.

Once chickpeas are roasted, let them cool slightly, then add them to the salad.

Drizzle the tahini Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

Top with extra nutritional yeast or capers if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 as a side, 2 as a main.Preparation time: 10 minutesRoasting time: 25–30 minutesTotal time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

Use kale instead of romaine for a sturdier green.

Top with vegan Parmesan or crushed croutons for added crunch.

Include grilled tofu or tempeh for more protein.

Use apple cider vinegar in the dressing if you’re out of lemon juice.

storage/reheating

Store components separately for best texture.Store roasted chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.Refrigerate dressing and chopped lettuce separately for up to 4 days.Assemble salad just before serving for maximum crunch.

FAQs

Is Caesar salad usually vegan?

Traditional Caesar salad contains anchovies, eggs, and Parmesan, but this version is 100% vegan.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the tahini Caesar dressing can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

What can I substitute for tahini?

You can use cashew butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy effect.

Are roasted chickpeas crunchy?

Yes, when roasted properly, chickpeas become crispy and add great texture to the salad.

Do I need nutritional yeast?

It adds a cheesy, umami flavor, but the dressing will still work without it.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just ensure any toppings like croutons are gluten-free as well.

How can I make this nut-free?

The recipe is already nut-free if using tahini or sunflower seed butter.

Can I use store-bought vegan Caesar dressing?

Yes, for convenience, you can use your favorite store-bought vegan Caesar.

What if I don’t have a blender?

You can whisk the dressing ingredients together by hand—it may be a bit chunkier but still delicious.

Can I add grains?

Absolutely—quinoa or farro makes a great addition for a heartier salad.

Conclusion

Creamy Vegan Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini Caesar Dressing is a delicious, nourishing way to enjoy a classic favorite—without any animal products. With its bold flavors, crisp textures, and creamy dressing, it’s a dish that pleases vegans and non-vegans alike. Perfect for lunches, dinners, or potlucks, this salad is sure to become a go-to in your plant-based rotation.