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Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing Recipe

cooknblog24@gmail.com
A smoky, grilled vegan Caesar salad featuring crispy plant-based chick’n, creamy dairy-free dressing, crunchy romaine, and fresh homemade croutons.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 310 kcal

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.
Salad doesn’t have to be sad. Especially when it’s served with sass, sauce, and a side of "yes, queen."