Featuring: Chickpeas + Romaine + Broccoli + Bold Flavours

Skip the croutons and skip the fake meats—this Caesar salad is hearty, vibrant, and totally plant-powered. With two amazing dressings (one creamy, one vinaigrette), you get all the punchy, garlicky, umami-rich goodness—without the dairy, eggs, or anchovies. And yes, it includes chickpeas for clean protein and staying power.

🥄 Prep Time-Saver Tip:

Don’t want to chop and steam broccoli? Use frozen broccoli, thawed and patted dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. It works perfectly and saves time!

🛒 Salad Ingredients (Serves 2–3):

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)

• 1 cup lightly steamed or thawed frozen broccoli florets, patted dry

• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

• Optional: sliced red bell peppers, avocado, cherry tomatoes, hemp seeds

🥣 Dressing Option 1: Creamy Cashew Caesar (Pachavega-inspired)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight and drained

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• 3 tbsp tahini

• 6–8 cloves garlic (I would start with 2 and add more if you want)

• 1 tsp gluten-free tamari

• ½ tsp dried sage

• 2 tbsp dulse flakes

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• ½ cup flax or olive oil (Optional to make it creamier)

• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional to balance out the flavours)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

2. Adjust water for consistency and salt to taste.

3. Store in fridge up to 5–7 days.

🍋 Dressing Option 2: Classic Caesar Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 large garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp capers, drained or 1 tsp of caper brine

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce (or substitute a tiny splash of Tamari sauce or miso paste for depth)

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• ¼ cup flax oil

• ½ tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or jar.

2. Blend or shake vigorously until emulsified.

3. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 7 days.

🧠 Nutrition Notes:

• Chickpeas + cashews = a satisfying, plant-based protein and fat combo

• Broccoli and romaine deliver fibre, vitamin C, and folate

• Red onions offer antioxidants and blood sugar support

• Both dressings are rich in umami, making this salad super crave-worthy

You’ll feel fueled and energized—not sluggish—after eating this Caesar!

Try it out and let me know what you think! 💛🥘🍋🔥