March 20, 2024
Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza (Vegan)
This vegan chicken Caesar salad pizza combines the best of both worlds! Crispy flatbread is slathered with herbed butter, creamy cheese, then baked until perfectly golden and melty. Top with freshly tossed Caesar salad for the most delicious and refreshing lunch or dinner!
Table of Contents
ingredients and substitutions jump to recipe video step-by-step instructions tips and faqsCaesar Salad Pizza
Indulge in the perfect fusion of flavors with our Vegan Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza recipe! This delectable dish combines the crunchy freshness of Caesar salad with the comforting warmth of a pizza. With a crispy flatbread base, creamy vegan cheese, and a homemade Caesar dressing, every bite is a symphony of taste and texture. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Grab a drink and let’s get to cookin’ the best vegan Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza!
Ingredients and Substitutions for Caesar Salad Pizza
for a full and detailed list of ingredients, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post
If you know me, then you know how much I LOVE Caesar salads and pizza. So I figured, why not combine the two?! To streamline this recipe, you can purchase store-bought vegan caesar dressing, but I like to make my own, so I’ve included the recipe for you as well. Below is a list of the ingredients for this Caesar Salad Pizza, plus any substitutions:
For the Caesar Dressing:
- Raw Cashews: Cashews provide creaminess to the dressing. Substitutions could include soaked almonds, sunflower seeds, or silken tofu for a nut-free option.
- Vegan Parmesan: To mimic the cheesy flavor, you can use nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Dijon Mustard: Any type of mustard can work here, but Dijon adds a nice tang. Yellow mustard or stone-ground mustard are suitable replacements.
For the Herbed Butter:
- Vegan Butter
- Minced Garlic: If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can be used. Adjust the quantity according to taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley can be used instead, but reduce the amount by half as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Dried Oregano: You can use any dried herb you prefer or have on hand, such as basil or thyme.
For the Pizza and Topping:
- Flatbread: Make sure it’s vegan-friendly. I love this brand from Stoneware Artisan and the flatbread from Trader Joe’s as well!
- Vegan Chick’n Strips: If you can’t find vegan chick’n strips, you can use marinated tofu cubes, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein.
- Vegan Bac’n Bits: These add a smoky flavor. You can use crumbled vegan bacon, smoked tofu, or smoked paprika for a similar taste.
- Vegan Shredded Parmesan: As with the dressing, you can use nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Lemony Breadcrumbs: This is optional for garnish, but I highly recommend for added texture and flavor! I use the lemony breadcrumbs from this recipe!
How to Make Caesar Salad Pizza
I love this caesar salad pizza because you can make all the components separately, then build the pizza and bake it whenever you’re ready for it! Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
1. Homemade Caesar Dressing:
Start by preparing the heart of this recipe – the creamy and zesty Caesar dressing. Rich with the flavors of cashews, garlic, and tangy capers, it’s the perfect complement to the pizza.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, garlic, lemon juice, vegan mayo, vegan parmesan, Dijon mustard, capers, salt, pepper, and water.
- Blend until smooth, adjusting consistency with water if needed. Set aside.
2. Herbed Butter:
Enhance the pizza’s flavor profile with a homemade herbed butter, infused with garlic and parsley.
- In a bowl, mix softened vegan butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
3. Pizza Assembly:
Now, let’s assemble our pizza masterpiece, starting with the crispy flatbread base.
- Preheat your oven and prepare the flatbread or pizza crust according to package instructions.
- Spread the herbed vegan butter evenly over the crust.
- Arrange tomato slices, vegan mozzarella, and red onion slices on top.
- Bake until golden and bubbly, following the package instructions.
4. Caesar Salad Topping:
While the pizza bakes, prepare the refreshing Caesar salad topping.
- In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce, chick’n strips, and bac’n bits with the prepared Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
5. Final Touches:
Once the pizza is out of the oven, it’s time to bring everything together.
- Top the hot pizza with the prepared Caesar salad mixture.
- Sprinkle with vegan parmesan and lemony breadcrumbs for an extra burst of flavor.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy the tantalizing flavors of Vegan Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza!
Tips and FAQs
- Soak Cashews in Advance: To ensure smooth blending, soak the cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes before making the Caesar dressing.
- Adjust Consistency: When making the Caesar dressing, gradually add water until you achieve your desired consistency. This allows you to customize the thickness of the dressing to your preference.
- Pre-cook Vegan Chick’n: If using frozen vegan chick’n strips, cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the Caesar salad topping.
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh ingredients, especially for the Caesar salad topping. Crisp romaine lettuce and ripe tomatoes will elevate the overall taste of the pizza.
Can I make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flatbread or pizza crust to make the recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I Make This Recipe Nut-Free?
Yes, you can substitute cashews with soaked sunflower seeds or silken tofu for a nut-free version of the Caesar dressing.
Can I Prepare the Components in Advance?
Yes, you can make the Caesar dressing, herbed butter, and even the Caesar salad topping in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place individual pizza slices on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Skillet: Reheat pizza slices in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
I hope you love this Caesar Salad Pizza as much as I do! If you try this dish and enjoy it, I wanna know! Snap a photo, take a video, or make a story and post it to Instagram or TikTok, and tag me at @eat_figs_not_pigsand #EatFigsNotPigs. I love seeing your recreations of my recipes!
Til next time, friends!
xo!
Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza (Vegan)
Ingredients
Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in boiling hot water for 15 minutes and drained
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons rinsed capers
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon fresh black pepper, plus more to taste
For the Herbed Butter:
- 2/3 cup vegan butter, softened
- 4 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon fresh black pepper, plus more to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made vegan-friendly flatbread or pizza crust
- Herbed vegan butter, recipe above
- 1 beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cup vegan mozzarella shreds
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 ounces vegan chick’n strips, cooked according to package directions and roughly chopped
For the Caesar Salad Topping:
- 4 cups washed and chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup vegan bac’n bits
- ½ cup caesar dressing
- 1 cup vegan shredded parmesan
- 1 cup lemony breadcrumbs, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- To make the dressing, place the cashews, garlic, lemon juice, mayo, parmesan, Dijon, capers, salt and pepper, and ¾ cup of water in a high-powered blend and pulse until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. If you want a thinner consistency, add more water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside.
- For the herbed butter, in a small bowl, mix softened vegan butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your pre-made flatbread or pizza crust.
- Place the flatbread or pizza crust on a baking sheet. Spread the herbed vegan butter evenly over the crust. Lay the slices of tomato in an even layer over the herbed butter. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the tomatoes. Last, add the red onions and chick’n pieces in an even layer.
- Place the flatbread in the preheated oven and bake according to the instructions on the package, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melting.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce, chick’n pieces and bac’n bits with vegan Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Once the flatbread is done baking, remove it from the oven. Top the hot flatbread with the prepared Caesar salad mixture. Sprinkle with the vegan parmesan cheese and croutons. Slice the flatbread pizza into desired portions and serve immediately. Enjoy!
