In this article, columnist Seiran Sinjari shares her recipe for Vegan Roasted Asparagus over Caesar Salad. Her recipe column All About the Veg! is all about highlighting the versatility of fruits and vegetables by shining a spotlight on a different one in each of her articles.
Vegan Roasted Asparagus over Caesar Salad
Spring is here and so is asparagus season! If you’re a fan of this vibrant green veggie, you’re in for a treat. This Roasted Asparagus over Caesar Salad recipe is a must-try. It’s a delightful twist on a classic dish that will leave you wanting more.
Asparagus – one of the most celebrated spring vegetables
Asparagus is one of the most celebrated spring vegetables, and for a good reason. Its unique flavor and texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be cooked in various ways, from grilling to roasting. When roasted, asparagus takes on a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, which pairs beautifully with the bold and tangy flavors of a Caesar salad with creamy Caesar dressing.
A heavenly combination of textures
The combination of textures in this dish is amazing. The crisp and crunchy romaine lettuce provides a fresh and crisp base for the roasted asparagus to rest upon. The asparagus itself is tender and slightly caramelized, covered with thinly sliced roasted lemon, with a satisfyingly firm texture that adds a delightful contrast to the salad. And the slightly addicting homemade crunchy croutons of course! Then you have the creamy and slightly garlicky dressing, adding a richness to the salad that is perfectly balanced by the roasted asparagus.
How to adapt this meal
Whether you’re a fan of asparagus or looking to try it for the first time, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It makes an excellent side dish and it’s also a great sharing plate for gatherings and parties. If you’re looking to make it a more substantial meal, you can also add other ingredients to the salad. For instance, you can add grilled tofu or tempeh. This will transform the salad into a delicious and satisfying main dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
A perfect spring and summer side dish
This recipe is also perfect for spring and summer BBQs, as it is a light and refreshing dish that pairs well with most items on a vegan BBQ. It’s also easy to make ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Overall, this Roasted Asparagus over Caesar salad recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal, whether it’s a side dish, a sharing plate, or a main dish. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy during the spring and summer months, and it’s sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
A final little asparagus shopping tip; try to select fresh asparagus that is bright green and firm to the touch.
What you’ll need
Asparagus:
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Flaky sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon
Salad:
- Romaine lettuce
- Vegan parmesan shavings (optional)
Croutons:
- Bread
- Olive oil
- Italian herbs or other herb seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Caesar dressing:
- Vegan mayonnaise
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Wholegrain mustard
- Grated vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast
- Olive brine
- Water
- Salt & pepper
- Vegan Worcestershire sauce or light soy sauce (optional)
Vegan Roasted Asparagus over Caesar Salad
Ingredients
Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus - woody stems trimmed
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- flaky sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 lemon - thinly sliced
Salad:
- 1 head of Romaine lettuce - roughly torn
- optional: Vegan parmesan shavings to taste
Croutons:
- 3 slices of bread - cut in cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian herbs or other herb seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
Caesar dressing:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove - minced
- 1/2 lemon - juiced (more or less to taste)
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- 3 tbsp grated vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp olive brine
- 1 tbsp water - more if needed
- salt & pepper to taste
- optional: 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce or light soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220 C / 425 F.
- Toss bread with olive oil and all seasoning, place on an oven sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy.
- Mix together all ingredients for the dressing except for salt. Add more water if needed to adjust texture then add salt to taste.
- Place asparagus on an oven sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roll them over the sheet to coat well.
- Place lemon slices on top of asparagus. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes or until they have browned a little along the edges but still have a bite.
- Toss lettuce with half of the dressing to start with, then add more to taste.
- Add parmesan and croutons (you can also just add them on top when salad is plated) and gently toss again.
- Place salad on a serving plate (sprinkle some croutons on top if not added already) and place the asparagus on top with some of the lemon slices. Drizzle any remaining dressing on top and serve.
Equipment
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If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like Seiran’s Vegan Crispy Enoki Mushrooms with Amba Mayo. Click here for the recipe.
Recipe, text, and photography by Seiran Sinjari. Please note that this site contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links at no extra cost to you.
