Description
This Ridiculously Easy Vegan Caesar Salad features crisp romaine lettuce, tangy vegan Caesar dressing, and a zesty lemon pepper tofu that adds a protein-packed punch. Topped with homemade croutons, shaved vegan parmesan, caper berries, and olives, this fresh and flavorful salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 5 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 batch homemade croutons (see linked recipe)
- 1 batch vegan Caesar dressing (see linked recipe)
- 1/2 cup shaved vegan parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup caper berries
- 1/4 cup chopped olives
Lemon Pepper Tofu
- 15 ounces tofu, pressed
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 lemon zest
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Read through all the instructions carefully before beginning to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare tofu and croutons: Follow the instructions to make homemade croutons. Meanwhile, press the tofu to remove excess moisture and slice into cubes or steaks. Mince the garlic and gather remaining ingredients.
- Make the marinade: In a large container, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Cover and mix thoroughly.
- Marinate the tofu: Place tofu pieces into the marinade container. Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour; longer marination enhances flavor.
- Cook the tofu: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the marinade including garlic and cook until garlic browns and becomes fragrant.
- Sear the tofu: Add the marinated tofu to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cover. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to sear evenly. Once browned and cooked through, remove from heat.
- Prepare salad base while tofu cooks: Chop the romaine lettuce and prepare the vegan Caesar dressing according to its recipe.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, caper berries, olives, shaved vegan parmesan, lemon pepper tofu, and homemade croutons. Pour half of the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Add more dressing if desired.
- Serve: Plate the salad and enjoy immediately, or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Notes
- Pressing tofu before marinating is crucial to achieve the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Marinate tofu for longer than 1 hour if time allows for more intense lemon flavor.
- Homemade croutons add the perfect crunch but store-bought can be used in a pinch.
- Salad can be stored separately from tofu and dressing to maintain freshness if not serving immediately.
- For an extra tangy flavor, add a touch more lemon zest or juice to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: Vegan Caesar Salad, Lemon Pepper Tofu, Easy Vegan Salad, Plant-based Caesar, Healthy Vegan Dinner, Vegan Tofu Recipe, Homemade Vegan Caesar Dressing
