The Best Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
A vibrant and delicious vegan Caesar pasta salad featuring crispy homemade cheesy herb croutons, a creamy tangy vegan Caesar dressing, and crisp romaine lettuce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy, wholesome salad is perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Vegan Cheesy Herb Croutons
- 1 Loaf Crusty bread (Trader Joe’s Ciabatta recommended)
- 3 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. Nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp. Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. Dried basil
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
Vegan Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 C. Vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. Capers
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 2 Tbsp.)
- 2 Tbsp. Nutritional yeast
- 1 Clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- Pinch of black pepper
For the Salad
- 1 Head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 16 oz. Pasta (any variety, cooked according to package directions)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and allow it to cool to room temperature to prevent wilting the salad.
- Make the Croutons: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the crusty bread into cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt. Toss thoroughly to coat all bread cubes evenly; add a little extra olive oil if needed. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, stirring once halfway through baking for even browning.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the croutons bake, combine vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic clove, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the dressing is too thick, add a small amount of water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cooled pasta, and crispy croutons. Pour the vegan Caesar dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and flavor, or prepare ahead by combining salad ingredients without dressing and toss with dressing just before serving.
Notes
- To make ahead, combine all salad ingredients except dressing, then add dressing just before serving to keep the croutons crispy.
- If the dressing feels too thick, slowly add water a teaspoon at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
- You can use any sturdy bread you prefer for the croutons, such as sourdough or baguette.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta and bread accordingly.
