Name: Vegetarian Caesar Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large heads of romaine lettuce, chopped (10–12 cups); 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (for vegan option); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1–2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon white miso paste or 1 tablespoon capers, mashed; 1/3 to 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing as needed); Salt and black pepper to taste; 3–4 cups cubed day-old baguette or sourdough (for croutons); Optional toppings: shaved Parmesan, lemon zest, cracked black pepper; Optional protein: grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or a soft-boiled egg

Description

A bold and satisfying Vegetarian Caesar salad featuring creamy homemade dressing, crunchy croutons, and optional protein toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large heads of romaine lettuce, chopped (10–12 cups)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (for vegan option)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon white miso paste or 1 tablespoon capers, mashed
1/3 to 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1–2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing as needed)
Salt and black pepper to taste
3–4 cups cubed day-old baguette or sourdough (for croutons)
Optional toppings: shaved Parmesan, lemon zest, cracked black pepper
Optional protein: grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or a soft-boiled egg

Instructions

Prep the romaine by trimming the core and cutting the leaves into bite-size pieces; chill in ice water for extra crispiness.
Make the croutons by tossing cubed bread with olive oil and salt, then baking at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden.
Make the dressing by whisking together yogurt (or mayo), Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), Dijon, lemon juice, garlic, and miso (or capers). Gradually whisk in olive oil until smooth, thinning with water if needed.
Taste the dressing and adjust for balance, then set aside.
Assemble the salad by combining romaine and dressing in a bowl, tossing gently to coat, and adding croutons last to maintain their crunch.
Add any optional proteins or toppings before serving immediately for the best texture.

Notes

For added flavor, rub croutons with garlic after baking. Serve immediately after dressing for the best texture. Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing and Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 25g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: vegetarian salad, Caesar salad, healthy salad, homemade dressing