Anti-Inflammatory/Easy Egg-free Caesar Salad (Paleo, AIP, Keto, Whole30, Gluten-free)

anti inflammatory caesar salad on white plate

Anti-Inflammatory/Easy Egg-free Caesar Salad (Paleo, AIP, Keto, Whole30, Gluten-free)

Anti-Inflammatory Easy Egg-free Caesar Salad is a lovely, simple romaine salad with a flavorful homemade Caesar Dressing. This crispy comfort food salad contains no mayo, no eggs and has two dairy-free versions. Perfect for Paleo, AIP, Whole30, Keto, GAPS, Anti-Inflammatory and Gluten-free diets.

And, this salad includes the recipe for the best Croutons you'll ever eat -- sooo delicious, but almost no work.

Course DInner, lunch, Main Course, Salad, salad dressing

Cuisine American, French

Keyword aip, anti-inflammatory, Caesar, gaps diet, gluten-free, keto, paleo, salad, salad dressing, whole30

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 232kcal

Author Megan

Cost $5

Equipment

salad bowl
small mixing bowl
baking sheet

Ingredients

1 large head romaine lettuce or a bit more if you're feeding more people or want extra big portions; there is extra dressing that won't be used; discard any outer leaves that are damaged, extra dark or too leafy (crisp hearts of romaine are best for Caesar salad)

Easy AMAZING Homemade Croutons

4 slices bread (or more slices if they are small) one that fits your diet: see Notes section for links and options for AIP, Keto and more; I personally use a good sourdough bread.
about 3 Tablespoons coconut oil or preferred solid fat, such as: bacon fat (not as good for Anti-Inflammatory diet but very delicious), butter, ghee etc, whatever works best for your diet
sea salt to taste
garlic powder to taste

Caesar Dressing

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup coconut milk (for AIP), pine nuts (for 2nd dairy-free option) or sour cream (for Ancestral, Keto, GAPS or anyone who eats dairy), depending on your diet
2 Tablespoons lemon juice fresh
2 teaspoons fish sauce Red Boat brand
1 clove garlic crushed
1/2 teaspoon sea salt or Potassium Lite Salt; use more, to taste, for a bigger salad with more Romaine.
Optional ingredients (not for AIP) include: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, black pepper, to taste and for dairy, grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

Instructions

Croutons

Preheat oven to 325℉.
Generously spread fat of choice on both sides and cut edges of bread slices. Place on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt and garlic powder, to taste.
Bake 20 minutes.
Remove from oven, and chop into crouton size and shape squares.

Romaine Lettuce

While Croutons bake: Wash and chop lettuce. Most importantly, dry it well, by either rolling it up in a dry towel or using a salad spinner.

Caesar Dressing

If using the pine nut option: Place pine nuts in spice grinder or mini food processor. Pulverize until powdered and then turning into butter. Add half the olive oil, and process again until you have a very smooth and creamy pine nut butter.
For all three versions: In small bowl or Pyrex, combine: olive oil, [coconut milk, pine nut butter or sour cream], fresh lemon juice, fish sauce, garlic and sea salt.
Whisk together well.

Assembly

Place lettuce in salad bowl. Add desired amount of dressing. Toss well. Serve salads, then top with croutons.
Optional: For main dish, top with chicken or salmon.

Notes

The following nutritional data is for the Keto version of the recipe.

Bread options for making croutons on various diets:

Nutrition