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Close-up of a crunchy Caesar slaw topped with crispy croutons and smoky tofu bacon, drizzled with a creamy dairy-free dressing.

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
Cook Time 16 minutes
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