This Grilled Romaine with Vegan Caesar Dressing features smoky charred romaine topped with a creamy, dairy-free Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and fresh herbs. It’s a simple yet elegant salad that’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:5 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Salad
Method:Grill
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
2 romaine lettuce hearts, halved lengthwise
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 cup croutons
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
For the vegan Caesar dressing: 1 cup raw cashews, soaked and drained
1/3 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp capers
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 20 minutes, then drain.
Blend the soaked cashews with the plant-based milk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, capers, nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Brush the cut sides of the romaine with olive oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Grill the romaine cut-side down for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly charred while still crisp.
Transfer the grilled romaine to a serving platter.
Drizzle generously with the vegan Caesar dressing.
Top with croutons, vegan Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Add grilled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
Top with roasted chickpeas for added crunch.
Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
Substitute kale for romaine for a heartier salad.
Include grilled asparagus or zucchini for more vegetables.
Finish with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
Store the dressing, romaine, and croutons separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.