I’m on a salad kick. When this happens I embrace it.

Enter my new favorite vegan caesar salad. This is a recipe I’ve been tweaking for a few years now. I’ve shared a couple different versions on the blog before, but I think this one is the very best.

It all starts with the creamy rich dressing and then of course the crunchy toppings. The thing I’m always trying to experiment with for this typically non-vegan dressing is how to replace the anchovies. They add a distinct flavor to caesar dressing and one that is hard to replicate with a vegan substitution.

I’ve used kelp granules before to add a bit of a salty fish flavor and it worked pretty well. Kelp can be a more difficult ingredient to find, so last year I got to playing with this recipe again and a light bulb went off.

What about nori!? You know, sushi wrappers! And instead of a fully cashew based dressing, I added chickpeas to the dressing to lighten it up a bit. The result was fantastic.

For this latest version I made a few final tweaks and I think am finally settled on my favorite vegan caesar dressing.

Now about that crunchy topping…

I’ve found the key to roasting chickpeas is keeping the heat at 375° and no higher if you want them ultra crispy but not at all burnt.

The salad is finished off with sliced almonds tossed with a splash of tamari and roasted until golden brown.

You can find all the details for this Vegan Caesar Salad over on Craftsy today!

Enjoy!

Ashley

psst! Check out Laura’s vegan caesar salad from last week! Her pine nut parmesan sounds outstanding!

I’ve eaten this chickpea lentil salad 3 times in the past two days. I’ve found myself wandering to the fridge and forking leftover bites into my mouth, just like I would if cookies were sitting, taunting me on the counter.

But this is salad, not cookies, so I'm all about keeping this stocked in my kitchen 24/7.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

So what is it about this salad that makes me keep coming back for more?

TEXTURE! I used a mix of creamy and crunchy textures and the chew factor alone has me hooked. Then there’s the salt component. Feta and olives both add the perfect amount of salt and a bit of tang.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

Then it’s the crisp and zesty baby greens (I used Kale Italia, my favorite blend from Earthbound Farm) that weave through the other ingredients without taking over. I just love the mix of earthy, peppery, and bitter flavors in that greens mix.

Lastly, the dressing! This is going to be my new staple salad dressing. It’s tangy, savory, and just mildly sweet. The shallot adds just the right amount of oniony, garlic flavor without overwhelming.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

I even think the salad haters will love this recipe.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

I’ve included a few tips after the recipe if you want to pack this salad for weekday lunches.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

Tag your salads (and any other recipes of mine that you make!) on instagram: #edibleperspective

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

Print Recipe!

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette

gluten-free, vegan option yields 2-4 servings

for the dressing:

1/4 cup minced shallot
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon stone ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

for the salad:

1 large chopped avocado
1 lemon
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (rinsed + drained)
3/4 cup cooked black lentils (rinsed + drained)
1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
3-4oz goat or sheep’s milk feta (omit if vegan + add chopped, sun-dried tomatoes instead)
2-3 handfuls zesty baby greens (I used Kale Italia)
sat + pepper

Place all dressing ingredients in a jar. Seal and shake vigorously until well combined. Let sit for at least 10 minutes. Taste and adjust to your taste buds. For more acidity, add more vinegar, etc.

After chopping the avocado toss with a bit of lemon juice (to help prevent browning). In a large mixing bowl combine all salad ingredients together. Pour about half the dressing overtop and toss with salad tongs or a large fork and spoon to thoroughly coat. Top with a big squeeze of lemon and salt + pepper. Taste and adjust if needed. Serve immediately.

Lunch packing method: Combine all salad ingredients except for the greens in a storage container. Toss with dressing. Add greens on top and close the lid. Once ready to eat, shake to the combine the greens. This will help keep them crisp. The avocado may brown slightly if preparing ahead of time.

Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette | edibleperspective.com

Pass the fork.

Ashley

psst!

Winner of Gina's book giveaway, HIIT It! is: Jamie K

Winner of the illustrated print giveaway from Task & Tool is: Christina (from, The Beautiful Balance)

Congrats! I will be emailing you both very soon!