Vegan Caesar Salad with Shortcut Roasted Garlic

Step 1

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Bake croutons: Add bread to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Toss to coat. Bake until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Croutons will firm up slightly out of the oven.

Step 3

Steam tempeh: Fill a medium pot with 2 inches of water. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add tempeh and cook covered for 5 minutes. Drain tempeh.

Step 4

Make marinade: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together tamari, maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper.

Step 5

Bake tempeh: Add drained tempeh to the bowl, toss to coat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer tempeh to a parchment-lined baking sheet (reserve extra marinade). Bake until tempeh is firm and golden brown at the edges, about 20 minutes. Add tempeh back to the bowl of marinade and toss until the marinade is fully absorbed. Transfer tempeh back to baking sheet and bake for another 5 minutes.

Step 6

Shortcut garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and garlic cloves (skin on) to a small pot over low heat. Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Then, flip the garlic cloves, and cook until the garlic feels tender when pressed with a fork, about another 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat. When cool enough to handle, use a fork to peel away the garlic skins, revealing golden colored cloves.

Step 7

Blend dressing: To a high speed blender, add garlic cloves, soaked cashews, the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, capers, caper brine, dijon mustard, and salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Add water in 1 tablespoon increments, until dressing is desired thickness. Season with pepper and more salt (if needed).

Step 8

Assemble: Add lettuce to a large bowl. Add dressing in small increments, tossing until the lettuce is dressed to your liking. Add croutons and Smokey Tempeh Cubes (if using). Garnish with more pepper. Serve immediately.