Description

A vibrant and creamy Avocado Caesar Salad featuring crispy pita breadcrumbs, a zesty lemon tahini dressing, and a delightful mix of fresh greens, garbanzo beans, radishes, and sweet dates. This easy-to-make salad offers a unique twist on classic Caesar flavors with a nutritious and flavorful combination perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

For Crispy Pita Bread Crumbs

1 pita bread, roughly torn
¼ cup walnuts (or almonds)
1 tsp olive oil

For Lemon Tahini Caesar Dressing

¼ cup tahini (well stirred)
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup parmesan, grated (or pecorino)
1½ Tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic
1-2 tsp anchovy paste (capers will also work)
4 Tbsp water (more if needed to thin the dressing)
½ tsp salt & pepper

For Caesar Salad

1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
8 cups green leaf lettuce, chopped
1 medium avocado, cubed
4 radishes, thinly sliced
4-5 pitted dates, diced
Extra parmesan for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare breadcrumbs: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper to prepare for baking the pita crumbs.
Process pita and nuts: In a food processor, combine the torn pita bread, walnuts (or almonds), and 1 tsp olive oil. Pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs that are slightly clumped together.
Bake the crumbs: Spread the processed pita mixture evenly over the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until the crumbs are crispy and lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Make the dressing: In the same or a small food processor, add tahini, olive oil, grated parmesan, lemon juice, water, garlic, anchovy paste, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Adjust dressing consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 more tablespoons of water to thin it out. If too thin, add 1-2 additional tablespoons of tahini to thicken.
Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped green leaf lettuce, drained garbanzo beans, cubed avocado, thinly sliced radishes, diced dates, and half of the crispy pita breadcrumbs.
Add dressing and mix: Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
Garnish and serve: Top the salad with the remaining pita breadcrumbs, additional dressing if desired, and garnish with extra parmesan cheese for added flavor before serving.

Notes

Walnuts can be substituted with almonds for the pita breadcrumbs.
Anchovy paste can be replaced with capers for a vegetarian-friendly option.
The dressing thickness can be easily adjusted with water or tahini to suit your taste.
Dates add a subtle sweetness balancing the savory flavors.
Parmesan can be swapped with pecorino cheese if preferred.
Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the crispiness of the pita crumbs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean