Creamy Vegan Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe

This Creamy Vegan Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini Caesar Dressing is the kind of salad that converts skeptics into salad lovers. It’s rich, satisfying, and absolutely bursting with flavor — no cheese, anchovies, or dairy required! Perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even meal prep, this plant-based twist on the classic Caesar hits all the right notes: crisp, creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of crunchy. And the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The tahini-based dressing brings all the creamy, garlicky tang you expect from a Caesar, minus the dairy or eggs. It’s shockingly good.
• Easy to Make: Everything in this recipe is simple, fast, and can be made with pantry staples. No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients required.
• Protein-Packed: Roasted chickpeas make a crunchy, savory topping that’s also full of plant-based protein — so filling and satisfying.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well if you keep the dressing separate until serving. Make a big batch for the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients and let’s break down why each one matters:

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, sturdy, and the traditional base for any Caesar salad. It holds up well to the creamy dressing.
• Chickpeas: Roasted until golden and crunchy — they replace croutons and give the salad a nutty, satisfying bite.
• Olive Oil: For roasting the chickpeas — helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: These give the chickpeas a punch of savory, smoky flavor. Don’t skip these!
• Tahini: The star of the dressing — creates a lusciously creamy base without any dairy.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing and gives that classic Caesar tang.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a little zip to the tahini dressing.
• Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor that mimics Parmesan — totally essential for a vegan Caesar!
• Garlic: Freshly minced for the dressing — because garlic is life.
• Maple Syrup: Just a touch for balance and to round out the acidity in the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste — makes all the flavors pop.

Variations

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are a few easy and delicious ideas:

• Add Grains: Toss in some cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous for a heartier version.
• Different Greens: Swap romaine for kale, arugula, or a mix of leafy greens if that’s what you have on hand.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy Caesar twist.
• Creamier Dressing: Blend the dressing with a bit of soaked cashew or avocado for extra richness.
• Extra Crunch: Add toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds along with the chickpeas.

How to Make Creamy Vegan Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini Caesar Dressing

Step 1: Roast the Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Drain and rinse your chickpeas, then pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

Step 2: Make the Tahini Caesar Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Add water a little at a time and whisk until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce

Wash, dry, and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large salad bowl.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle the tahini Caesar dressing over the romaine, toss to coat, and top with the roasted chickpeas. You can also add more nutritional yeast on top if you want extra cheesy flavor.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

This salad is best served fresh while the chickpeas are still warm and crunchy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dry the Chickpeas Well: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! The drier they are before roasting, the crispier they’ll get.
• Thin the Dressing Slowly: Tahini thickens as it mixes — add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Double the Chickpeas: They’re so good, you’ll want extra — make a big batch for snacking later.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste the dressing before pouring it on. Everyone’s tahini and lemon juice can vary in strength, so adjust accordingly.

How to Serve

This salad is wonderfully versatile and can be served in a number of tasty ways:

###As a Light Meal:
It’s filling enough for lunch or dinner on its own, thanks to the protein-packed chickpeas and creamy dressing.

###Alongside Soup or Pasta:
Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup, lentil stew, or even a creamy pasta dish for a balanced, comforting meal.

###In a Wrap:
Tuck the dressed lettuce and chickpeas into a tortilla or flatbread for an easy Caesar salad wrap — great for lunch on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad will stay crisp for up to 2 days, and the dressing can last for up to a week.

Freezing

This recipe isn’t great for freezing, but you can freeze the roasted chickpeas. Just re-crisp them in the oven before serving.

Reheating

If your roasted chickpeas have softened, pop them back in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to revive their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas straight from the can?
Yes, but they need to be dried very well before roasting to get that irresistible crunch. Don’t skip the roasting step — it transforms them.

Is tahini healthy?
Absolutely! Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and is rich in healthy fats, calcium, and protein. It’s a wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredient.

Can I make this nut-free?
This recipe is already nut-free, making it great for allergy-friendly households. Just check your tahini is made in a nut-free facility if needed.

What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
You can skip it, but it really brings that cheesy, umami flavor to the dressing. If you need a substitute, try a small splash of soy sauce or miso paste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vegan Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini Caesar Dressing proves that salads can be just as indulgent and satisfying as any other meal. It’s quick, nourishing, totally crave-worthy, and 100% plant-based. Give it a try — you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Print