Elevate your salad game with this Vegan Sweetgreen Kale Caesar Salad, a plant-based twist on the classic favorite. Packed with robust flavors, this recipe features tender, de-stemmed kale massaged in a creamy vegan Caesar dressing made with nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, capers, and garlic for that signature zesty kick. Crispy roasted chickpeas seasoned with smoked paprika and golden-toasted breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch, making every bite irresistible. Perfectly balanced and wholesomely indulgent, this salad is ready in just 30 minutes and serves as a nutritious main or side dish. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a healthier spin on Caesar salad, this recipe delivers on taste and texture while being dairy-free and nutrient-rich.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet, pat them dry, and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, and 0.5 teaspoons of black pepper. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes or until crispy, stirring halfway through.
While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the breadcrumbs. Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and toast the breadcrumbs until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vegan mayonnaise, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, capers, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the vegan Caesar dressing. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Prepare the kale by adding it to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the dressing over the kale and massage it with your hands for 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves and enhance their flavor.
Toss the massaged kale with the remaining dressing until evenly coated.
Top the salad with roasted chickpeas and toasted breadcrumbs for crunch and garnish with extra nutritional yeast or freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Vegan Sweetgreen Kale Caesar Salad!
Calories |
1668 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.8 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.0 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 26.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 54 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 4981 mg | 217% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 188.6 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.1 g | 111% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.0 g | ||
| Protein | 51.5 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 783 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 3085 mg | 66% | |
*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.