Caesar Salad

Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe
vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, refined sugar-free

Ingredients:
Chickpea Croutons:

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Croutons:

• 1 loaf of oil and sugar-free bread, cut into small cubes

Caesar Salad Dressing:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews or almond slivers
• 1/2 cup water
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 Tbsp mustard
• 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp salt

Vegan Parmesan:

• 1/3 cup cashews or almond slivers
• 2 Tbsp hulled hemp seeds or raw sunflower seeds
• 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:
Chickpea Croutons and Bread Croutons:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Add all of the ingredients for the chickpea croutons to a bowl and mix well. 
3. Layer seasoned chickpeas on to a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
4. Layer cubed bread cubes on a separate baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15 minutes. At this point the bread croutons should be crunchy and can be removed from the oven to cool.
6. Mix the chickpeas and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

Caesar Salad Dressing:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Vegan Parmesan:

1. Add nuts and seeds to a food processor and process until very fine.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and process until combined.

Prepare salad by washing salad greens of choice and topping with croutons, vegan parmesan, and dressing. The ingredients store well in the fridge and can be prepared ahead of time, which will help the dressing thicken up.