This salad was originally developed by an Italian immigrant, Caesar Cardini but it can be found in restaurants in Italy because of its popularity with tourists. Our version is healthier than the traditional version and we think the flavours are quite authentic. Taste this one blindfolded against the “other” Caesar salad and be the judge. It can also be poured over grilled cauliflower for a nice tangy topping. – Flavour with Benefits: Sicily & Calabria, Cathy Connally and Charley Best, Collesano Publishing
Yield: 4 servings, 36 oz salad and 1¼ cup (354 ml) salad dressing
Flavours: The salty, sweet, spicy and tangy notes balance against the fresh lettuce and the crunch of the cheesy crostini. Benefits: Zero cholesterol, non-dairy, 75% lower in sodium and half of the calories of a traditional version, while adding potassium, calcium and vitamins K and folate along with key antioxidants.
Blend all ingredients in food processor and adjust additional ingredients to taste. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavour.
This will make 10+ servings. It will keep for a few weeks in the refrigerator.
Crostini
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a medium mixing bowl, mix almond butter, tamari, pressed garlic and nutritional yeast and ¼ cup (59 ml) water and mix until they form a slurry. Place the cubed bread into the bowl and cover all the bread with the almond butter mixture. Place cubed bread onto a parchment paper covered roasting pan so that they are not touching. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crisp. Set aside to cool.
Salad
Add all ingredients into a large salad bowl and dress with ½ cup (118 ml) dressing. Add pink pepper, Walnut “cheese”, crostini and plant-based “cheese” for garnish. Serve chilled.
Notes
Note: ½ cup cashews in boiling water for 30 minutes, discard water and blend in food processor until smooth.