#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com
Dairy Free, Dinner, Flowers, Food, Gluten Free, Lunch, Salads & Bowls, Spring, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

VEGAN KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH GLUTEN FREE CROUTONS


Wow, has it ever been a minute since I published a non-cocktail recipe — let alone a salad or bowl! Remember that post I published back in January about sharing things as I feel inspired to, rather than sticking to my very rigid, previously very balanced, editorial calendar? Scaling back on extremely time consuming content in order to get our SPACE REFRESH series off the ground (did you know I test my recipes 3 – 7 times on average and that can translate to over 30 hours of work?)? These changes resulted in a steady stream of cocktail recipes during the first half of 2018 (they’re a blast to create also relatively simple to test!) — one of which landed me my first Style Me Pretty Living feature, so I guess it all worked out! And while my adventures deep into cocktailing this year have been a lot of fun, sometimes you just need to dry out a bit and eat a kale salad — you feel me?!

If you follow along with my Insta Stories, you’ll know I’ve been eating this Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Gluten Free Croutons almost weekly since I first whipped it up back in April. In the process, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve tested this recipe and it’s since become one of our favourite salads! The best part? There’s no marinating or planning ahead (I’ve really been focusing on keeping it simple lately!) and it can be on your table in 15 minutes. It’s a nutritious, protein packed, plant based spin on a classic that eats like a meal — and I promise no one will know it’s vegan (in a blind taste test, it was praised by meat eaters!). I’m also sharing my secret for flavourful, tender, raw kale! If you’re looking for quick, healthy meal options to add to your summer rotation (or #MeatlessMonday!), I cannot recommend this contemporary spin on traditional caesar salad enough!


VEGAN KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH GLUTEN FREE CROUTONS


#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

Full disclosure: if you’re not a plant based eater, there may be a few ingredients in this recipe that worry you — namely tofu, nutritional yeast and raw kale. But I promise if you keep an open mind and stick with me, they combine to create the most delicious, nutritious caesar -inspired salad you’ve ever tasted! In fact, I made this salad as a side for Adam’s birthday dinner — and he said it was the best caesar salad he’d ever had. After we were finished our meal, he was shocked when I told him it was vegan!

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

This recipe was actually inspired by a salad I enjoyed at Blue Star Diner back in April. It wasn’t on the menu, but was offered as a side option to my entrée. To be honest, as a salad lover, ceasar salad has never appealed to me — it’s the least healthy of all the salads and I love my meals to be as delicious and loaded with vegetables as possible! But a vegan version? I was intrigued.

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

Upon first bite, I knew it would be something I wanted to recreate at home. Of course, I had no idea what exactly what was in Blue Star’s version, but I let my palette be my guide as I worked to recreate it! My Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Gluten Free Croutons includes a couple of add ons theirs didn’t (croutons and tofu!), but the idea wouldn’t have come to me unless we chose Blue Star for dinner that night. As someone who prefers to eat at home most of the time, I’m very selective when I do dine out. That said, enjoying delicious food that someone creates is so inspiring — whenever I enjoy an incredible meal I’m always itching to get back into the kitchen and allow the experience to enrich my culinary endeavors!

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

So, let’s get to the recipe, shall we? My Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Gluten Free Croutons is a nutrient-rich powerhouse — combining superfood kale, a tahini-based, vegan spin on traditional caesar dressing, protein rich chickpeas, tofu and pepitas, lots of capers and nutritional yeast (for that cheesy, vegan taste!), topped off with gluten free croutons (but feel free to use your favourite regular bread if you don’t need a GF recipe). This is a super simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that can be on your table in 15 minutes — perfect for quick summer dinners or lunches!

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com


INGREDIENTS


Yield: 1 – 2 servings

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

VEGAN KALE CAESAR SALAD

• 4 large kale leaves
• 1/2 cup chickpeas
• 1/4 block (approximately 1/2 cup) extra firm tofu
• 1/4 cup pepitas

DRESSING

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup water
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
• 1/8 tsp cayenne powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp 100% pure Canadian maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp capers + brine

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

GLUTEN FREE CROUTONS

• 1 slice grainy, gluten free bread
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt
• 1/8 tsp nutritional yeast
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder

GARNISH

• 1 tbsp capers
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com


INSTRUCTIONS


1. Begin by setting your oven to the highest Broil setting.

2. Wash and roughly chop kale. Add to a large mixing bowl and set aside.

3. Cut bread into cubes. Add to a baking sheet and season with extra virgin olive oil, Himalayan pink salt, tsp nutritional yeast and garlic powder. Broil for approximately 2 minutes, or until golden brown.

