Vegan Roasted Chickpea Caesar (Printable)

Fresh romaine tossed in creamy cashew dressing topped with crispy roasted chickpeas and vegan Parmesan.

# What You Need:

→ Roasted Chickpeas

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cashew Caesar Dressing

07 - 3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked 2-4 hours and drained
08 - 1/3 cup water
09 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
10 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tablespoon capers
12 - 2 teaspoons white miso paste
13 - 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
14 - 1 clove garlic
15 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

17 - 2 medium heads romaine lettuce, chopped
18 - 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan, optional
19 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
20 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, optional
21 - Thinly sliced red onion, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat chickpeas dry with a clean towel. In a bowl, toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Combine soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers, miso, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and pepper in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping sides as needed. Adjust seasoning or thin with water as desired.
05 - In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with enough cashew dressing to coat evenly.
06 - Top dressed lettuce with roasted chickpeas, vegan Parmesan, and optional vegetables. Finish with additional black pepper to taste.
07 - Serve immediately while chickpeas remain crisp.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Completely plant-based: Vegan, dairy-free, and naturally gluten-free when prepared without croutons.
  • Incredible texture: Roasted chickpeas deliver a satisfying crunch that rivals any traditional crouton.
  • Creamy without cream: The cashew Caesar dressing is luxuriously smooth, rich, and deeply flavorful.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 45 minutes with simple pantry staples.
  • Meal-prep friendly: All components can be stored separately and assembled fresh when needed.
  • Customizable: Easily adapted with optional cherry tomatoes, red onion, or vegan Parmesan.
02 -
  • Dry your chickpeas thoroughly: The drier the chickpeas before roasting, the crispier they will become in the oven.
  • Shake the pan halfway: Turning the chickpeas at the midpoint of roasting ensures even browning on all sides.
  • Soak cashews in advance: For the creamiest dressing, soak raw cashews for 2–4 hours before blending.
  • Make ahead: Store the dressing, roasted chickpeas, and chopped lettuce separately; assemble just before serving.
  • Nut-free option: Substitute sunflower seeds for cashews in the dressing for an equally creamy, allergen-friendly result.
  • Add extra crunch: For an even heartier texture, add homemade or store-bought gluten-free croutons alongside the chickpeas.
  • Pair wisely: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complements the bright, tangy flavors of this salad beautifully.
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