Caesar salads are a classic option for a side salad or your main dish. I love having a salad on the side of some pizza or even loaded with toppings to make it a full meal.
Salads are a great way to include more fiber and nutrients into a meal! The majority of Americans do not meet the recommendation for fiber intake of 25-30g per day (NHANES). Eating a variety of fiber-rich foods can help to make meals more filling, promote gut health, stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol, and even improve cognition (read more here). Try including more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your meals to boost the fiber content!
This recipe uses cashews and capers rather than the traditional egg yolk and anchovies to achieve a similar flavor and creaminess. Capers are the flowering part of a caper bush that are typically pickled. These tiny balls are a great way to add more flavor and tang to a recipe!
All you need is a small blender to make this creamy dressing. To assemble the caesar salad, I prefer to use a base of mixed greens, such as chard, kale, or lettuce. You can use romaine lettuce or your favorite greens! Then, top with some croutons, vegan parmesan, and a generous amount of the dressing. To make this salad more satiating, add some crispy chickpeas, cooked tempeh, or another source of protein.
Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Cashews (raw, unsalted)
- ¼ cup Hot/Boiling Water
- 2.5 tbsp Capers
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 2-3 cloves Garlic
- 3-4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 1/2 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
- 1 pinch Kosher Salt
- (Optional) 1 dash Worcestershire Sauce (if you are vegan, make sure yours doesn't have anchovies)
Instructions
- Add the cashews and hot water to a small bowl or container and allow the cashews to soak for 10 minutes or more. This will help them to blend smoothly!
- Add the cashews, water, capers, dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and Worcestershire (if using) to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and add more oil if needed until you reach the consistency you want. Add this dressing to a salad or wrap with your favorite toppings! This should last for about a week in the refrigerator!
