Veggie Caesar from Sweetgreen features fresh romaine lettuce, crunchy chickpeas, shaved Parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing, topped with toasted croutons for a flavorful, crisp, and satisfying plant-based salad.
Equipments
- Salad bowl
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Salad spinner
- Vegetable peeler
- Cheese grater/shaver
- Mixing spoon/tongs
- Baking sheet (for chickpeas/croutons)
- Small bowl (for dressing mixing)
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 loaf crusty bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for croutons)
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- For Caesar Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon capers, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh romaine lettuce is essential for a crisp base, and make sure to thoroughly dry it using a salad spinner to prevent sogginess. When roasting chickpeas, coat them evenly with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt to achieve a crunchy and flavorful texture. Use crusty bread for homemade croutons and bake them until golden brown to add the perfect crunch. For a rich Caesar dressing, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, capers, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to capture the classic taste. Your Veggie Caesar from Sweetgreen copycat will replicate the fresh, vibrant flavors with these ingredient tips, ensuring a satisfying plant-based salad.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse and drain chickpeas; dry thoroughly.
- Toss chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Spread chickpeas on baking sheet; roast for 20–30 min until crispy, shaking halfway.
- Cut crusty bread into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss bread cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Spread bread cubes on baking sheet; toast in oven for 10–15 min until golden, flipping halfway.
- Wash, dry, and chop romaine lettuce using salad spinner and chef’s knife.
- Prepare Caesar dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, minced capers, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan in small bowl; season with salt and pepper.
- In salad bowl, combine chopped romaine, shaved Parmesan, roasted chickpeas, and toasted croutons.
- Drizzle dressing over salad.
- Toss gently with mixing spoon or tongs.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Veggie Caesar copycat salad from Sweetgreen combines crisp romaine, roasted chickpeas, shaved Parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing with toasted croutons for a satisfying, plant-based meal. You can substitute chickpeas with roasted white beans or edamame for a different texture and protein profile. If Parmesan is unavailable, try using Pecorino Romano or a nut-based vegan cheese to maintain the umami flavor. For the croutons, any sturdy bread like sourdough or baguette can be cubed and toasted with olive oil and your preferred seasoning. The dressing can be customized by swapping mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative to suit dietary preferences.
Tips
Make sure to dry chickpeas thoroughly before roasting to achieve the desired crispiness without steaming them. Use a salad spinner to remove excess water from romaine lettuce, preserving its crunch and preventing sogginess. When preparing the dressing, whisk ingredients well to create a smooth and creamy texture that evenly coats the salad. For best flavor, toss the salad gently just before serving to keep the croutons crisp and your veggies fresh.
Nutritions
The Veggie Caesar from Sweetgreen provides a nutrient-rich mix packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Romaine lettuce delivers essential vitamins A, C, and K, while roasted chickpeas add plant-based protein and fiber, enhancing satiety. Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and protein, supporting bone health, and the olive oil in the dressing offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Your meal balances taste and nutrition, making it a satisfying and wholesome choice for a plant-based diet.
Storage
Store leftover Veggie Caesar salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and crispness. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy lettuce and add it just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Your roasted chickpeas and toasted croutons will stay crunchy longer if stored in a dry, sealed container at room temperature.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chickpeas for roasted tofu cubes or tempura-fried avocado for a protein boost and different texture. Use kale or curly endive instead of romaine for a heartier leafy green base with more fiber and antioxidants. Substitute store-bought Caesar dressing with a vegan version using tahini and nutritional yeast to keep the salad plant-based and add umami depth. Toast pine nuts or sliced almonds in place of croutons to introduce a nutty crunch that complements the creamy Parmesan topping.
Allergies
The Veggie Caesar from Sweetgreen contains common allergens such as dairy from Parmesan cheese and eggs present in the mayonnaise used in the Caesar dressing. The toasted croutons are made from crusty bread, which contains gluten, posing a risk for individuals with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to inform your server or consider modifications to keep your meal safe.
Why this recipe?
Veggie Caesar from Sweetgreen stands out due to its fresh, crisp Romaine lettuce combined with a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made from plant-based ingredients. The menu emphasizes nutrient-rich vegetables like roasted chickpeas and Parmesan crisps, creating a satisfying texture and flavor balance while keeping the meal healthy. You will appreciate the use of wholesome, locally sourced produce that highlights sustainability and quality. Trying to make a copycat version at home allows you to customize flavors and enjoy a nutrient-dense meal mirroring this popular Sweetgreen dish.