Steps by steps Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons

A Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons offers a creative twist on the classic Caesar salad by incorporating plant-based elements and barbecue flavors to create a salad that is both familiar and novel.

At its foundation, this salad utilizes a variety of greens, such as romaine lettuce or kale, known for their crisp texture and nutritional value. The greens are then tossed in a rich, creamy vegan Caesar dressing, which is typically made from a blend of ingredients like cashews or silken tofu to mimic the traditional dressing’s velvety quality, without any dairy. Instead of anchovies, the savory depth is imparted through capers, vegan Worcestershire sauce, or seaweed flakes, achieving that umami flavor often found in Caesar dressings.

Taking center stage in this rendition are the BBQ roasted potato croutons, delivering the satisfying crunch you’d expect from croutons but with an added heft and heartiness. Small cubes of potatoes are roasted until golden and crispy, then seasoned with a smoky barbecue spice mix, adding a bold and tangy contrast to the salad.

The use of whole, nutrient-rich potatoes also means these ‘croutons’ contribute additional fiber and vitamins to the dish. Complete the salad with toppings such as vegan parmesan shavings, made from ground nuts and nutritional yeast, and perhaps chickpeas or slices of avocado for extra protein and healthy fats.

Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons redefines the typical salad boundaries, merging bold barbecue flavors with the creamy indulgence of a Caesar dressing, all while aligning with plant-based dietary practices. It’s a dish that invites both the health-conscious and those just looking for delicious satisfaction to enjoy a fulfilling and compassionate meal.

For those interested in preparing this unique salad, one should seek a recipe that details the specific proportions and steps for making the vegan Caesar dressing and the bbq spice blend for an authentic experience.

Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons Recipe

Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons

The Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons is an innovative twist on the classic Caesar salad, reinvented to cater to a plant-based diet without sacrificing flavor or texture. It combines leafy greens like romaine or kale with all the beloved aspects of a traditional Caesar while introducing a smoky touch through BBQ roasted potato 'croutons.'

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine French

Servings 2 serving

Calories 392 kcal

Equipment

• 1 small mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

• For SALAD
• 1 batch BBQ Roasted Sweet Potato Croutons
• 1 cup roughly chopped parsley
• 2 heads romaine lettuce hearts rinsed, dried and roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast optional
• 1 cup shredded or thinly sliced carrots
• For DRESSING
• 1/2 cup plain homemade hummus or store-bought
• 2 tsp capers chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp spicy mustard I used a mix of grainy and spicy
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp caper brining juice
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Prepare the BBQ Roasted Sweet Potato Croutons and set aside.
• Combine the ingredients for the dressing in a small mixing bowl, the hummus, spicy mustard, capers brining juice lemon zest, lemon juice, maple syrup minced capers, minced garlic, salt and pepper and stir until well mixed. Taste and thin with little water if you want and then whisk until smooth and creamy.
• Taste the dressing and make adjustment to suit your taste
• Prepare the remaining salad ingredients, the romaine lettuce, shredded carrots and parsley and place on a serving plates, top with the BBQ roasted sweet potatoes, add nutritional yeast if using
• Drizzle dressing over the salad or serve dressing on the side. Enjoy!
• Store leftover separately in an air tight container and keep in the fridge. Use the salad within 3 days and the dressing within 5 days. Don’t freeze.

