Caesar salad is a timeless classic that’s beloved by many for its rich, creamy dressing and satisfying crunch. But for those looking for a vegetarian option, this Vegetarian Caesar Salad is the perfect solution. It’s everything you love about the original but without the anchovies and bacon, making it lighter and just as delicious.

With fresh romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and a smooth, tangy Caesar dressing, this salad is perfect as a standalone meal for lunch or dinner, or served alongside your favorite main course. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just craving a healthier twist on a classic, this salad will become your go-to.

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📝 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)

For the Salad:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• 1 cup homemade croutons (or store-bought)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free option)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Caesar Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons capers, finely chopped (optional for extra tang)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan for dairy-free)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the salad:

• Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels. Place the lettuce in a large mixing bowl.

2. Make the croutons (if using homemade):

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut 2 slices of bread (preferably day-old) into small cubes. Toss with a bit of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Let the croutons cool before adding them to the salad.

3. Prepare the dressing:

• In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, capers (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a tablespoon of water or more lemon juice.

4. Assemble the salad:

• Add the croutons to the bowl with the lettuce. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine, ensuring the lettuce is evenly coated.

5. Serve:

• Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad (or vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free option). Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
• Serve immediately as a side or light main course.

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🍽 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – serves 4)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 570 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Add some protein: If you want to make this salad more filling, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted tofu for an added protein boost.
• Make it gluten-free: To make this salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free croutons or skip the croutons altogether and use roasted nuts for crunch.
• Vegan version: Use vegan mayo, vegan Parmesan cheese, and make sure the croutons are dairy-free to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Customize the dressing: If you prefer a more tangy dressing, add extra lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar. You can also add a bit of Dijon mustard for extra sharpness.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dressing and croutons ahead of time and store them separately. Just toss everything together when you're ready to serve.

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🍽 From Me to You: My Extra Touch ✨

For an extra burst of flavor, I love to sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top of my Vegetarian Caesar Salad. They add a nice nutty crunch that complements the creamy dressing perfectly. You can also add some avocado for a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats!