Crispy Tofu Caesar Salad Wrap

ingredients

For the Tofu Strips

• 1 block extra-firm tofu, frozen, thawed, and pressed for best texture
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• Avocado oil spray, for cooking

For the Healthy Caesar Dressing

• 1 cup shelled hemp hearts, or ½ cup soaked cashews + ½ cup hemp hearts
• ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp capers
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup water, plus more for a thinner consistency

For the Wrap

• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1–2 tbsp capers, whole or chopped
• ¼ cup crunchy roasted chickpeas
• 1 whole grain or gluten-free wrap/tortilla

instructions

1. Start by preparing the tofu. Slice the pressed tofu into strips.
2. Set up two bowls for coating. In one bowl, mix the nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, add the unsweetened almond milk.
3. Dip each tofu strip into the almond milk, letting any excess drip off, then coat it in the dry breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks.
4. Place the coated tofu strips on a lined tray or in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with avocado oil.
5. Air fry for 10–15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp on the outside.
6. While the tofu cooks, make the Caesar dressing. Add the hemp hearts, nutritional yeast, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, capers, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and water to a high-speed blender.
7. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with more lemon for tang, salt for flavor, or water for a thinner consistency.
8. Warm the wrap or tortilla slightly so it is easier to fold.
9. In a bowl, add the chopped romaine, a few spoonfuls of Caesar dressing, capers, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and crispy tofu. Toss gently until everything is coated.
10. Spoon the mixture into the wrap. Fold in the sides, roll tightly, slice in half, and serve straight away.

notes

• The Caesar dressing will likely make more than you need for one wrap. Store the extra in the fridge and use it on salads, bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a dip.
• Freezing, thawing, and pressing tofu gives it a chewier, more satisfying texture, but pressed tofu will still work if you skip the freezing step.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free wrap.
• For a nut-free version, use the full hemp heart option instead of the cashew blend.
• Warm the wrap before rolling so it bends easily and is less likely to tear.
• This wrap is best assembled right before eating so the tofu and roasted chickpeas stay crunchy.
• Dietary note — Gluten-Free: if using a gluten-free wrap and gluten-free breadcrumbs | Nut-Free: if using hemp hearts instead of the cashew option