If you love Caesar salad but want something a little cleaner, creamier, and dairy-free, you’re going to love this version. I made this dish for Meatless Monday, and while shrimp makes it not completely meatless, it was too delicious not to share!

This recipe puts a fresh, nourishing twist on the classic Caesar. Instead of traditional dairy-based dressing, I used my homemade paleo Caesar dressing (previously shared on the blog!) and swapped regular yogurt for cashew milk yogurt to keep things creamy, tangy, and totally dairy-free.

The result?
A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad with the perfect mix of crunch, freshness, protein, and cozy roasted goodness from kabocha squash.

Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Caesar Salad

• Dairy-free & paleo-friendly without sacrificing creaminess
• Packed with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants
• Perfect for Meatless Monday, meal prep, or a light dinner
• Crunchy, colorful, comforting, and fresh all at the same time
• Uses clean ingredients and whole foods

Ingredients That Make This Salad Extra Special

Cashew Milk Yogurt Caesar Dressing

Cashew yogurt gives the dressing a silky, creamy texture. It blends beautifully with garlic, lemon, anchovy (optional), and spices to create the perfect dairy-free Caesar.

Wild-Caught Shrimp

Juicy, protein-rich, and naturally sweet — shrimp pairs perfectly with the crisp lettuce and roasted squash.

Roasted Kabocha Squash

Adds warmth, natural sweetness, and extra nutrients.

Know Foods Paleo Croutons

The best crunchy topping without grains, gluten, or additives.

Fresh Veggie Mix

• Romaine lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Fresh parsley

This mix gives you fiber, hydration, antioxidants, and loads of texture.

⭐ Dairy-Free Paleo Caesar Salad with Shrimp

(Recipe Card)

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup roasted kabocha squash (about ½ squash)
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• Handful fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup wild-caught shrimp, cooked or sautéed
• ½ cup Know Foods paleo croutons

For the Dairy-Free Caesar Dressing

(Use your previously posted recipe or the version below)

• ½ cup cashew milk yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1–2 cloves garlic, grated
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp coconut aminos
• 1–2 anchovy fillets (optional for true Caesar flavor)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the Kabocha Squash
   • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Slice squash into wedges, remove seeds, and roast for 20–25 minutes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
   • Sauté shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
   • Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Make the Dressing
   • In a small bowl, whisk cashew yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, coconut aminos, and optional anchovy.
   • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad
   • Add lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley to a bowl.
   • Top with roasted kabocha squash and shrimp.
   • Drizzle generously with dressing.
   • Finish with paleo croutons for crunch.
5. Serve Immediately
   • Enjoy while the squash is warm and the veggies are crisp.

Tips & Variations

• Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or chickpeas.
• Use coconut yogurt instead of cashew yogurt.
• Add avocado for healthy fats.
• Make it fully vegan by skipping anchovy and using roasted chickpeas.

Why This Salad Works for Clean Eating

This paleo Caesar is dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free—but still packed with flavor. It’s a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, making it perfect for anyone following a clean eating lifestyle.