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

4. Making the dressing by adding all ingredients to a Vitamix (or similar) and blending until smooth and creamy.

5. Now, my secret for tender, favourful raw kale! It may sound strange — but you have massage your kale in dressing to help break down it’s fibrous nature. Simply pour a tablespoon or so of dressing onto your kale and (with clean hands) begin to massage it. Give it a minute or so and the kale should appear softened and slightly greener — that’s how you know you’ve tenderized it!

6. Prep your tofu by removing it from the package and pressing the water out between a dish towel. Once the majority of the water has been extracted, cut tofu into quarters. Crumble 1 quarter into your mixing bowl and refrigerate the rest for future use!

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

7. Add chickpeas, pepitas and the rest of your dressing to your bowl. Toss to combine.

8. Add Gluten Free Croutons to your bowl, along with all garnishes. Toss to combine.

9. Serve and enjoy immediately!

Note: I’ve added some edible Creeping Bellflowers to these salads for a colourful garnish! Calgarians, these are considered an invasive species (they’re all over our inner city alley!), so if you see them, pull them, bag them and toss them — or use their edible flowers in your summer salads and cocktails. They’re mild and lightly sweet, but mostly just pretty!

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

SUGGESTED BEVERAGE PAIRINGS

Keep it extra healthy with a glass of kombucha over ice — my personal favourite as of late! Crisp wines and dry rosé also work well.


5 from 4 votes
#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com
VEGAN KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH GLUTEN FREE CROUTONS
Total Time
15 mins
 


Servings: 2
Author: Justine Celina Maguire
Ingredients
VEGAN KALE CAESAR SALAD
  • 4 large kale leaves
  • 1/2 cup chickpeas
  • 1/4 block extra firm tofu
  • 1/4 cup pepitas
DRESSING
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • 1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt

  • 1/8 tsp cayenne powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp 100% pure Canadian maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp capers + brine
GLUTEN FREE CROUTONS
  • 1 slice grainy, gluten free bread

  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt

  • 1/8 tsp nutritional yeast

  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
GARNISH
  • 1 tbsp capers
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
  1. Begin by setting your oven to the highest Broil setting.

  2. Wash and roughly chop kale. Add to a large mixing bowl and set aside.

  3. Cut bread into cubes. Add to a baking sheet and season with extra virgin olive oil, Himalayan pink salt, tsp nutritional yeast and garlic powder. Broil for approximately 2 minutes, or until golden brown.

  4. Making the dressing by adding all ingredients to a Vitamix (or similar) and blending until smooth and creamy.

  5. Now, my secret for tender, favourful raw kale! It may sound strange -- but you have massage your kale in dressing to help break down it's fibrous nature. Simply pour a tablespoon or so of dressing onto your kale and (with clean hands) begin to massage it. Give it a minute or so and the kale should appear softened and slightly greener -- that's how you know you've tenderized it!

  6. Prep your tofu by removing it from the package and pressing the water out between a dish towel. Once the majority of the water has been extracted, cut tofu into quarters. Crumble 1 quarter into your mixing bowl and refrigerate the rest for future use!

  7. Add chickpeas, pepitas and the rest of your dressing to your bowl. Toss to combine.

  8. Add Gluten Free Croutons to your bowl, along with all garnishes. Toss to combine.

  9. Serve and enjoy immediately!

Recipe Notes

I've added some edible Creeping Bellflowers to these salads for a colourful garnish! Calgarians, these are considered an invasive species (they're all over our inner city alley!), so if you see them, pull them, bag them and toss them -- or use their edible flowers in your summer salads and cocktails. They're mild and lightly sweet, but mostly just pretty!


MORE SEASONAL SALADS , BOWLS & STIRFRYS


#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

Vegan Fiesta Buffalo Tofu Bowls with Tahini Lime Crema

Nectarine Basil Salad with Pineapple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls with Citrus Ponzu + Sriracha Aioli

Spring Vegetable Stirfry with Coconut Ginger Tofu (Wild Rose D-Tox Friendly!)

