Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Vegan Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini Caesar Dressing is a bold, satisfying spin on the classic Caesar—entirely plant-based. Crisp romaine, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and a rich, tangy tahini-based dressing come together to deliver all the flavor you crave, without the dairy or anchovies. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettuce
roasted chickpeas
vegan Parmesan (optional)
croutons (store-bought or homemade)
lemon wedges (for serving)

for the roasted chickpeas:
cooked chickpeas (canned or home-cooked)
olive oil
smoked paprika
garlic powder
salt
black pepper

for the tahini Caesar dressing:
tahini
lemon juice
Dijon mustard
capers or caper brine
garlic
maple syrup
nutritional yeast
salt
black pepper
water (to thin)

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat chickpeas dry and toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy. Let cool.

While chickpeas roast, make the dressing: in a bowl or blender, combine tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers or brine, minced garlic, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and enough water to reach desired consistency. Blend or whisk until creamy and smooth.

Chop romaine lettuce and place in a large salad bowl.

Add roasted chickpeas, croutons, and optional vegan Parmesan.

Drizzle with tahini Caesar dressing and toss to coat evenly.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Roasting time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

Add avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
Mix in kale for a heartier green base.
Top with grilled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
Use sunflower seed butter in place of tahini for a nut-free option.

storage/reheating

Store components separately for best texture.
Keep dressing in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Roasted chickpeas stay crispy in a container at room temp for 2–3 days.
Assembled salad is best eaten fresh—if storing, keep dressing off until serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, just rinse and dry thoroughly before roasting.

Is tahini Caesar dressing nut-free?
Yes, tahini is made from sesame seeds, not nuts.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free croutons and check all ingredient labels.

What can I use instead of capers?
Try a splash of apple cider vinegar or chopped olives for a similar tang.

Is this dressing thick or pourable?
It’s creamy but can be thinned with water to your liking.

Can I prep this salad in advance?
Yes, keep ingredients separate and assemble just before eating.

Do I have to use nutritional yeast?
It adds cheesy flavor, but you can skip or sub with a dash of miso or more Dijon.

How long will the roasted chickpeas stay crispy?
Best within 2 days, but they’re still tasty even if they soften slightly.

Conclusion

Creamy Vegan Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Tahini Caesar Dressing is a modern, wholesome twist on the beloved classic. With crunchy toppings and a luxuriously tangy dressing, it satisfies every Caesar craving—minus the dairy and anchovies. Enjoy it as a light meal or elegant side dish that’s easy to love and even easier to make.