Caesar Salad with Tempeh Bacon and Croutons
Caesar salad is a classic for a reason. It's simple, delicious, and can be made with a variety of ingredients. This version uses tempeh bacon and croutons for a vegan-friendly twist. The tempeh bacon is crispy and flavorful, and the croutons add a nice crunch. The dressing is made with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic, and it's the perfect finishing touch to this delicious salad.
Caesar salad was invented in 1924 by Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant who owned a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. The salad was originally made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and anchovies. Over the years, the salad has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, including bacon, chicken, and shrimp. This version of the salad is vegan-friendly and uses tempeh bacon and croutons instead of the traditional bacon and croutons.
Caesar Salad with Tempeh Bacon and Croutons Caesar Salad with Tempeh Bacon and Croutons Caesar Salad with Tempeh Bacon and Croutons Caesar Salad with Tempeh Bacon and Croutons
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • ½ block tempeh, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 slices whole-wheat bread, cut into cubes
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss tempeh strips with 1 tablespoon olive oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
  3. In a small bowl, combine remaining olive oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
  4. Toss croutons with 1 tablespoon olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tempeh "bacon", and croutons.
  6. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why It Works
  • The tempeh bacon is a great substitute for bacon in this salad. It's crispy, flavorful, and has a smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
  • The croutons add a nice crunch to the salad. They're made with whole-wheat bread, so they're also a good source of fiber.
  • The dressing is made with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic. It's tangy, creamy, and flavorful, and it's the perfect finishing touch to this delicious salad.