Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing Recipe
Yes girl, we grilled a chicken-free Caesar salad and made it fabulous. Lettuce never looked this glam, and dressing? Handmade, creamy, dairy-free glory.
Who says plant-based has to be boring? Not on our watch. We’ve ditched the bird and still served up smoky, protein-packed deliciousness.
The dressing? Cashew-based, tangy, garlicky—basically a vegan love letter in liquid form.
This salad crunches like your ex’s texts—satisfying and totally guilt-free.
Top with crispy chick’n strips, fresh greens, and DIY croutons, because we’re not basic.
Grab a fork, toss the drama, and eat like you’re worth it.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing Recipe
A smoky, grilled vegan Caesar salad featuring crispy plant-based chick’n, creamy dairy-free dressing, crunchy romaine, and fresh homemade croutons.
Ingredients
For the “Chicken”
- 1 pack vegan chicken strips about 8 oz
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch salt and pepper
For the Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional but fabulous)
- 1/2 cup homemade croutons see below
For the Homemade Dressing
- 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked 30 mins
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp capers
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Croutons
- 2 slices day-old bread cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Dash dried oregano
Instructions
- Toss vegan chicken with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill for 3–4 minutes each side until crisp and golden.
- Soak cashews in hot water for 30 minutes or until they’re softer than your last situationship.
- Blend soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oil, nutritional yeast, capers, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (or use toaster oven). Toss bread cubes with oil, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Bake croutons 10–12 minutes until crisp and golden like your highlight reel.
- Assemble salad with chopped romaine, grilled chick’n, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with homemade dressing like you’re on a cooking show with something to prove.
- Top with crunchy croutons and prepare for the applause.
Notes
📊 Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 16g
🌿 Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Iron: 15%
- Calcium: 10%
- Vitamin K: 45%
- Folate: 18%
💡 Additional Notes & Tips
- Add grilled corn or avocado for extra flair—because basic isn’t in your vocabulary.
- Use kale instead of romaine if you’re feeling crunchy and fearless.
- Cashew dressing stores well—unless you “accidentally” eat it with a spoon.
- If you’re feeling extra, add vegan Parmesan on top. Because you deserve it.
