Dairy-Free Caesar Salad
Elevate your salad game with this creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying Dairy-Free Caesar Salad! Perfect for those avoiding dairy, this recipe swaps traditional ingredients for a luscious cashew-based dressing packed with the umami goodness of nutritional yeast and capers. The homemade gluten-free garlic croutons, baked to golden perfection, add the perfect crunch, while crisp romaine lettuce provides a fresh foundation. With just 20 minutes of prep and easy-to-follow steps, this healthy twist on a classic Caesar salad is ideal for vegans, those with dietary restrictions, or anyone looking for a wholesome, flavor-packed meal. Serve it as a side dish or a light main, and enjoy a dairy-free delight that doesn’t skimp on bold flavors and creamy textures!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine lettuce
- 0.5 cup Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 0.5 cup Raw cashews
- 1 tablespoon Capers
- 0.25 cup Water
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 slices Gluten-free bread
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for croutons)
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing the dairy-free dressing: In a blender, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, raw cashews, capers, water, salt, and black pepper.
2. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or lemon juice to taste.
3. Cover the dressing and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the salad.
4. To make the croutons, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Cut the gluten-free bread slices into cubes, about 1/2-inch in size.
6. In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil and garlic powder until evenly coated.
7. Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning halfway through the cooking time. Set aside to cool.
9. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, wash thoroughly, and drain any excess water using a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels.
10. In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the dairy-free Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
11. Add the cooled croutons on top, gently mix, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1917 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 169.3 g | 217% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.3 g | 132% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1959 mg | 85% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.8 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.6 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.1 g | ||
| Protein | 32.6 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 310 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1964 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
