Name: Homemade-ish Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 head lacinato kale, stems removed and thinly sliced; 1 head romaine, thinly sliced; ½ cup dried, roasted chickpeas (store-bought or homemade); 2 avocados, diced; ½ cup vegan Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade); 1 Tbsp Everything Bagel seasoning

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A family favorite that’s both easy to make and delicious, this Homemade-ish Vegan Kale Caesar Salad is perfect for sneaking greens into your kids’ meals. All you need is just 15 minutes and some favorite store-bought ingredients.

If you’re looking for a salad that’s as delicious as it is versatile, this Homemade-ish Vegan Kale Caesar Salad is the answer! With the perfect blend of crisp lacinato kale, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and creamy avocado, all topped off with a store-bought dressing and seasoning blend, this recipe is a go-to favorite in my house. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or serving alongside your favorite main dish.

Whether you’re feeding a plant-based family or catering to non-vegans, this salad can be adapted for everyone at the table. It’s a great way to sneak in greens while keeping dinner stress-free and satisfying. I often serve it as a Main Event Salad with different proteins on the side, so everyone can top their bowl the way they like. Get ready to add this to your weekly dinner rotation—it’s a hit every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Homemade-ish Vegan Kale Caesar Salad is the ultimate side dish for busy weeknights and family dinners. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also loaded with flavor thanks to some handy store-bought ingredients like Trader Joe’s Vegan Caesar Dressing and Everything Bagel Seasoning. By swapping traditional croutons with Biena’s Lil’ Bit of Everything Chickpea Snacks, you get that perfect crunchy bite while keeping the salad nutritious and satisfying.

As mentioned above, it’s also a great way to get your kids (and picky eaters) excited about eating greens, with a combination of kale and romaine that balances heartiness and crispness. Whether you’re serving a plant-based meal or accommodating non-vegan family members, this salad is endlessly adaptable, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it week after week. Bonus: It pairs with practically everything!

What You Need To Make Homemade-ish Vegan Kale Caesar Salad

To make this super salad, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients, many of which you can easily grab during your next grocery trip—or might already have on hand! Here’s everything you’ll need:

Lacinato kale: Stems removed and thinly sliced. This hearty green is the perfect base for the salad, bringing a slightly earthy flavor.
Romaine lettuce: Thinly sliced for a crisp texture that pairs well with the kale.
Dried, roasted chickpeas: I love using Biena’s Lil’ Bit of Everything Chickpea Snacks for a crunchy, flavorful twist instead of traditional croutons. Feel free to use any roasted chickpeas, store-bought or homemade.
Avocados: Diced for creamy texture and added richness.
Vegan Caesar dressing: A store-bought dressing like Trader Joe’s Vegan Caesar saves time, but you can always make your own if you prefer.
Everything Bagel seasoning: Adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Look for a good store-bought option for convenience.
Optional for non-vegans: Top the salad with cooked, shredded, or chopped chicken for a non-vegan twist, keeping everyone at the table happy.

How To Make Homemade-ish Vegan Kale Caesar Salad

Prepare the greens: Start by combining the sliced kale and romaine in a large bowl. These two greens balance each other out, with the heartiness of kale and the crispness of romaine.
Dress it up: Drizzle the vegan Caesar dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly. Adjust the dressing amount based on your taste preference.
Add the toppings: Toss in your roasted chickpeas and diced avocado.
Finish with seasoning: Sprinkle the Everything Bagel seasoning on top for that perfect savory touch, and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

Meal Prep:

This salad is perfect for meal prep! Just keep the dressing and avocado separate until right before serving to avoid sogginess and browning. Prep the greens and chickpeas in advance, then toss everything together when ready to eat.

Storage:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado and dressing on the side to maintain freshness.

Adapting for Non-Vegans:

This recipe is super easy to adapt! Just add shredded or chopped chicken to the top of the salad for non-vegans, making it a perfect option for mixed-diet families.

What To Serve With Homemade-ish Vegan Kale Caesar Salad

This versatile salad complements almost any meal, and it’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own with the right add-ins! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

Pizza Night:

Pair this salad with a homemade or store-bought pizza — or use as a topper for Salad Pizza. The crisp, tangy flavors are the perfect match for the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza.

Soup and Salad Combo:

Serve it alongside a comforting bowl of soup, like Vegan Ravioli Sausage Stew or Vegan Beef & Bean Chili, for a cozy and balanced meal. The freshness of the salad contrasts beautifully with a warm, hearty soup.

Main Event Salad:

For a more interactive meal, I often serve this as a “Main Event Salad: where I offer seasoned vegan and non-vegan proteins on the side, such as grilled tempeh or tofu for vegans, and chicken for non-vegans. Everyone at the table can top their salad according to their preference, making it a customizable option for mixed-diet dinners.

Bowl Meals:

Use this salad as the base for a DIY grain bowl. Add quinoa, farro, or brown rice, and pile on some roasted veggies and canned beans for a filling and nutritious meal that’s packed with texture and flavor.

FAQs

What can I use instead of Everything Bagel seasoning?

If you don’t have Everything Bagel seasoning on hand, you can use a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and salt as a substitute.

Is there a gluten-free option for this salad?

Yes! Most Everything Bagel seasonings and roasted chickpeas are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels. The dressing can also be easily made or bought gluten-free. .

How do I make my own vegan Caesar dressing?

If you’d like to make your own dressing, blend together 1 cup of soaked cashews, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of capers, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast, and ¼ cup of water until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

How do I make homemade roasted chickpeas?

Toss a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite seasonings (like garlic powder and salt), then roast them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy. as a substitute, adding creaminess without overpowering the dish.

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