Mediterranean Rainbow Buddha Bowls


Are you a ceaser salad lover? If you are, I hope you enjoy this lightened up, plant based, nutritious spin on a classic! And if you’re not, my Vegan Kale Salad with Gluten Free Croutons may just convert you!

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

As always, if you try this recipe please let me know how it worked out for you — I love your feedback! Feel free to leave me a comment, or tag me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. I’d love you to hashtag #justinecelinarecipes in your recreations so I can find them — browsing my feed and stumbling on your beautiful recreations is one of my favourite feelings! I also have a Pinterest board for my recipes if you’re looking for more heathy, plant based recipes. Thanks for stopping by for this yummy kale salad today, friends!


This recipe was featured in the Food Bloggers of Canada’s 15 Ways to Celebrate Caesar Salad roundup.


Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and contains my genuine thoughts, ideas and recommendations. JustineCelina uses affiliate and referral links, which allow me to receive a small commission when you make a purchase through one of my links. Thank you for supporting the brands and businesses that support JustineCelina!

Previous Post Next Post

You Might Also Like

16 Comments

  • Reply Elizabeth Seal July 12, 2018 at 6:41 am

    Ahhh your photos are so gorgeous!! I love the colour palette, the blush pink, gold and pastel hues compliment the food so beautifully 😀 thank you so much for this recipe! xx

    • Reply Justine July 12, 2018 at 9:27 am

      Thank you so much! This was actually a super quick shoot but I wanted to keep things simple to compliment the recipe — and I was also hungry. Had these for dinner straight afterwards. 😉

  • Reply Elaine July 16, 2018 at 9:45 am

    5 stars
    Justine, I think I might put that dressing on everything! Great with kale! I love how you added capers for some extra punch!

    • Reply Justine July 16, 2018 at 11:23 am

      You and me both, Elaine! We eat this salad a couple of time a week. It’s so tasty and the dressing is really versatile. Thanks for stopping by!

  • Reply Corinna | Friendly Pantry July 16, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    This sounds really good. I love the tip about massaging your kale! I always wondered how the restaurant’s kale caesers were so much more tender than mine!
    Corinna | Friendly Pantry

    • Reply Justine July 17, 2018 at 4:37 pm

      I know if sounds so strange (and it feels weird at first, too!), but I promise the kale massage is a game changer! Haha. I’m looking forward to checking your blog, Corinna! Love the name. 🙂

  • Reply Kristen July 17, 2018 at 7:59 am

    5 stars
    I love kale caesar salad and your version sounds delicious. Can’t wait to try it out this weekend.

    • Reply Justine July 17, 2018 at 4:40 pm

      I would absolutely love your feedback, Kirsten! It really is so tasty. A fast favourite around here!

  • Reply Jessica July 17, 2018 at 4:29 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds SO TASTY! Love how straight-forward & simple the ingredients are; I can see why you have been making this often! Looking forward to trying this recipe out soon!

    • Reply Justine July 17, 2018 at 4:41 pm

      It really is! Thanks for the recipe love, Jess! I would love your feedback if you try it — we always have the ingredients on hand, with the exception of a fresh kale run here and there. Let me know how you like it!

  • Reply Chef Markus Mueller July 18, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    5 stars
    I have so much kale growing in my garden right now, I can’t wait to try this recipe! I never grow romaine, (why who knows lol), but kale is always there. I think it’s because I can also freeze it well, and then use it in recipes throughout the winter months. Anyways, I should try and eat some fresh to eh!

    • Reply Justine July 18, 2018 at 6:46 pm

      I hope you try it, Markus! I would love your feedback if you try it. Please report back!

  • Reply VEGAN POWER SALAD WITH LEMON DILL DRESSING - JustineCelina March 11, 2019 at 12:30 pm

    […] Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Gluten Free Croutons […]

  • Reply 20+ FAVOURITE FALL RECIPES - JustineCelina October 8, 2019 at 12:36 pm

    […] VEGAN KALE SALAD WITH GLUTEN FREE CROUTONS […]

  • Reply HEALTHY RECIPES TO KICK START THE NEW YEAR - JustineCelina January 5, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    […] VEGAN KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH GLUTEN FREE CROUTONS […]

  • Reply 20+ HEALTHY PLANT BASED SUMMER RECIPES - JustineCelina July 23, 2021 at 10:14 am

    […] VEGAN KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH GLUTEN FREE CROUTONS […]

  • Leave a Reply

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.