Crunchy Caesar Slaw with Croutons & Smokey Tofu Bacon

This Crunchy Caesar Slaw is a bold, refreshing twist on the classic Caesar salad, with a base of shredded Brussels sprouts and red cabbage for a heartier texture. It’s topped with homemade almond flour croutons, smoky tofu bacon, and a rich, garlicky Caesar dressing that’s completely dairy-free and packed with umami flavour.

The combination of crunch, creaminess, and smoky-salty goodness makes this a next-level salad that’s perfect as a main or a side!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & flavourful – Crunchy croutons, crispy tofu bacon, and a creamy dressing.
Dairy-free & low-carb – A perfect Caesar-style salad without the heavy ingredients.
High in fibre & nutrients – Brussels sprouts and red cabbage add gut-friendly benefits.
Meal-prep friendly – The croutons and bacon can be made ahead of time!

Crunchy Caesar Slaw with Croutons & Smokey Tofu Bacon

This Crunchy Caesar Slaw with Croutons & Smoky Tofu Bacon is a next-level salad that’s creamy, crunchy, and full of bold flavors. Perfect as a main dish or a side, it’s a low-carb, nutrient-packed alternative to the classic Caesar salad!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 16 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients

  

Almond Flour Croutons

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup almond milk or other milk of choice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp mixed dried herbs

Smokey Tofu Bacon

• 1 block firm tofu crumbled
• 2 tbsp tamari
• 1 tbsp sugar free maple syrup or regular if preferred
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Slaw Base

• 1/4 red cabbage finely shredded
• 1 cup finely shredded brussel sprouts
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Dairy Free Caesar Dressing

• 1/2 cup good oil mayo
• 2 tsp caper berries or capers, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Make the Croutons

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a bowl, mix almond flour, flaxseed, almond milk, olive oil, garlic powder, and dried herbs until a dough forms.
• Roll into small bite-sized pieces and spread onto a lined baking tray.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
• Let cool to firm up.

Make the Smokey Tofu Bacon

• Preheat the air fryer or oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Toss crumbled tofu with tamari, maple syrup, vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and black pepper. Allow to marinate al least 15 minutes.
• Air-fry for 12-15 minutes OR oven bake or 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until crispy.

Prepare the Dressing

• In a jar or bowl, whisk together mayo, capers, garlic, Dijon, Worcestershire, and olive oil.
• Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Assemble the Slaw

• In a large bowl, toss together shredded red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and parsley.
• Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss well.

Garnish & Serve

• Top the slaw with crunchy croutons and crispy tofu bacon.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Keyword almond flour croutons, dairy-free Caesar salad, gluten-free croutons, healthy, vegan Caesar dressing