Timing tip: start by making coconut bacon first and then prep the croutons. Make the dressing and prepare the rest of the salad while the croutons bake.
Coconut bacon
- Preheat the oven to 375 and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the Tamari, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, and smoked paprika.
- Add the coconut flakes and mix well so they are thoroughly covered.
- Spread the coconut flakes on the baking tray and place them in the oven.
- Bake for 15 minutes, tossing the flakes a few times as they bake so they crisp on both sides. Be careful that they don't burn, they will crisp a bit more as they cool.
- Once they are baked, remove the coconut bacon and spread them on a plate to cool.
Oil-free croutons
- Preheat the oven to 4000 F (2000 C).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- Cube the bread and place them in a bowl, preferably with a lid.
- In a small bowl, combine the 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tsp. Tamari or soy sauce, 2 Tbsp. vegetable broth, 1 tsp. thyme, 1 tsp. oregano, 1 tsp. garlic powder and ½ tsp. smoked paprika.
- Be sure all the ingredients are well mixed and then add them to the bread cubes. Immediately toss the cubes or even better, if you have a lid, seal the bowl and shake so the bread cubes are covered.
- Spread the bread cubes on the line baking tray and bake the croutons for 20 minutes until they are hard and crispy. Toss the cubes a few times so they brown on all sides.
- Remove the croutons and allow them to cool.
- Note: you can start the croutons baking along with the coconut bacon – the croutons will just take a bit longer.
Almond Caesar dressing
- Use a spice grinder to break ¼ cup to grind the almonds into a fine powder.
- In a blender, combine at almonds, 1/2 cup plant milk, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and rice vinegar. Blend until smooth. Add more plant milk if you want a thinner consistency.
- Transfer the blended dressing to a small bowl and fold in the pepper and capers.
Assemble the salad
- To assemble the salad, add the lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, coconut bacon, and croutons.
- Mix in the salad dressing or serve the dressing on the side.