Hemp Caesar Salad

When it comes to salads, dressing can make it or break it. This hemp caesar dressing definitely makes it. 

Hemp Caesar Salad

To get the white, creamy texture of caesar dressing, I used hemp seeds as a base, which come with added anti-inflammatory benefits. In place of croutons, I used chickpea croutons (crisp seasoned and baked chickpeas…which are insanely delicious and add a nice crunch). 

Benefits

Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds may be tiny, but they contain a massive amount of protein, including the sulfur-bearing amino acids: methionine, cysteine and cystine, which are used to build strong hair, nails, muscle and skin. They are also high in omega 3, an essential nutrient that provides anti-inflammatory benefits which can help bring down the redness and swelling of blemishes.

Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a superfood. One cup provides a hefty 12.5g of fiber, and whopping 14.5 grams of protein. This makes them filling and satisfying. They also provide iron (appx. 26% of our recommended daily intake (RDI) per cup) copper ( 29% RDI per cup) and manganese (84% RDI per cup), minerals that help keep our energy high. 

Avocado: Avocado is a delicious source of not only healthy monounsaturated fats, but a variety of vitamins (Including Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K) and perhaps surprisingly, even fiber. Because fat is filling and increases satiety hormones that help you eat less overall, avocados are a great food if you’re trying to lose weight. They will help prevent overeating, snacking, and sugar cravings. Inclusion of avocado in the diet on the regular is associated with better weight management, a smaller waist-circumference, and a healthier BMI. (1)  

Try this Hemp Caesar Salad

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it (by clicking the stars in the upper right of the recipe card, below), and don’t forget to tag a photo @mariamarlowe or #mariamarlowe on Instagram or facebook. I’d love to see what you come up with! 

Print Recipe

Vegan Caesar Salad

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Course

Main Dish

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Servings

MetricUS Imperial

Ingredients

Chickpea Croutons

• 1.5 cups chickpeas drained and dried with paper towel, 1 can
• 2 tsp. olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. cayenne powder optional
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• ¼ tsp. pink salt

Salad

• 1 large head romaine lettuce leaves chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 avocado pitted, peeled, and sliced thin
• ¼ cup red onions sliced or diced
• 1½ cups chickpea croutons *

Hemp Caesar Dressing

• ½ cup hemp seeds
• ¼ cup water
• 1/2 lemon (1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice)
• 1 clove garlic peeled
• 2 tsp. capers
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• ¼ tsp. pink salt or to taste

Course Main Dish Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 40 minutes Servings MetricUS Imperial Ingredients Chickpea Croutons 1.5 cups chickpeas drained and dried with paper towel, 1 can 2 tsp. olive oil or avocado oil 1 tsp. turmeric 1 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. cayenne powder optional ½ tsp. black pepper ¼ tsp. pink salt Salad 1 large head romaine lettuce leaves chopped into bite-size pieces 1 avocado pitted, peeled, and sliced thin ¼ cup red onions sliced or diced 1½ cups chickpea croutons * Hemp Caesar Dressing ½ cup hemp seeds ¼ cup water 1/2 lemon (1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice) 1 clove garlic peeled 2 tsp. capers ½ tsp. black pepper ¼ tsp. pink salt or to taste

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Instructions

For the Chickpea Croutons

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lay chickpeas out flat on a baking sheet. Use a paper towel to dry them. Add oil and spices and roll around until all are well coated.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, give the pan a shake to move everything around, then bake for another 20 minutes.

For the Salad

1. Prepare the salad: Place the chopped romaine in a bowl, and top with avocado, onion and chickpea croutons (or chickpeas).

For the Dressing

1. Make the dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender (bullet blender works well), and blend on high until smooth consistency forms.
2. Pour dressing over the salad and mix well.

Recipe Notes

*If short on time, you can swap the chickpea croutons for regular chickpeas. Chickpea croutons can be made in a large batch in advance and stored for a few days in airtight container.