Keyword Caesar, Potato

Cooking Tips about Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons

• Vegan Caesar Dressing: To create a rich and creamy vegan Caesar dressing, use cashews or silken tofu as the base. These ingredients mimic the creamy texture of traditional Caesar dressing. Incorporate capers, vegan Worcestershire sauce, or seaweed flakes to achieve the anchovy-like umami flavor characteristic of Caesar dressing. Don’t forget to include garlic and mustard for depth and lemon juice for acidity, blending everything until smooth.
• BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons: Choose the right type of potatoes that will crisp up well, such as russet or Yukon Gold. Cut them into small, bite-size cubes for even cooking and to ensure each piece has plenty of surface area for crisping. Season them liberally with your chosen BBQ spice blend and a little oil before roasting in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Make sure they’re well spaced on the baking sheet to help them crisp up.
• Greens Selection: Romaine lettuce or kale are good choices for their crisp texture. If you’re using kale, remember to remove the tough stems and massage the leaves with a bit of dressing to soften them, making them more palatable in the raw salad.
• Add-Ins for Nutritional Boost: To make the salad more filling and nutritious, consider adding sliced avocado, chickpeas, or homemade vegan parmesan cheese made from ground nuts and nutritional yeast. These ingredients provide healthy fats, protein, and additional vitamins and minerals that turn the salad into a complete meal.
• Balance of Flavors and Textures: A good salad should have a variety of textures and flavors. The creaminess of the dressing and avocado, the salty and tangy taste from the capers or seaweed, the heartiness of the potato croutons, and the crunch of fresh greens all work together to create a satisfying eating experience.
• Assembly Timing: To maintain the integrity of the salad elements, assemble it just before serving. Toss the greens with enough dressing to coat them lightly but thoroughly. Top with the potato croutoons only when ready to eat, to keep their crunch intact.
• Seasoning: Taste and season your salad appropriately – even a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice added at the end can heighten the flavors of the entire dish.

Serving suggestions about Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons

• Plating with Contrast: Use a large plate or bowl with a contrasting color to the greens of your salad to make it visually stand out. For example, a white or black dish can serve as an excellent backdrop for the vibrant green of the romaine or kale.
• Dressing Application: Drizzle the vegan Caesar dressing lightly over the greens before adding other ingredients. This allows every leaf to get a touch of flavor without making the salad too heavy or soggy.
• Adding the ‘Croutons’: Sprinkle the BBQ roasted potato croutons on top of the salad just before serving to ensure they retain their crunch and don’t get soggy from the dressing.
• Garnishes: Garnish with additional toppings like sliced avocado, a sprinkle of homemade vegan parmesan, or fresh herbs such as chopped chives or parsley. These garnishes add not just flavor but also a pleasing aesthetic.
• Serving Warmth: While the salad itself is cold, serving the potato croutons warm can create a delightful contrast in temperatures that enhances the eating experience.
• Accompaniments: Consider what will accompany your salad. Fresh, crusty bread, a bowl of soup, or a pasta dish can complement the flavors of the Caesar salad and make for a more complete meal.

Top 5 FAQs about Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons

• What ingredients are used for the vegan Caesar dressing? The vegan Caesar dressing typically uses cashews or silken tofu as a creamy base instead of eggs and dairy. Flavor enhancers include capers, vegan Worcestershire sauce, or seaweed flakes for umami flavor, along with garlic, mustard, and lemon juice for added depth and acidity.
• How do you roast potatoes to make them into croutons? To roast potatoes for croutons, first choose the right potato variety like russets or Yukon Golds for their crisping ability. Cut them into small cubes, season with your chosen BBQ spice blend and a little oil, then roast in a preheated oven until they’re golden brown and crispy. Ensure they’re well spaced on the baking sheet for optimal crisping.
• Can this salad be prepared in advance? While parts of the salad, such as the dressing and roasted potato croutons, can be prepared in advance, it’s best to assemble the salad close to serving time to maintain freshness and texture, especially the greens and croutons.
• Are there alternatives to using cashews in the dressing due to nut allergies? Yes. If you have a nut allergy, silken tofu can serve as an alternative creamy base. You may also explore other options like sunflower seeds or soaked and blended hemp seeds as nut-free alternatives.
• What type of greens work best in a Vegan Caesar Salad? Romaine lettuce is traditional in Caesar salads and works great for its refreshing crunch. However, kale can also be used for a heartier texture and nutrient profile. If using kale, remember to massage the leaves beforehand to tenderize them.

So, in conclusion, a Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Roasted Potato Croutons seems to be an innovative, delicious, and ethical reinterpretation of a traditional recipe. It aims to deliver the familiar savory experience of a Caesar Salad using exclusively plant-based ingredients and introduces a hearty substitute for croutons that enhances the overall dish with a unique barbecue flavor.