Tofu Caesar Salad

Ready to upgrade your salad game? This Tofu Caesar Salad is where it's at! Crispy baked tofu, creamy vegan Caesar dressing and crunchy croutons come together in a texture party that'll make you ask for seconds. And with all that protein from tofu and chickpeas, it's filling enough to call dinner!

What makes this salad special? It's quick and easy but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen! The zesty dressing packs that classic Caesar punch, while the baked tofu and the homemade croutons brings a satisfying crunch that'll have you coming back for seconds.

🌱 Ingredients & Notes

Here is everything you need for this recipe:

• Little Gem Lettuce - Choose crisp, fresh lettuce for the base of your salad. Chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy serving. You can also use romaine lettuce.
• Chickpeas - Use canned chickpeas for convenience. Drain and rinse them well before adding to the salad for a creamy texture and added protein.
• Stale Bread - Great for making croutons. Use any stale bread you have on hand, cut into cubes, and bake for a crunchy topping.
• Fresh Herbs (optional) - Add as a garnish for a pop of color and freshness. Basil or parsley work well.

For the Dressing:

• Vegan Mayonnaise - This creamy base creates the rich and tangy Caesar flavor. Make sure it’s the vegan version!
• Capers - Chop them finely to add a salty, briny kick to the dressing. They’re a key ingredient for that classic Caesar flavor! For an extra punch, you can even add a little caper juice to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice - Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best zesty, bright flavor in the dressing. You can also use lemon zest.
• Garlic Powder or Garlic Clove - If using fresh garlic, mince it finely for a punch of savory flavor. Garlic powder works as an easy alternative. You can also add a little onion powder to your preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper

For the Crispy Baked Tofu:

• Extra Firm Tofu - Drain and press the tofu to remove excess liquid before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it stay crispy when baked.
• Plain Flour - Helps the tofu coating stick. You can use a gluten-free alternative if needed.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika Powder, Salt, and Pepper - These seasonings add flavor to the tofu coating. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
• Plant Milk - Use unsweetened plant-based milk for the wet batter.
• Dijon Mustard - Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the wet batter. Essential for that extra zing.
• Breadcrumbs - Use plain breadcrumbs to coat the tofu for a crispy finish. Panko breadcrumbs can work for an even crunchier texture.
• Olive Oil - A light drizzle over the tofu ensures it bakes up golden brown and crispy in the oven.

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for detailed quantities and measurements.

🔪 Equipment

Here is all the equipment you need to make this recipe:

• Large skillet - Essential for evenly searing or sautéing ingredients. Use one with a non-stick surface for easy cleanup.
• Oven tray - A standard baking sheet tray works well for roasting tofu and croutons. Make sure it’s large enough to spread everything out evenly.
• Mixing bowls - You’ll need at least three for the tofu coating: one for the flour mix, one for the wet batter, and one for breadcrumbs.
• High Speed Blender or food processor - Needed to blend the dressing into a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cutting board & Knife
• Tongs or spatula - Useful for flipping tofu and handling hot croutons.
• Paper Towel - To remove any excess oil from the crispy tofu.

🧑‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Cut tofu into bite-sized pieces. Coat the cubed tofu in seasoned flour, dip in plant milk with mustard, then coat in breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Bake the Tofu

Place breaded tofu on a baking tray, drizzle with oil, and bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until crispy.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Blend vegan mayo, lemon juice, garlic and chopped capers for 1-2 minutes or until super smooth.

Step 4: Prepare the Croutons

Cut stale bread into cubes, toss with oil and seasonings, and bake for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Mix lettuce and chickpeas with dressing. Top with crispy tofu and croutons before serving.

🍽️ Serving

Serve your Tofu Caesar Salad fresh for the best taste. Toss the lettuce and chickpeas with the dressing right before eating. Then, top with the crispy tofu and croutons. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread if you like. This salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy!

❄️ Storage

Store any leftover Tofu Caesar Salad in the refrigerator overnight - but make sure tp keep each element in a separate airtight container. Keep the dressing in its own container to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

For the tofu, reheat it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.

🔜 Related Recipes

If you loved this Tofu Caesar Salad, check out my Vegan Tuna Salad for another protein-packed, plant-based option, or try the Italian Potato Salad for a hearty, classic side dish with a flavorful twist!

Here's a handy recipe card that you can print out and keep in your kitchen for easy reference:

📖 Recipe Card

Tofu Caesar Salad

Romy

This vegan Tofu Caesar Salad is a fresh and satisfying plant-based twist on the classic Caesar salad. With crispy baked tofu, a zesty vegan dressing, and crunchy croutons, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for any meal. This easy recipe is a must-try for tofu lovers!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 large skillet
• 1 oven tray
• 3 mixing bowls
• 1 blender or food processor
• 1 Knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 Tongs or spatula
• Paper Towel

Ingredients

  

For the Salad:

• 1 pack Little Gem Lettuce approximately 200g / 7oz, chopped
• 1 tin Chickpeas 400g / 14oz, drained
• 2 slices Stale Bread optional, approximately 100g / 3.5oz, to make croutons
• Fresh Herbs (e.g. basil or parsley) optional, for garnish

For the Dressing:

• 4 tablespoons Vegan Mayo
• 2 tablespoons Capers chopped
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice approximately 30ml / 1 fl oz
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder or 1 Garlic Clove minced
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

For the Crispy Baked Tofu:

• 1 block Extra Firm Tofu 400g / 14oz, drained and cut into bite-size pieces
• 100 g Plain Flour ¾ cup
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Paprika Powder
• 100 ml Plant Milk approximately ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 160 g Breadcrumbs approximately 2 cups
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil for baking

Instructions

 

• Set the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). This ensures it is ready for baking the tofu and croutons later.
• Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the plant milk and Dijon mustard. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each tofu piece into the flour mix, then the milk mix, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs.
• Place the breaded tofu pieces on a baking tray. Drizzle them lightly with vegetable oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
• Cut the stale bread into small cubes. Toss them with a little oil and season with salt, pepper, or paprika if desired. Add them to the oven during the last 3 to 4 minutes of baking the tofu. Let them toast until crunchy.
• In a blender or food processor, combine the vegan mayo, garlic (or garlic powder), lemon juice, and chopped capers. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• Chop the lettuce and place it in a large bowl. Add the drained chickpeas. Toss with the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
• Divide the salad mixture into portions. Top each serving with the crispy tofu and croutons. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Serving - Serve the Tofu Caesar Salad fresh by tossing the lettuce and chickpeas with the dressing just before adding the crispy tofu and croutons. For a more filling meal, pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a light soup.
• Storage - Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in its own container to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• Reheating - To bring back the crispiness of the tofu, reheat it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the tofu lose its crunch.
• Customization - Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast over the salad for an extra umami boost.
• Preparation Tip - To save time during busy weekdays, prepare the tofu and dressing in advance. Keep them stored separately, and assemble the salad when ready to eat for maximum freshness and texture.
• Crouton Variations - Experiment with different seasonings for the croutons, such as smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or even garlic powder, to add a unique twist to the salad.

Keyword crispy tofu salad, tofu caesar salad, tofu salad, vegan caesar salad

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