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Tahini Caesar Salad

A creamy vegan tahini twist on the classic Caesar salad!
Prep Time20 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Californian
Servings: 4
Author: Daniela Gerson

Ingredients

Salad

  • 2 heads lettuce, such as Little Gem or baby romaine separated into leaves
  • 2-3 radishes any variety, thinly sliced on a mandolin
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Tahini Caesar Dressing

  • ½ cup tahini
  • ½ cup of ice water more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
  • 2-3 garlic cloves chopped
  • ¼ cup of olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Walnuts & Breadcrumbs

  • 1 cup raw walnuts coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup of olive oil
  • 6 anchovy filets omit to make vegan
  • 1 garlic cloves finely minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  • To make the tahini Caesar dressing: combine the tahini, ice water, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard and chopped garlic in the bowl of a food processor. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth emulsion forms. Whisk in additional water until desired consistency is reached. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • To make the Walnuts & Breadcrumbs: heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the anchovies and stir, slightly smashing them with the back of wooden spoon or spatula, until they’ve dissolved. Add the breadcrumbs and walnuts; season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are starting to turn golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add lemon zest and garlic and toss until mixture is very fragrant and a deep golden brown, another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Breadcrumbs can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
  • To assemble the salad, transfer lettuce to a serving platter or bowl, Drizzle with the tahini Caesar dressing and season with salt and pepper. Using your hands, toss gently until leaves are evenly coated. Top with thinly sliced radishes and anchovy garlic walnuts and breadcrumbs. Serve with additional dressing alongside for more drizzling.

Notes

  • The dressing will thicken in the fridge. To thin it out, simply add water until desired consistency is reached.
  • For maximum salad crispiness, use a sturdier lettuce and toss the dressing gently with your hands immediately before serving.
  • Store leftover salad dressing an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.  
Did you make this recipe? Please share and tag @DanielaGerson! I'd love to see how you're making roasted carrot waves in the kitchen!