Soy-Free Sweetgreen Kale Caesar Salad

Indulge in the ultimate guilt-free comfort food with this Soy-Free Sweetgreen Kale Caesar Salad, a wholesome, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Featuring massaged curly kale as the nutrient-packed base, this salad is elevated with a velvety, cashew-based Caesar dressing that’s dairy-free yet decadently creamy. Gluten-free garlic croutons add the perfect crunchy bite, while a hint of capers and nutritional yeast bring a zesty, umami-rich depth. Whether you’re avoiding soy or simply seeking a vibrant, healthful meal, this kale Caesar salad is quick to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and a crowd-pleasing side or main dish. Serve it fresh and, for an extra indulgence, garnish with vegan Parmesan-style cheese!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 cups Curly kale
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 cups Cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)
• 0.25 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoons Capers
• 2 cups Gluten-free bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoons Avocado oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan-style vegan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the kale: Wash and thoroughly dry the kale. Remove the thick stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale in a large salad bowl.

Step 2

Massage the kale: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper to the kale. Using your hands, gently massage the dressing into the leaves for about 2-3 minutes until the kale softens and reduces in volume.

Step 3

Make the dressing: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with 0.25 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of capers. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

Step 4

Prepare the croutons: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the gluten-free bread cubes with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Step 5

Assemble the salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the massaged kale and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the roasted croutons on top. Optionally, add 2 tablespoons of vegan Parmesan-style cheese for extra flavor.

Step 6

Serve immediately and enjoy your soy-free Sweetgreen-inspired kale Caesar salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1133.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2335.3

Total Fat 106.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3742.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 302.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.1g	0%
Total Sugars 24.6g
Protein 65.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1394.9mg	0%
Iron 21.0mg	0%
Potassium 2649.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.4%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 49.8%