This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

This Grilled Tempeh Vegan Caesar Salad is lightened up by using a tahini-based dressing and protein-packed with marinated tempeh.

This Grilled Tempeh Vegan Caesar Salad is lightened up by using a tahini-based dressing and protein-packed with marinated tempeh | ThisSavoryVegan.com #thissavoryvegan #vegancaesar #salad

I don’t know if there is anything better than a loaded caesar salad. And this one has been on my to-do list forever!

It has all of my favorite things. Crispy tempeh that has been marinated in Italian Dressing, homemade garlic croutons, chunks of avocado and a creamy tahini dressing. It is simply perfect and delicious.

This Grilled Tempeh Vegan Caesar Salad is lightened up by using a tahini-based dressing and protein-packed with marinated tempeh | ThisSavoryVegan.com #thissavoryvegan #vegancaesar #salad

If you have never worked with tempeh, here is a run-down of what it is. It is similar to tofu in that it is a soy-based protein. But it has a totally different texture and has a nutty flavor. I honestly like it wayyyyyy more than tofu. They sell it at just about any grocery store in the fridge section.

How to make the Grilled Tempeh Vegan Caesar Salad

The first thing you want to do is marinate the tempeh. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be. You’ll want to do at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, longer is better.

While the tempeh is marinating, cook up your croutons in the oven and make your dressing.

This Grilled Tempeh Vegan Caesar Salad is lightened up by using a tahini-based dressing and protein-packed with marinated tempeh | ThisSavoryVegan.com #thissavoryvegan #vegancaesar #salad

When you are ready to eat, heat up a pan on the stove and spray it with non-stick spray. Grill your tempeh until crispy on both sides.

To assemble, toss together chopped romaine and the dressing. Top it off with the croutons, avocado and the grilled tempeh. Now dig in.

This salad is simple to make, has whole food ingredients, is packed with protein and has plenty of healthy fats. I like to think of it as a guilt-free comforting salad.

This Grilled Tempeh Vegan Caesar Salad is lightened up by using a tahini-based dressing and protein-packed with marinated tempeh | ThisSavoryVegan.com #thissavoryvegan #vegancaesar #salad

Need more Caesar Salad Inspo?

Grilled Tempeh Vegan Caesar Salad

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
This Grilled Tempeh Vegan Caesar Salad is lightened up by using a tahini-based dressing and protein-packed with marinated tempeh.
4.43 from 7 ratings

Ingredients

FOR THE TEMPEH

  • 8 oz tempeh cut in 16-24 pieces*
  • 8 oz Italian dressing
  • non-stick spray

FOR THE CROUTONS

FOR THE DRESSING

FOR THE SALAD

  • 2 heads romaine chopped
  • 2 avocados chopped

Instructions
 

  • Add the tempeh pieces and the Italian dressing to a bowl, making sure all of the pieces are covered. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  • While the tempeh is marinating, prepare the croutons. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  • Combine the bread, olive oil and garlic salt in a bowl. Toss to combine. 
  • Spread the bread evenly on the baking sheet and place in the oven for 20 minutes – tossing halfway.
  • Prepare the dressing by combining the tahini, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper in a bowl or mason jar. Stir to combine, adding water until desired consistency is reached. 
  • To cook the tempeh, heat a pan on the stove over medium heat. Spray with non-stick spray and use tongs to place the tempeh in the pan (allowing the marinade to drip off).**
  • Cook until the tempeh is browned on both sides (approx. 3-5 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and assemble the salad.
  • Add the romaine to a large bowl and drizzle with dressing. Toss until the lettuce is coated. Top the salad with croutons, avocado and the tempeh. Serve with additional black pepper and any leftover dressing.

Video

Notes

*I cut my tempeh long ways into 3 pieces and then cut each of those pieces into 8 triangles (for a total of 24 pieces). You can cut them into thicker or thinner chunks (or triangles). It shouldn’t affect the cook time.
**I reserved the leftover marinade and just put it back in the salad dressing bottle.
***AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS: Place the marinated tempeh pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 350 degrees, flipping halfway. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cuisine: American
Course: Salad
Did you make this recipe?Leave a review below or take a photo and share it on Instagram @thissavoryvegan with #thissavoryvegan.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase I will receive a small percentage of the sale. Please know I would never link a product unless I have personally used it and loved it!

If you make any of these recipes be sure to snap a photo + post it + and tag #thissavoryvegan and  @thissavoryvegan!

This Grilled Tempeh Vegan Caesar Salad is lightened up by using a tahini-based dressing and protein-packed with marinated tempeh | ThisSavoryVegan.com #thissavoryvegan #vegancaesar #salad