A hearty, plant-based Caesar salad! Blackened tofu crumbles with a vegan Caesar dressing. If you love Ceasar salad, then you'll want to try this vegan caesar salad version with blackened tofu!
Servings: 4servings
Prep Time: 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 15 minutesminutes
Ingredients
Blackened Tofu
15ouncesextra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/4cupsoy sauce
1tablespoonsmoked paprika
1teaspoondried oregano
1/2teaspoondried thyme
1teaspoongarlic powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonground black pepper
1/8cayenne pepper, optional
1-2tablespoonsoil, for sautéing
Caesar Dressing
1/2cupraw cashews, drained and rinsed
3/4cupalmond milk
2tablespoonstahini, drippy, creamy kind like Soom
1teaspoondijon mustard
3-4tablespoonsfresh lemon juice plus zest from 1 lemon
1-2garlic cloves
2teaspoonscaper brine
1tablespoonnutritional yeast
For the Salad
2bunches Tuscan kale, stems removed and torn into small pieces. (About 8-10 cups)
Marinate the tofu in the soy sauce in a shallow dish, making sure to cover the tofu as much as possible. Let sit for at least 10 minutes, then cube and toss with the spices until well coated. Heat the oil in a skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the tofu and cook, stirring often, until crispy and golden. Set aside.
Make the dressing
While the tofu is marinating, make the dressing. Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until creamy. Taste, adjusting as desired. For more cheezy flavor, add in more nutritional yeast. For more brine, add in more caper brine and for more lemony/bright flavor, more lemon juice.
Assemble
Place the torn kale leaves in a large bowl and add the dressing. Massage into the greens, tossing well to fully coat. Add in the toasted bread crumbs, parm (if using) and tofu cubes. Toss well, the divide onto 4 plates and top with fried capers, if using.
Notes
*For a more traditional crunchy salad, sub in 1/2 to 3/4 torn romaine lettuce for the kale** Instead of using croutons, I like to toast bread crumbs and toss with the salad after dressing. Torn, toasted croutons also work!