Caesar Salad with Rye Croutons

Today we’re talking about one of my all-time favourite salads: the vegetarian Caesar salad. It’s the perfect combination of tangy, creamy, and crunchy, and even better with tasty rye croutons!

Looking to make this salad for dinner? Try pairing it with an amazing Grilled Halloumi Burger!

Where it comes from

So, let’s start with the history of Caesar salad. It was invented in the 1920s by an Italian-American restaurateur named Caesar Cardini. He owned a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, where he catered to Americans who wanted to bypass the Prohibition laws in the US.

Legend has it that on a busy Fourth of July weekend, Cardini ran out of ingredients and threw together what he had left to make the salad. The salad was a hit, and the rest is history!

Vegetarian Ceasar salad dressing

Now, let’s talk about the vegetarian version. Instead of anchovies and eggs, which are common ingredients in a traditional Caesar salad, vegetarian Caesar salads often use capers, mustard, and vegan mayonnaise or tofu to create a similar flavour and texture. You can also add some protein, like chickpeas or grilled tofu, to make the salad more filling.

Rye croutons

Crunchy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious, croutons are the perfect addition to any salad. Not only do they add texture, but they also bring a depth of flavour to an otherwise boring bowl of greens.

The texture of croutons is a great contrast to the soft, leafy greens, which can be monotonous in texture. Additionally, croutons help to bulk up a salad, making it more filling and satisfying.

Moreover, croutons are a great way to add flavour to a salad. They come in a variety of flavours, from classic garlic and herb to spicy chili and tangy lemon.

Adding croutons to a salad is like adding a seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the dish. They’re also a great way to use up stale bread, so you can reduce food waste and save money at the same time.

Although croutons made from almost any bread will work in this caesar salad, I love the extra punch that rye bread brings. Because rye bread has plenty of his own taste, not a lot of flavouring needs to be added. Just olive oil, garlic salt and dried basil did the trick.

Serving suggestions

This salad is great on its own as a light lunch or dinner. You can also serve it as a side dish with some grilled vegetables or a veggie burger. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can add some roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled corn to the salad for some extra flavor.

So there you have it, folks, your new favourite recipe for a vegetarian Caesar salad. Give it a try and let me know what you think!