Vegan Caesar Salad with Tofu Bites

Name: Vegan Caesar Salad with Tofu Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 Romaine lettuce or 2 Gem lettuce; 1 cup Chickpeas - cooked; 1 Avocado; 1 Cucumber; 1 cup Healthy Vegan Caesar Dressing; 2 Tbsp Easy Vegan Parmesan Sprinkle; 1 cup of Smoky Tofu Bacon; Black pepper to taste; 4 slices Buckwheat Bread toasted - croutons

Crunchy, Creamy & Packed with Flavour

This Vegan Caesar Salad is a game-changer—fresh, crisp romaine tossed in a tangy, dairy-free dressing, topped with crunchy croutons and smoky tofu bites for that perfect savoury kick. It’s a hearty, wholesome twist on the classic Caesar, totally plant-based and irresistibly delicious.

Prep

20 mins

Assembly

5 mins

Total

25 mins

Serves

4 people

Ingredients:

1 Romaine lettuce or 2 Gem lettuce
1 cup Chickpeas – cooked
1 Avocado
1 Cucumber
1 cup Healthy Vegan Caesar Dressing
2 Tbsp Easy Vegan Parmesan Sprinkle
1 cup of Smoky Tofu Bacon
Black pepper to taste
4 slices Buckwheat Bread toasted – croutons

Instructions step by step:

Step 1 – Make the Dressing & Parmesan

Start by preparing your Vegan Caesar Dressing and Easy Vegan Parmesan Sprinkle. Pop the dressing in the fridge to chill while you prep the rest.

Step 2 – Prep the Lettuce

Slice the romaine lettuce in half lengthwise, then cut it into bite-sized strips (about 2–3 cm wide). Wash thoroughly in a salad spinner and spin until dry.

Step 3 – Chop the Avocado & Cucumber

Wash the cucumber and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Halve the avocado, remove the stone, peel gently, and cut into chunks. Try to keep everything similar in size for easy eating.

Step 4 – Assemble the Salad

Add the lettuce to a large salad bowl. Top with the chickpeas, avocado, and cucumber. Drizzle on the dressing and gently toss with salad spoons to coat everything evenly. Add a little more dressing if needed.

Step 5 – Add Toppings

Finish by adding your crispy tofu bacon, a generous sprinkle of vegan parmesan, and some croutons or toasted buckwheat bread cubes. Crack over some fresh black pepper to taste.

Step 6 – Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately with a little extra dressing on the side, in case anyone wants more (they usually do!). Add a final touch of tofu bacon or croutons on top for that wow factor.

About this recipe:

While experimenting with healthy, flavour-packed dressings, my husband mentioned how much he used to love a good Caesar salad. I’ll be honest—Caesar had never really been my thing… but I took it as a fun challenge to create a version we could both enjoy. And guess what? I became a total fan in the process!

The secret to a great vegan Caesar is all about layering textures and bold flavours, and this one really delivers. The creamy, tangy dressing ties everything together—it’s truly the star of the show. You can use store-bought tofu bacon, but I highly recommend making your own ahead of time. It’s simple, keeps well in the fridge, and adds so much depth to this salad (plus, it’s great in sandwiches, wraps or bowls all week!).

I’ve added chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness, but you can swap them for edamame, pinto, or butter beans if you prefer. The smoky tofu bacon and crunchy croutons bring that satisfying crispiness, while the vegan parmesan sprinkle and a crack of black pepper add umami and the perfect finishing touch.

I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do in our home!

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Caesar Salad

Prep ahead: Make the smoked tofu bacon, dressing, and parmesan sprinkle the day before. They store well and the flavours deepen overnight.
Use super fresh lettuce: Crisp romaine works best—look for firm, vibrant leaves and dry it well after washing for the best crunch.
Customise your crunch: Roast your own croutons with a sprinkle of parmesan or smoked paprika for extra flavour. Or try roasted chickpeas or buckwheat bread cubes for a gluten-free option.
Balance your bites: Cut the cucumber, avocado, and tofu into similar sizes for a balanced texture and easier eating.
Serve dressing on the side: If you’re not serving the salad right away, keep the dressing separate and add just before eating to keep everything crisp.

About these Ingredients:

Romaine Lettuce: Has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour with a crisp texture. It’s crunchy texture can stand up to any dressing. Is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber. You can substitute by other lettuce or even Kale.

Chickpeas: Packed with plant-based protein and fibre, they make the salad more satisfying and meal-worthy. Use them plain, roasted, or toss with a little smoked paprika or garlic for extra flavour. You can also swap them for other beans or sturdy veg like roasted cauliflower or broccoli.

Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado adds a buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing and crunchy toppings. It’s full of healthy fats and makes the salad feel more indulgent while keeping it totally wholesome.

Croutons: You can use your favourite store-bought croutons, or make your own for extra flavour. I like using my homemade buckwheat bread—just cut 4 slices into small cubes and roast them in the oven until golden. For a flavour boost, toss them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan before roasting. So simple and so tasty!

Cucumber: Light, crisp, and refreshing, cucumber brings a cool crunch that balances the richness of the dressing and smoky tofu. It adds extra hydration and a fresh lift to every bite.